Green Pages ||

Greentern
Musings from one of our spring interns
Commentary
By Alex Evans
GP-US Intern

In conjunction with a political science class at my high school, I took on an internship with the Green Party of the United States for my final semester. Twice a week I leave school early and come into the national headquarters in Washington, D.C.

I have taken on a few interesting projects during my time in the office. I used my graphic design experience to design the new Green Party membership cards we are sending out. I have been redesigning the party bumper sticker and worked on fliers for party activities such as the campaign school and events involving the party at Howard University.

My usual tasks at the office include preparing merchandise orders to go out, picking up and sending off mail, database entry and dropping off deposits at the bank.

Over the past few months I have experienced some cool things. When a representative of the fairly new Czech Republic Green Party came to visit, I got to sit in on a meeting with him. Every day at least a few, if not many, interesting things go on. It has been an incredible experience to be in on the action and see all the things the party is doing and the directions it goes in.

INTERN WITH THE FASTEST-GROWING PARTY IN THE U.S.

Are you a student with a passion for politics and social justice? Do you want an internship in Washington, D.C. where you'll do more than walk a senator's dog or take orders for lattés?

The Green Party of the United States is now accepting applications for college and high school interns at national headquarters. Interns assist with office operations, provide administrative support for campaigns, do research, and help with convention planning and fundraising events.

Applicants should be computer savvy; activist experience and/or Green Party membership preferred. Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply. These are unpaid positions, but many colleges offer credit for internships. To apply, e-mail your resumé and cover letter to Emily Citkowski at emily@gp.org.

In addition to what I do at the office, I have been able to take my work for the party into other aspects of my life. I run a promotion company in northern Virginia called Valhalla Booking. My company puts on several rock concerts a month with local, national and international acts. I've brought the Greens into it by distributing literature, buttons, Green Pages and Green Party Card applications at shows. The response has been very positive. It seems that a lot more area teens are interested in politics now, and more specifically, in Green issues.

From talking to classmates with other internships, I have found that mine has been the most interesting and rewarding. The majority of students in my program at school are interning on Capitol Hill with senators or congresspersons. Students are also interning for NORML, NOW, the Libertarian Party, the FAA, the Civil War Preservation Trust and Homeland Security. They often complain of the mundane nature of their work and that they are treated with little respect.

While I find what everyone else does interesting, I have to say I'm glad I chose to work for the Greens.