POPVOX FOUNDATION, FIRST BRANCH INTERN PROJECT HOST SECOND “INTERNAPALOOZA”
Second collaborative intern orientation event, hosted in collaboration with the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress, welcomes more than 500 current and prospective interns to Congress
WASHINGTON, DC, January 21, 2021 — The POPVOX Foundation and the organizations of the First Branch Intern Project hosted the second “Internapalooza,” in collaboration with the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress (aka “ModCom”) on January 13-21st.
Over 500 current and prospective interns registered to attend virtual sessions designed to familiarize them with Congress and give them skills to succeed in their internship and beyond. Prospective interns also had the opportunity to take part in sessions with intern coordinators, and practice interview workshops. Currently-serving interns from over 130 House and Senate offices also had the chance to attend a private virtual Capitol Tour from the expert guides at the Capitol Visitors’ Center, and an interactive virtual networking reception hosted with the Partnership for Public Service.
The Internapalooza series was inspired by the April 2021 ModCom hearing on “Professionalizing and Enriching the Congressional Internship and Fellowship Experience,” which noted a lack of diversity and access to Congressional internships, the need for standardized training, and a lack of data to help Congress understand intern backgrounds, barriers, and experiences. Over 40 speakers at Internapalooza helped meet this challenge head on, providing training for current and prospective interns on topics ranging from how to use the new Quill e-signature platform, to how to communicate effectively with constituents and colleagues, to how to approach networking and career planning.
Keynote speakers included several Members of Congress who spoke about their own internship experiences, and how those experiences led them to eventually run for office. As Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress Chair Derek Kilmer [D, WA] said in remarks at the kickoff ceremony on January 14th,
“As the Chair and Vice Chair of the Modernization committee, William [Timmons] and I are working across the aisle to make sure young leaders like each of you have an equitable path to Congress, which is why we're so glad to welcome you to Internapalooza, which will help you make the most of your time in the People's House. As former Hill interns ourselves, we know just how important your work is to the offices you work with, and the communities that you serve. [These] next two days will help you lay the foundation that will support your success in the People's House. I think I speak for both of us in wishing the Internapalooza existed in our internship days.”
Rodney Davis, Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, also noted the service that interns provide to the First Branch:
“First off, thanks for not only being interested in our government, but for making the decision to intern with a member of Congress. [...] There's incredible programming over the next few days, and I really hope the information helps you hit the ground running. [...] Enjoy your time here. This is a wonderful opportunity, and this is a great institution.”
At the closing ceremony on January 21st, Representative Dean Phillips [D, MN] echoed this sentiment with perspectives from his own time as a Congressional intern for Senator Patrick Leahy [D, VT]:
“Not only does interning in Congress teach you valuable skills that you will surely use to succeed in any of your future endeavors, but it gives you a front row seat to our democracy at work. [...] You have the opportunity to bring fresh new ideas and perspectives that could one day change the policy environment, if not the entire country. And perhaps most importantly, when you finish your internship, you will surely have a deeper appreciation for the importance of public service to our country, and how each of you can lift up your communities.”
And Representative Chrissy Houlahan [D, PA], the first Freshman Member to win the Congressional Management Foundation’s Democracy Award for Transparency and Accountability, noted the parallels between an internship experience and starting as a new Member of Congress:
“Three years ago, this month, I was sworn in as a member of Congress and went through new member orientation, not so very different than what you're doing right now. We learned many things, including how to navigate the halls and tunnels of the Capitol Complex. Truth be told, I still find myself turned around from time to time, as recently as this afternoon, and needing directions. But I know that I can always ask for help, because we are part of a very special community here that you are now joining. And we're so very lucky to have you.”
POPVOX Foundation Co-founder Marci Harris explained that Internapalooza demonstrated the willingness of civil society organizations to work with Congress to address these problems.
“Initial data from the Spring 2022 class of Congressional interns shows that a Congressional internship is more attainable for a wider group of talented students than ever before. We are proud to partner with the other organizations of the First Branch Intern Project to make sure that this new class of interns has the best possible start to their Hill career.”
ABOUT INTERNAPALOOZA
Internapalooza is a free, virtual three-day event to help incoming interns start their semester off right with a level playing field and new friends from day one. The event provided interns with basic information about the legislative process and Capitol Hill, networking opportunities and tips on how to be a successful intern. It was hosted by the POPVOX Foundation and the organizations of the First Branch Intern Project, in collaboration with the House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress. The event was made possible by ongoing support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and Democracy Fund.
Internapalooza session videos are available at: https://www.internproject.org/internapalooza.
ABOUT THE POPVOX FOUNDATION
The POPVOX Foundation works “to inform and empower people and make government work better for everyone.” This includes reimagining the concept of “civic infrastructure,” and providing new ways for government to share information and engage the public, with an emphasis on diverse participation and rebuilding public trust.
ABOUT THE FIRST BRANCH INTERN PROJECT
https://www.internproject.org/
The First Branch Intern Project began as the “Virtual Intern Project” in April 2020, when several organizations began meeting regularly to discuss supporting Capitol Hill interns during the pandemic. The project has evolved into an ongoing collaboration to provide resources and networking opportunities for Congressional interns and to promote diversity among those applying for and attaining Congressional internships.
ABOUT THE HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON THE MODERNIZATION
https://modernizecongress.house.gov/
The Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress (“Select Committee”) was established by H.Res. 6 on January 4, 2019 and is tasked to investigate, study, make findings, hold public hearings, and develop recommendations to make Congress more effective, efficient, and transparent on behalf of the American people. The Select Committee is one of the only truly bipartisan committees in Congress, with an equal number of Republican and Democratic members.
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