News & Announcements
Get the latest information on student opportunities, student and faculty accomplishments and general department news and announcements.
Paid summer internships with the California Small Business Development Centers
Commencement 2012
Dear Department of Politics graduates, family, and friends,
You are cordially invited to attend a reception in your honor following the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 12, 2012. Join Department of Politics faculty and staff in the Founders Hall Courtyard immediately following the ceremony for conversation and refreshments.
We hope to see you there!
Faculty and staff
Department of Politics
Junior selected for fellowship in Germany
Hawaiian political science major Ninamarie Jeffrey already aspired to be a world citizen and human rights activist when she learned of Humboldt State’s Graduation Pledge to social and environmental responsibility. Now the Hilo junior is combining the two.
She is headed for Europe in July, while busily meeting the pledge’s commitments until then with her campus activism.
Jeffrey has just been selected for the prestigious Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) for Young Professionals. The fellowship to Germany serves young people drawn from the U.S. business, engineering, technical, agricultural and other sectors. It prepares students for varied careers in the global arena.
The bilateral program is funded jointly by the U.S. Department of State and the Bundestag, Germany’s legislature. Jeffrey is one of only 75 U.S. young adult recruits who will receive full funding for a one-year cultural exchange to study, work and live in Germany. She will spend six months at a German university and then take up a five-month paid internship related to her interests and field of study. Her studies will include intensive German language training.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for Ninamarie to gain hands-on experience complementing her academic studies,” said Department of Politics Chair Noah Zerbe. “She is a bright student with an absolutely infectious personality. I am sure she will be an outstanding ambassador for HSU.”
Fascinated by foreign languages and inspired by a love of people, Jeffrey hopes to live in at least three countries and Germany is her start. Bent on mastering at least two languages in the bargain, she is studying both German and Spanish at HSU.
“I want to be multilingual, tied to my interests in world cultures and political science,” she says. “Eventually I want to work in international relations of some kind. I have considered environmental law or global trade policy, but altogether I want to focus on human rights.”
Jeffrey’s political science research projects and her on-campus service learning and volunteer activities fuse her career goals with Humboldt State’s internationally-recognized Graduation Pledge, adopted by numerous schools at home and abroad. Her research papers amply reflect her global horizons. She has written about feminist reform in Rwanda, political tragedy and future promise in Ghana and the endangered Palila bird on the island of Hawai’i. Currently she is examining the impact of racial experience on political participation in the U.S.
As for activism, the HSU junior has twice been a summer restoration intern in Hawai’i. She went to work out-planting endangered tree species, administering predator control, restoring old-growth forests and trails and studying the competing political interests in Hawaiian forest conservation management.
On campus, Jeffrey is an Environmental Justice Coordinator with the Women’s Resource Center and liaison with the MultiCultural Center. Her labors have centered on domestic and sexual violence awareness, Brazil’s controversial Belo Monte Hydroelectric Dam complex on the Xingu River, the effects of uranium mining on Native American tribal sovereignty and the impact of global trade practices on global communities.
As a Residence Hall Coordinator in fall semester 2010 to fall semester 2011, Jeffrey administered educational programing on social and environmental justice issues. She also mentored and advised 50-65 undergraduate students in two distinct residence hall communities.
Last March, she participated in a three-day environmental public interest law conference in Eugene, Ore. Last summer she pursued an independent international exchange at La Muela, Vejer, Spain. In December she signed up as a sales associate at the HSU Bookstore.
In addition to Germany and Spain, her past travels have taken her to Italy and she has a double minor in German Studies and Ethnic Studies.
Jeffrey first visited Germany on a family trip when she was 15 and the experience spurred her desire to be “a citizen of the world.” A second trip there sealed her interest in global affairs and other cultures.
Originally she chose her major in political science on a whim, but has since been guided through her studies by her captivation with multiple peoples and their struggles to throw off oppression. Hence her burgeoning interest in working for international human rights.
“I love interacting with people; there is so much to learn from the connections made with others and I feel that growth almost every time I interact with someone. It excites me!” the Hawaiian native says. “It’s that feeling that has inspired my studies at HSU and my urge to make connections with people all over the world.”
The Fund for the Public Interest
The Fund for the Public Interest is a national non-profit organization that works to build support for progressive organizations across the country. We run campaigns for the Human Rights Campaign, USPIRG, and Environment America. This summer we will be in over 50 cities, working and lobbying to help win environmental and social justice campaigns.
Last summer our staff helped ban off-shore drilling to protect our coasts, repeal Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, and increase food safety standards to make school lunches safer- all while building valuable leadership skills.
Currently, we have paid positions open on our campaign staff in each of our locations. We require that interested candidates are hard workers and have excellent communication skills.
As a member of our staff, you will fundraise, build membership for our partner groups, and educate and activate citizens on pressing issues. You will also have the opportunity to organize press conferences and build coalitions with other non-profit organizations. While on staff, you gain knowledge of pressing concerns our country is facing, learn how to effectively generate public support, and obtain a firm understanding of the political process.
