TWU Internship Program
America’s Fighting Democratic Union
TWU International is excited to announce that we are relaunching an updated internship program. This will be an opportunity for actively involved members to gain valuable training and insight into the Union’s political and legislative work. It is our hope that this program will, over the years to come, develop a skilled set of union activists who can better support political work both within their local and on behalf of the larger union. We invite all TWU Local presidents to identify qualified candidates and to apply for these positions no later than Friday, October 20, 2023.
Interns will work at the International headquarters in Washington, DC for four weeks (specific dates to be determined). During this time, the International will cover the costs of lodging, per diem, and lost time. Interns will work in the Government Affairs and COPE department, but their duties may, at times, include supporting the Communications and Research & Analysis departments, as well as the Division Directors and the IAC, as assigned. Competitive candidates will be active COPE supporters, engaged politically on the local and state level, possess strong communication skills (both written and oral), and have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel).
While working for the International, Interns will be trained to advocate on behalf of our members before high-level decision makers, including Members of Congress and administration officials. As those who participated in the previous internship program can attest, one of the greatest benefits of serving as a TWU International intern is the opportunity to meet many of the lawmakers that have a hand in making decisions in our government, as well as seeing firsthand how we effectively make policy changes in Washington, DC.
Applicants can apply HERE no later than Friday, October 20, 2023 for positions starting in 2024. All applicants must include a letter of recommendation from their local president to be eligible for this position (and a local president wishing to apply must include a letter of recommendation from another local president). No application will be considered for 2024 after this deadline. Please contact Heather Laverty (hlaverty@twu.org) with any questions about the reinvented TWU internship program.
FAQs
What is the updated TWU Internship Program?
The TWU internship is a 4-week program designed to give participants an inside view of how the TWU operates on a day-to-day basis. Interns will live and work in Washington, DC as part of the Government Affairs and COPE Department, as well as support the other offices at TWU headquarters. Interns will receive training and participate in high-level discussions on TWU policy, government advocacy, and internal communications.
What is the purpose/goal of the Internship Program?
The purpose of the Internship Program is to:
- Expose TWU activists to the behind-the-scenes day-to-day work of the International
- Identify and train local TWU activists
- Empower locals with additional support for their campaigns (both internal and external)
- Raise awareness of the legislative and political process at the federal, state and local level
What costs are covered and what costs are not covered?
TWU International will provide lodging for all interns near the headquarters in Washington, DC. The International will also provide interns with a per diem and lost time from their normal jobs.
Who can apply to be a TWU International Intern?
Any TWU member in good standing and must contribute to COPE. Candidates must include a letter of recommendation from their local president to be eligible. Local presidents who wish to participate must also have a letter of recommendation from another TWU Local president.
What skills are required prior to starting the internship?
Competitive candidates will have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel). Candidates must be outgoing and able to connect with new people in crowded spaces and one-on-one meetings. Candidates must be able to travel to and stay in Washington, DC for the duration of their program.
When will the program start?
The TWU International Internship Program will have three start dates in 2024 (all of them to be determined). Once candidates are selected, the International will work with them to identify the best start date from among the options.
How many interns will be selected?
For 2024, we are expecting to select a total of 6 interns with at least one from each Division.
Where can I get more information?
Please contact Heather Laverty (hlaverty@twu.org) in TWU’s Government Affairs Department with any additional questions.
Where/When can I apply?
The 2024 application process is open now and closes on Friday, October 20, 2023. Apply HERE.
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