Hey ITASA,
I just wanted to take this time to talk about the TACL Summer Political Internship Program. I was lucky enough to participate in this program last year, and it has significantly contributed to my development both as an individual and as a leader.
In a nutshell, the program is 9 weeks long, with internship positions available in LA, SF, and DC. I want to emphasize that it is NOT necessary to be interested in pursuing a career in the political arena, for the program is designed to expose Asian Americans to the political system and legislative process, and more importantly to develop leaders with strong identities.
The program begins with a weekend retreat that is jam-packed with leadership and identity workshops, such as public speaking, effective team-management, and what exactly constitutes the Taiwanese American identity. This retreat ends with workshops preparing you for the professional working environment, ranging from what to wear to office etiquette. Furthermore, the retreat is the beginning to the development of life-long friendships with other interns in your internship class. Also, there is definitely time to just hang out and chill with other interns. Personally, I have made wonderful friends across the nation, and I still keep in touch with them today.
Every step of the internship journey, there will always be resources for you to help you excel at your offices. You are paired with a professional mentor (who has already gone through the program). They check-in every so often, and are resources you should utilize. Furthermore, there are numerous fun arranged weekend events with other organizations, such as the Taiwanese American Professionals (TAP). This is perhaps the most convincing reason as to why you should apply to this program. It is a great way to network with the Taiwanese American community, which is arguably the best network I have ever encountered. By participating in this program, I can say that I know dozens of Taiwanese Americans across the nation, each willing to devote time to help me achieve my goals.
During the whole internship process, you will be working on a big lobbying project with groups of other interns (you are able to choose which bills you want to lobby for/against). This culminates into a trip to Sacramento, where you meet your elected representatives and present detailed information as to why they should or shouldn’t vote for a bill.
Lastly, all ITASA National Board members should consider applying to this program. ITASA holds the right to assign 2 political interns, each competing for the ITASA-TACL liaison position. As ITASA-TACL liaison, you will serve on both ITASA and TACL National Board, and you will communicate between both organizations. This position has helped me further develop my leadership skills, for I am constantly working with older and more experienced Taiwanese American leaders.
If you have any further questions regarding the internship program itself, or the ITASA-TACL position, you can reach me at 949-533-5647, or bchen@u.northwestern.edu. I hope consider applying to this wonderful opportunity. Apply here: https://docs.google.com/
Deadlines:
DC — Feb 19
LA — March 18
SF — March 18
Questions? Contact Internship Director at
Cheers and good luck,
Brian
