Democracy Summer is an innovative internship program that exposes young leaders to new ideas and political movements, teaching them how to organize people around a shared vision for a better democracy in our state. The program also equips young people with lifelong skills that they can use to work for positive social change in their communities.

 

Program Overview

Every summer, Democracy NC hires rising sophomores, juniors and seniors from NC colleges and universities to work as paid student organizers for nine weeks under the guidance of an experienced Democracy NC organizer. In 2012, we will hire 8 students to work in teams of 2 in Charlotte, Fayetteville, Greenville or Winston-Salem.

Student organizers work full-time (40 + hours per week) from late May to late July and earn a stipend of $2,500 for the summer. This is a full-time job, so students who have to do summer classes or have other, part-time work cannot realistically complete the program.  

Democracy Summer starts with a mandatory 3-day training retreat. Then, student organizers work in their host city, organizing for social change. They interact with civic leaders and veteran activists, meet elected officials, experience working with the media and gain an insider’s view of the political climate, legislative process and power structure in North Carolina.  

 

Who Can Apply

Democracy Summer is ideal for students interested in a career in public service, politics, a non-profit field or community-based work. All rising sophomores, juniors and seniors enrolled in NC colleges and universities are eligible to apply. Because student organizers are responsible for covering their own housing, most participants apply to work in cities were they have family or other living arrangements available.

The ideal applicant will have:

• A passion for social and economic justice
• An ability to communicate with diverse groups of people
• An interest in and general understanding of politics
• Strong public speaking skills
• An ability to work independently and as part of a team

 

Students must be able to participate in the entire summer program to be eligible.