Location: Washington D.C (remote)
Organization Type: Political Action Committee – Nonprofit
Policy Area: Reproductive Healthcare
This spring I had the opportunity to intern with EMILYs List, the “nation’s largest resource for women in politics,” an organization that strives to help elect female pro-choice Democratic candidates up and down the ballot. I worked in the research department and was mostly tasked with vetting candidates for possible EMILYs List endorsement. I conducted research investigating public statements, voting records and bill sponsorships, campaign finance reports, news appearances, organizational endorsements, and more, looking for information related to the topics of: choice, women’s issues, LGBTQ issues, labor, and gun violence prevention. Additionally, I completed a four week campaign training program, in which I learned aspects of communications and fundraising roles on campaigns, as well as learned skills in public speaking, research methods, campaign organization, and more. Through this internship I gained important exposure and knowledge around policy issues related to reproductive rights, especially the right to choose and maintain body autonomy. Additionally, I gained very positive experience in campaign and candidate research and communications to present my findings. EMILYs List’s mission is to strengthen democracy by increasing public awareness of women’s values, beliefs, and behaviors with regard to critical issues facing our nation, such as reproductive care access. In order to increase equity, safety, and democracy, women must be given a voice in government to fight for the issues that directly affect them. In order to have true access to healthcare and the right to our own bodies, women must have body autonomy and be involved in policies surrounding women’s lives. Through donations and investors, EMILYs List is able to help foster candidates and campaigns that will fight for progressive change in government and create a more equal and free democracy.