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The Communications intern works, in conjunction with the Communications Department Staff, on outreach to national, state and minority broadcast and print media. This often includes rapid responses to breaking news. The Communications intern will have the opportunity to work on a variety of different projects. Potential projects may include:

• Compiling daily media clips;
• Assisting with logistics for press conferences;
• Pitching story ideas to print, radio and TV reporters at the national and local levels;
• Supporting Families USA’s story bank project; and
• Building or expanding media databases.

Interns at Families USA are considered part of the staff and attend weekly staff meetings and internal team meetings to discuss Families USA's advocacy strategy and new initiatives to ensure health care access to all U.S. residents. In addition, Families USA encourages interns to take part in the active political community of Washington, D.C., by attending hearings on Capitol Hill, press conferences at the National Press Club, and policy forums at other major organizations and think tanks such as the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Center for American Progress.

Interns are also expected to participate in “brown bag” discussions of advocacy work and political issues.

Qualifications: A passion for progressive causes and an interest in politics are a must.
Strong oral and written communication skills are essential. The intern must also be highly organized and must be able to pay close attention to detail.

Interns are paid ($8.25 per hour) and interns work 30-40 hours per week.

To apply for Families USA’s Communications Internship Program, please send a cover letter, current resume (listing applicable work and educational experiences), 3-5 page writing sample, and the names and contact information 3 references (two of the references must be non-academic) to: Director, Internship and Fellowship Program, Families USA Foundation, 1201 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20005. Fax: 202-347-2417. internship@familiesusa.org. For further information, call 202-628-3030 and ask for Melissa Rosenblatt.