Originally published on the CGS blog on August 1, 2014.
As one of the youngest interns in Citizens for Global Solutions’ long and proud history, I would be lying if I told you I wasn’t nervous when I walked in the door on my first day. And while it was true that I have had a deep interest in politics since I was child, I was unsure of whether I had made the right decision by choosing to intern at CGS over the ACLU, one of the largest and most well-respected non-profits in the world.
But after eight weeks at CGS, I can tell you that I definitely made the right choice.
Brought on in early June to work as a Campaigns and Communications Research Associate, I quickly gained valuable insights into the issues that CGS is passionate about, like bettering human rights around the globe and supporting international cooperation to combat climate change. I learned that the US is surprisingly not a signatory to some of the world’s most universally-accepted treaties, including those that support women’s rights and protect our oceans.
I was quickly given a wide range of responsibilities as an intern, including writing a weekly blog post on issues that CGS values and generating content for our thousands of followers to read on Facebook, Twitter, and Buzzfeed. I was given the opportunity to write a campaign letter about the importance of America’s ratification of treaties that help protect our seas, which was posted on CGS’ websitefor thousands of people to submit to their Representatives. I was even given a leading role in helping to prepare for CGS’ annual conference, scheduling lobby visits on Capitol Hill with Congressmen and their staffers.
At CGS, I’ve also been given the opportunity to follow my interests and advocate for what I believed in. I was able to attend a House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee hearing on reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan, a Brookings Institute event on UN Peacekeeping, and a US Institute of Peace roundtable on the prospects of a US-Iran nuclear deal. I witnessed Senator Barbara Boxer lead a Foreign Affairs Subcommittee hearing on the importance ofwomen’s rights and the passage of CEDAW, and was given the opportunity to personally lobby Representatives Michael Michaud and Chris Van Hollen.
I’ve also been able to participate in a phenomenal work environment here at CGS, working side by side with some of the most knowledgeable and thoughtful people I have ever met. Indeed, it seems that everyone at CGS is incredibly patient and kind, willing to help you in whatever way they can to ensure you churn out the best work possible.
I want to especially thank Don Kraus, our CEO who recently stepped down after more than two decades of service to CGS, for graciously offering me an internship experience that I will never forget, as well as Tony Fleming, CGS’ Campaigns Manager, who has been not only a great supervisor but also a terrific friend and resource.
And so as my internship comes to an end, I can sincerely say that I will never forget the great experiences and amazing friends I have made at CGS, and will always remember what it truly means to be a global citizen.
