The Arc Minnesota is a non-profit, grassroots advocacy organization serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Intellectual and developmental disabilities include Down syndrome, autism, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy and related conditions. The Arc helps people address issues such as early intervention, education, transition to adulthood, employment, housing, health care, guardianship, transportation, supports available to families/caregivers and on policy issues at local, state and national levels.
The Arc Minnesota’s Legislative Advocacy Intern will support the public policy program staff – including Public Policy Director, Senior Advocate(s), and others as needed at the Minnesota State Capitol – to advance components of the annual work plan in the areas of legislative advocacy, self-advocacy, civic engagement, and public policy communications/education. Specific duties may include:
- Build and maintain relationships with key members of the Minnesota legislature and staff; coordinate and attend in-district events, coordinate and attend meetings at the Capitol, etc
- Educate lawmakers about The Arc Minnesota’s mission, legislative agenda, and general public policy priorities
- Attend relevant committee hearings, news conferences, and other disability advocacy meetings/events
- Learn about and help track legislation in Health & Human Services, special education, and other areas as applicable
- Testify in committee hearings regarding The Arc Minnesota’s legislative priorities
- Gather issue-specific personal stories from The Arc Minnesota’s stakeholders that could be disseminated throughout legislative session
- Help organize Disability Day at the Capitol and/or Tuesday at the Capitol
- Assist in organizing home visits and listening sessions with elected officials statewide; attend visits as schedule permits
- Support supervisor and members of The Arc Minnesota Communications team to develop and update engaging content for Public Policy Updates, social media (The Arc Minnesota Facebook & Twitter pages, Disability Policy Networking page), and general public policy website
- Submit written recap of internship experience with The Arc Minnesota and key takeaways
- Other duties as requested
Professional Development Benefits:
- Includes a $1000 stipend payable in December and May or utilization of work study if eligible
- Develop relationships with The Arc Minnesota staff, stakeholders, and lawmakers
- Gain knowledge of public policies relevant to the disability community
- Build experience with the legislative process
- Advocate on behalf of and alongside members of Minnesota’s disability community
- Engage elected officials representing various levels of government
- Deepen interpersonal and external communications skills
- Increase utilization of various technology and communications platforms (email, social media, etc.)
Qualifications:
- Must have transportation to and from the Minnesota State Capitol Complex
- Strong interpersonal relationship skills
- Basic computer skills
- Works well with and respects people of all cultures and abilities
- Reliable, flexible, detail-oriented and open to constructive feedback
- Awareness of issues impacting Minnesotans with disabilities preferred; personal experience preferred
- Experience in self-advocacy committee and/or Partners in Policymaking preferred
Time Commitment: This is a specific legislative advocacy position September 2019 – May 2020. Must be available to intern 10-14 hours per week. Hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm with occasional evenings and weekends as needed. An exit interview will be conducted to gauge intern experience and to make recommendations for improvement. Includes a $1000 stipend payable in December 2019 and May 2020 or the utilization of work-study if eligible.