We will be holding information sessions and interviews at Humboldt State April 2nd, 3rd and 4th at 10am, 2pm, 4pm and 6pm each day. All sessions will be held in Nelson Hall West Room 323. To apply, please visit http://www.jobsforgoodcauses.org or call 800-75-EARTH (753-2784).
Greenpeace Semester
Students,
I want to pass along some information about an experiential environmental program called the Greenpeace Semester. The Greenpeace Semester is a great opportunity for you to receive training and hands-on experience in environmental advocacy, campaigning, and grassroots organizing with one of the largest global environmental organizations – and applications are being accepted for summer and fall 2012!
During the Greenpeace Semester, you will learn about pressing environmental issues, solutions, and how you can make a lasting impact. Students learn skills including effective communication about environmental issues, working with the media, how to start a group on campus or in your community, the philosophy of non-violent direct action, and how to organize successful events that build people power and win victories for the planet. The Greenpeace Semester prepares students to become environmental leaders and truly be the change they wish to see in the world.
Whether you are newly interested in the sustainability and activism or are already involved on your campus, the Greenpeace Semester is a great way to learn how you can have a greater impact and advocate for the issues you are passionate about.
The Greenpeace Semester has only a few spaces left in the summer and fall 2012 programs and class sizes are limited. Apply today to be the change!
Check out the application here.
For the planet,
Shalyn Pugh
Recruitment Coordinator
Greenpeace Semester
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Scholarships:
In addition to providing the best environmental leadership training for college students, the Greenpeace Semester is committed to making the program accessible for students with financial need and extraordinary drive to be organizers and advocates on their home campuses. We are excited to announce two new scholarships this year: the Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship and the Quit Coal Scholarship. While the Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship is open to students from across the country, the Quit Coal scholarship is limited to students going to school in the states listed above.
Thank you for support of the Greenpeace Semester. Please feel free to contact Shalyn Pugh, Recruitment Coordinator, with any feedback or questions you may have at 415-255-9194 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Long-term & summer job opportunities
Campaign Director Position with Fair Share Alliance
Fair Share Alliance is a citizen-based non-profit advocacy organization that works to provide every American with a fair shot at a good job, a secure future and a strong voice in our democracy.
We’re facing a huge jobs crisis in this country. While too many Americans are struggling to find work, big corporations like Exxon Mobil are receiving billions in government subsidies. The good news is that we can create jobs rebuilding America’s roads and bridges, and expanding clean energy. Big companies like Exxon will spend millions lobbying to stop us, but with elections coming up, grassroots support can make the difference.
We are NOW HIRING for offices around the country. We’re looking for people who work hard, communicate well, and are committed to positive social change. As a Campaign Director, you’ll be part of building a Fair Share Alliance organization in your community and raising the profile of our issues to make a real impact in the lives of your friends, family and neighbors. To learn more details on particular responsibilities we encourage you to fill out our interest form so we can reach out to you directly with more information. You can also email me back directly at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for more information.
Fair Share Alliance is opening offices in 30 states across the country—it is also possible to apply and interview in California for a position in a different state office. Please use the links above, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), or call 484-558-0385 with questions or to get started in the process!
Fair Share Alliance Campaign Director Job Description:
FIGHT FOR A FAIR ECONOMY
As a Campaign Director, you’ll be a part of building a Fair Share Alliance organization in your community and raising the profile of our issues to make a real impact in the lives of your friends, family and neighbors. Campaign Directors are responsible for building the grassroots movement to help everyday people have access to the American Dream. Specifically, you’ll run a local campaign office to conduct grassroots fundraising, build membership for Fair Share Alliance and support for our issues, turnout voters for the elections and keep the heat on the 1% in the media.
RESPONSIBILITIES
You’ll work on a team with other directors to run a successful campaign office. Each Director will be responsible for:
Staff Management
• Recruit and manage a 10-25 staff members to sign on thousands of members in your area to support our work and our issue campaigns.
• Train staff on effective canvassing and grassroots campaign skills.
• Develop new leaders and the next generation of political activists.
Grassroots fundraising and membership building
• Lead the effort to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars and recruit thousands of members for the organization locally. Specifically, meet or exceed your office’s goals for fundraising and membership.
• Canvass three or more days a week to raise money, identify supporters, sign up members and train staff.
• Manage all day-to-day administrative tasks related to fundraising, building membership, campaign and election work and general office management.
Issue Campaigns and Election Field Work
• Work with local coalitions of like-minded organizations, elected leaders and businesses.
• Run media events to raise the profile of our issues.
• Organize grassroots lobbying events and in-district meetings with elected officials.
• Work with the Fair Share Alliance political team to devise a local strategy for reaching out to base and swing voters.
• Recruit volunteers and staff to talk face-to-face with thousands of voters.
• Target and turn out our supporters to vote.
