CWS Identified Internships

Project Description:

 

Directorio Legislativo was created as an independent project in 1999 and currently functions as a Foundation.  The organization works to strengthen the institutional role of the Congress, legislature, and Parliament.  The Foundation’s mission is to ensure that the legislative powers in Argentina reflect society’s needs.  For this reason, they concentrate their efforts in promoting initiatives that defend public interest.

 

Directorio Legislativo believes that during the last few years many members of congress have undertaken many creative programs searching for better social and political outcomes for Argentina. The Foundation hopes to encourage more of these experiences through their work.

Among Directorio Legislativo’s unique projects is the “Premio a la Innovación Legislativa” (Legislative Innovation Award).  It is awarded every year to a member of the Argentinian congress to support innovative practices that resolve social, institutional, cultural, or economic problems in the country.  The recommendations of the legislator must be put into practice during their term in office.

 

 

Internship responsibilities:

 

The intern will work in one of the following projects:

 

1)       “Who are our legislators and how do they represent us?” This publication hopes to inform constituents about their representatives in government.  

2)      “Debates”. Organization (administrative and academic) that supports debate programs (both small and large scale) about politics in Argentina and about Congress in general.

3)      “Reports”. The monthly reports include several topics related to Congress and the Legislative branch. (See webpage www.directoriolegislativo.org) These reports are sent to all contacts on a monthly basis.

4)      “Meetings”. The intern will meet with members of congress to discuss topics related to issues of general public interest.

5)      “Communication”

 

 

INTERNSHIP SCHEDULE

Stage 1: The intern will spend some time to meet and know all of the program directors to the areas mentioned above, and their tasks.

Stage 2: The intern is assigned one or two of those programs and an agreement will be signed in relation to her interest and her expertise – a “job description”. This way, both sides count on the same information in terms of the objectives of the internship.  Since Directorio Legislativo is a small and hands on organization, this description will have a small percentage of administrative tasks that will also have to be performed as part of the internship.

 

Stage 3: the intern will complete her tasks with the help of the area directors and program coordinators and in close cooperation and contact with any other interns in the office.

 

FINAL PRODUCT DESIRED

 

“Who are our legislators and how do they represent us?”: update our webpage information, crosscheck facts and data for our publications, contact members of congress through letters, calls or visits.

 

“Debates”. Assist or direct in the creation of at least one debate.

 

“Reports”. Create a report and its distribution.

 

“Meetings”. Organize three meetings with members of congress.

 

“Communication”. Create a written plan on communication strategies.

 

EVALUATION

The intern will be successful based on the common objectives agreed upon during the first days of the intenrship.

 

 

SUGGESTIONS OF MATERIALS FOR INTERNSHIP PREPARATION

It is important that the intern read three short publications prior to beginning the internship. They are available at www.directoriolegislativo.org/publicaciones.php  and are as follows:

1) El Poder Legislativo;

2) Formación y Sanción de Leyes, y

3) Acceso a la Información en el Poder Legislativo

 

 

 

Internship requirements:

Language: Good knowledge of  spoken Spanish—most legislators do not speak English. Intern should also bring her own computer for research.

 

Ideal Internship Qualification:

Logistical: Good knowledge of Spoken Spanish Sophomore or Juniors Knowledge of Latin American politics recommended. Interest in government.

Personality: Capable of working in a changing and unorganized environment (as is the political environment) Able to meet her own deadline to reach objectives. Knows how to prioritize Team player- prefers to work as a team Proactive; charismatic Able to effectively communicate with high-level members of government.