Internship Location: Remote
Organization Type: Nonprofit
Policy Areas: Disability Policy, Federal Policy, State Policy, Grassroots Communication, Health Equity
Throughout my internship at Autism Speaks, I learned the many ways policy is impacted through strong relationships built at the grassroots level, oftentimes with its collaboration landing its course in the nation’s capital. Learning efficient methods in garnering such relationships was as rewarding as it was essential – using advocacy to amplify the voices with the most at stake. The skills at La Follette helped me dial my work into the spaces that benefited from it most. Structured written analysis, data migration, and constituent collaboration highlighted a remotely-working Madison summer. What surprised me the most during my internship was the number of workforce sectors our nonprofit worked with on a daily basis. Working in advocacy, managing partnerships with a growing number of organizations was a constant performance, but one that is crucial for the necessary progress in varying fields. I would recommend this internship because it has exposed me to the large, exciting spaces of State and Federal Policy. As a former intern at a rural county health department last year, pivoting to federal initiatives was a strong leap. This internship allowed me to be in the rooms that discussed the biggest policy issues our country faces, which was as valuable of an experience anyone can get! This internship has reinforced my passion in creating inclusive, empowering spaces for all persons, which is a message I hope I’ve resonated throughout my past three years (one more soon!) on UW’s campus. With a desire to shape a career in the large landscape that is “policy” – this internship has boosted draft stock for a career in advocacy. I’m confident that my La Follette education would make an impact on day one.