Paul Marchand Internship in Disability Public Policy

Paul Marchand Internship in Disability Public Policy

 The Arc is the nation's leading advocacy organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families.  The Arc’s national public policy team works to advance the interests of people with I/DD and their families on the federal level through our legislative, regulatory, and legal advocacy.  Our more than 600 state and local chapters provide a voice at the local and state legislative levels for people with I/DD and their families.

 

For 38 years, Paul Marchand was a dedicated disability policy advocate and recognized leader working on behalf of people with I/DD and the entire disability community.  Upon his retirement in 2011, The Arc and other organizations and individuals with whom Paul worked during his decades in Washington, established an internship to honor Paul and to continue to cultivate policy advocates for people with I/DD.

 

Internship Summary

The Paul Marchand Internship Fund will provide up to $6,000 per semester or summer session which can assist interns pursuing careers in public policy advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Students who seek an internship for college or graduate school credit may be able to use the funds to offset travel, remote work expenses, or other cost-of-living expenses.  Students pursuing degrees in public policy, law, disability studies, social work or public administration would be good candidates for this internship.  People with disabilities, or people with family members with disabilities, are encouraged to apply.

 

Desired Qualifications

• Interest in and/or experience with disability policy issues
• Knowledge of government programs, such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid
• Strong organizational and writing skills
• Familiarity with the political and government system
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Graduate student, including law students; recent post-graduate, and/or self-advocate 

 

Internship Responsibilities

• Assist with policy advocacy related to Social Security, Medicaid, Civil Rights, and protecting key federal programs for people with I/DD
• Conduct legal research and legislative and policy analysis
• Write advocacy materials such as coalition letters, fact sheets, and issue briefs
• Attend hearings, briefings, training events, and coalition meetings
• Complete special projects as determined by policy staff

 

Details

• Through the Paul Marchand Internship Fund, interns will receive a stipend
• For students receiving credit from schools which do not allow students to receive payment, The Arc will work with the student and the school to determine whether an equivalent stipend can be provided for transportation, remote work expenses, and other work-related expenses
• The Paul Marchand Internship is also available to pay matching share for students with work study grant who are seeking an off-campus placement
• Internships will generally be for the duration of one academic semester or summer term
• Most 2022 internships will be remote due to the COVID-19 pandemic

 

Application Process

Applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and writing sample.  The cover letter should be no more than 1 page and address why the applicant wants this internship, and the knowledge, skills, and experience the applicant would bring to the organization. The writing sample should be a minimum of 5 pages and provide an example of the applicant’s research, analysis, and writing skills. 

 

Applications are due:              

To guarantee consideration, applications will be accepted beginning on and must be submitted by:

January 15 to February 15 for the Summer term

May 15 to June 15 for the Fall term                                

October 15 to November 15 for the Spring term

Hiring is usually completely within 3 weeks of the closing deadline. 

 

Applications are accepted online only: https://thearc.recruiterbox.com/

                                                                                                 

Selection Process: Public Policy staff will make the selection on the basis of the submitted materials and virtual interviews

 

For More Information:  Contact Bethany Lilly, lilly@thearc.org

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Last updated on Aug 27, 2022