Democracy Summer: How to Apply
Thank you for your interest in Democracy Summer!
We usually start accepting applications for Democracy Summer in November and the final day to apply is typically in early March. We will post an application for Democracy Summer 2011 here as soon as the application period ends. To apply, you would need to email your completed application, cover letter and resume to democracysummer@democracy-nc.org. Or mail your completed application packet to:
Democracy Summer Program
1821 Green Street
Durham, NC 27705-4114
Please note that only complete applications will be reviewed. Please be sure your submitted application packet includes 1) all pages of the application form; 2) a cover letter; and 3) your resume.
Key Dates
November: First day you can apply.
Early March: Final day to apply.
Mid-March: Phone interviews conducted. You will be notified in advance if you are selected for a phone interview.
Late March: Second round interviews conducted in Durham, NC. You will be notified in advance if you are selected for a second round interview. During this interview, you will meet various members of the Democracy North Carolina staff and be given an assignment that tests your communications skills.
End of March: Offers extended.
Last Week of May: Mandatory 3-day training session. This session is held at a retreat near our Durham headquarters and includes basic instruction in a wide variety of topics covering our issues, goals, mission, activities, organizing, communications and advocacy activities.
June through July: Democracy Summer takes place.
Who Should Apply
Democracy Summer is ideal for students considering careers in public service, politics, a non-profit field or community-based work. However, we have hired interns from all areas of academic study in the past. All students currently enrolled in an NC college or university are eligible to apply.
Qualifications
The ideal applicant will have:
- A commitment to 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.
Applicants should also be motivated, willing and able to work independently on the projects assigned to them.
Women and people of color are encouraged to apply.
Download a Dem Summer brochure here.
In the Tradition of Freedom Summer
Democracy Summer is modeled on the tradition of Freedom Summer of 1964, when students spread across the Deep South to register African Americans to vote. Just as with Freedom Summer, Democracy Summer interns are devoting their time away from school to making the political system fair for everyone – this time to reduce the influence of special interests on government policies and build a state government that is truly for the people and by the people.
Useful Links
- Visit our Accomplishments section and see what past classes have achieved.
- Check out the Testimonials from prior summer interns.
- You can Support Dem Summer by sponsoring an intern or activity.
- Visit our 2009 Dem Summer blog at Tales from the Frontline.
- Learn more about Democracy North Carolina and what our mission is.