Outreach and Engagement Intern
Immaculata
Experience Information
Employer: Common Cause
Job Title: As an Outreach and Engagement Intern with Michigan Common Cause, I play a key role in driving community involvement and supporting our election protection initiatives. My responsibilities include conducting phone banking and email outreach to engage and m
Major: Political Science
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Common Cause is a nonpartisan grassroots organization dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy, with a mission to ensure open, honest, and accountable government. As part of their efforts to protect voting rights, Common Cause co-leads the Election Protection Coalition, which plays a vital role in the "Protect the Vote 2024" initiative. This initiative is aimed at ensuring that every eligible voter can cast their ballot without obstruction, confusion, or intimidation. The coalitionýs election protection efforts involve deploying thousands of volunteers at polling places across the country to assist voters and monitor for any issues. Additionally, a team of legal experts is recruited to staff the 866-OUR-VOTE hotline, providing real-time assistance and guidance to voters. The coalition also monitors social media to identify and counter harmful election disinformation. These efforts are essential in defending voters against suppression tactics, outdated infrastructure, and other barriers. By informing voters of their rights, assisting election officials, and coordinating legal intervention when necessary, Common Cause and its partners are a crucial line of defense for democracy. The organizationýs structure is built on a network of state and national offices, with a team of staff members and volunteers working together to achieve its goals.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
In my role, I assisted Common Cause Michigan staff with grassroots mobilization and public messaging, focusing on engaging CCMI members in nonpartisan election protection activities and legislative advocacy. My tasks included tracking legislation in state government using tools like Plural to coordinate nonpartisan legislative policy advocacy and researching policy and grassroots actions in other states to inform CCMIýs strategy regarding recent changes in Michigan election law. I also contributed to the redesign of the CCMI website, wrote content on current events related to Michigan redistricting, and worked collaboratively with the team to coordinate these activities in a dynamic and rapidly changing environment.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
In my role at Common Cause Michigan, I significantly expanded my proficiency with Excel spreadsheets, enhancing my ability to manage, analyze, and organize data efficiently. I also developed stronger communication skills, learning to convey information clearly and persuasively, which was essential for engaging with CCMI members and crafting effective public messages. Furthermore, I gained a deeper understanding of the primary elections process, including the intricacies of election law and the strategies involved in grassroots mobilization and advocacy. This comprehensive experience enriched my knowledge of both technical skills and the broader electoral landscape.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of the internship was engaging directly with volunteers, which allowed me to understand their experiences and challenges at the polls. I found it incredibly rewarding to learn about the specific issues they encountered and the kinds of support they needed throughout their volunteering period. This direct interaction not only helped me address their immediate concerns but also provided valuable insights into how we can enhance our support systems. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to help transfer these dedicated volunteers into roles for the general elections. By maintaining ongoing communication and building strong relationships, we were able to keep them engaged and motivated beyond their initial involvement. This seamless transition ensured that we had a committed and experienced team ready for the general elections, thereby strengthening our overall volunteer base and enhancing our election protection efforts. This process demonstrated the importance of nurturing volunteer relationships and effectively utilizing their experiences to support future initiatives.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This experience has significantly influenced my future career goals by deepening my understanding of grassroots mobilization, public policy, and electoral processes. Engaging directly with volunteers and witnessing the impact of effective election protection efforts has inspired me to pursue a career focused on public service and advocacy. I am now more committed to working in roles that involve organizing community engagement, managing advocacy campaigns, and supporting democratic processes. The skills I developed, such as data management, strategic communication, and volunteer coordination, have solidified my desire to work in roles that leverage these abilities to drive meaningful change and support democratic integrity.
Internship Format
Remote/Virtual