Democracy Summer is an innovative internship program that exposes young leaders to new ideas and new movements, teaching them how to organize people around a shared vision for a better democracy in our state.

 

The program also equips young people with lifelong organizing skills that they can use to continue working for positive social change in their communities.

 

 

Program Overview

Each year, ten rising sophomores, juniors and seniors from NC colleges and universities are selected to work as paid student organizers for nine weeks under the guidance of experienced Democracy NC organizers. (That's our 2009 class above left.)

During the summer of 2010, our student interns will work in teams of two in Charlotte, Fayetteville, Durham, Greenville and Winston-Salem. Student organizers are expected to work full-time (40 + hours per week) for 9 weeks from late May to late July and earn a stipend of $2,300 for the summer. Stipends are paid twice per month.

 

Training & Curriculum

The program begins with a 3-day training retreat, allowing summer organizers to meet their teammates as well as the Democracy NC staff. Student organizers learn about voting rights, election law and money in politics; gain an overview of North Carolina’s political culture and the vital role of youth in the civil rights and other social movements; practice the basics of community organizing and political activism; learn interpersonal and professional skills critical to community organizing; and role play to practice what they have learned.

 

After this intensive orientation, Democracy Summer student organizers are placed in their host city, where they undergo what is often described as “a life-changing experience.” Though supervised by a staff member, they have plenty of room to experiment with social-change tactics and their new organizing skills. They are also exposed to civic leaders, veteran activists, elected officials, media cynics and all the other players in NC’s political landscape – giving them an insider’s view of the political climate, legislative process and power structure at work. Most of all, they learn shoe-leather organizing, respect for street smarts and the meaning of justice for all.

 

Much of their time is spent promoting policies that give voters ownership over elections and engage citizens in civic activities. Student organizers are trained as advocates for many campaign reforms and voting rights in North Carolina, such as publicly financed elections and Same-Day Registration. In addition, they encourage civic participation in their local communities by registering new voters, educating citizens about the political process and teaching citizens techniques for building permanent change through grassroots organizing. Student organizers may:

 

• Engage in public speaking presentations in front of a range of audiences;
• Conduct media outreach, including TV and radio interviews;
• Meet with leaders, such as local and state elected officials;
• Organize meetings with local civic and community leaders.
• Participate in other activities, including many they have originated themselves.

 

Who Can Apply

Democracy Summer gives participants hands-on experience organizing and motivating diverse groups of people – making it ideal for students intending to pursue a career in public service, politics, a non-profit field or community-based work. It is also a great experience for students exploring all of their career possibilities who want to know what it's like to work on the frontline of community organizing. All rising sophomores, juniors and seniors enrolled in NC colleges and universities are eligible to apply. Because student organizers are responsible for paying for their own lodging out of their Democracy Summer stipend, most participants apply to work in cities were they have family or other living arrangements available.

 

For program deadlines and key dates plus more information, visit our How to Apply section.

Download a Dem Summer brochure here.