TRAINING
Training is designed to give the skills and confidence needed to tackle the challenges of building a movement. In classrooms and in the field, you’ll work with experienced staff to learn all the skills of campaign directing, including recruitment, leadership development, staff management, public speaking, media, fundraising, canvassing, and administrative management.
QUALIFICATIONS
We’re looking for smart leaders ready to launch a project in their state. Passion for the issues, strong work ethic, ability to work on a team and follow direction are a must.
OFFICES
We have offices in AZ, CA, CO, FL, IA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NE, NH, NM, NV, OH, OR, PA, TX, VA, and WI.
SALARY/BENEFITS
Campaign directors will make $23,750 in their first year and $24,250 in their second year. Benefits include college loan assistance, two weeks paid vacation, paid holidays and paid sick days. Campaign Directors are also eligible to opt into one of our state health coverage plans. Salary and benefits differ in CA and MA. We are looking for candidates for a one-year commitment, but we are open to applicants who are only available in the summer.
HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume and short cover letter to Emily Heffling at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). You can also contact Emily for more information, (231) 675-3123.
David Kalb Award 2012
A $1,000 first-place award and a minimum $250 second-place award are available to politics majors and/or any student who has demonstrated personal commitment and leadership by taking an active role in student government. This award was established by David Kalb, an alumnus of Humboldt State University. He was a political science major and served as president of the Associated Students. The deadline for applications is Friday, April 6, 2012. To apply for this award, please submit a letter of interest, a resume, and one letter of recommendation to:
David Kalb Award Committee
Department of Politics
Founders Hall 180
Humboldt State University
Arcata, CA 95521
A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required. If you know of students who meet the above criteria, please call this announcement to their attention.
Social Change Job Opportunities for Seniors
Stand Up to Powerful Interests, Start Your Non-Profit Career
We’re looking for smart, socially conscious students who work well in a team and are eager to make a real impact on some of the most critical issues facing our society.
The Fund for the Public Interest (aka “the Fund”) helps some of the top progressive organizations in the country work on issues like clean energy, equal rights, and pushing our country in a new direction. And we’re hiring!
Specifically, we’re hiring Citizen Outreach Directors to run our grassroots campaign offices across the country next fall — working on behalf of groups like the US PIRG, Environment America, and the Human Rights Campaign.
We are looking for smart, motivated students who want to lead the way in working for the change our country needs.
If you are interested in applying, visit our website at http://www.fundjobs.org, or contact me directly by phone or e-mail at (916) 444-5891, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
I’m looking forward to speaking with you more about our positions and our work.
Brandon McNulty
Citizen Outreach Director
Fund for the Public Interest-Sacramento
Stacey Lawson for Congress Internship Program
Intro:
Local political campaigns are an invaluable opportunity to get real life experience that will build essential skills for anyone who wants to go into politics, public policy, marketing and many other fields. Interns will be trained in electoral and grassroots organizing, policy, fundraising, media, outreach, etc.
Stacey Lawson is endorsed by the Women’s Campaign Fund, the Vice-Chair of the California Democratic Party and many elected officials. In California’s new 2nd District, where job creation is the very highest priority and the electorate is famously independent, Stacey Lawson’s campaign for Congress is gaining momentum so quickly because she offers exactly the right set of skills and life experiences this diverse district needs during these difficult economic times. Stacey is standing up for the shrinking middle class and fighting to re-open the doors of American opportunity for everyone because she lived it ¬— growing up in a blue-collar town, earning an education and then launching a series of innovative small businesses.
Successful interns will receive letters of recommendation from the campaign.
There are also volunteer opportunities for applicants who cannot commit at this level.
Interviews will take place next week. We will give you specifics after you write to the email address below.
Purpose:
This internship is designed to provide meaningful educational opportunities for undergraduate and graduate level students with an interest in politics and political campaigns and community organizing. Interns will provide support to the full-time staff through participation in a wide array of daily operations.
Requirements: Interns are required to dedicate 10-20 hours a week.
Intern Activity:
Interns will work alongside the full-time staff. Interns may be involved in the following: constituent service issues, fundraising, campaign/policy research, voter outreach/registration, door-to-door canvassing, phone banking, creation of solicitation materials, data basing, get-out-the-vote activities and other campaign related tasks. Interns may also provide staff support at various campaign-related functions.
Intern Responsibilities: All interns shall adhere to the following work guidelines – Exhibit a willingness to learn and perform all assigned duties and assist campaign staff in various professional occupations -Interns shall NOT be late for work and shall not leave early without permission -Interns shall NOT report to work under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other substances -Interns shall be courteous and respectful and display professionalism at all times
Application:
Please apply by sending a statement of interest, along with a current resume and a list of references.
Submissions may be sent to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). If you have any questions, please call Sofia Pereira, Field Coordinator, at 707-499-1055.
The Panetta Intern Program
Open to all majors. Tuition, travel, living
expenses and stipend PAID by Panetta Institute.