Interns who work for the Summit County Democratic Party have an exciting opportunity to experience the day-to-day duties at the Democratic Party Headquarters as well as work on a variety of projects essential to the Party’s progress.
Interns will work to organize Party fundraisers and help with events hosted by local candidates. About a dozen local Democratic clubs also rely on the SCDP for assistance in assisting their clubs and interns play a key role in ensuring these clubs’ needs are met. In addition, interns have the chance to investigate issues within the county that the SCDP has taken interest in, and are given the option to network within the local Democratic community.
SCDP accepts interns year-round from high schools, colleges and universities, including The University of Akron. The University of Akron has a special fund that assists in the aid of internships, The Bliss Institute 's Ed Davis Fund. All other internships are unpaid, but the reward is insurmountable. Internship tracts include all-around, judicial-specific and business technology, but are only limited by our imagination!
Students with various educational focuses including, but not limited to, political science, history, communications, business technology, pre-law and English are encouraged to apply. Applicants must share Democratic values and have an interest in the success of the Democratic Party. Interested persons, send a resume to info@summitdems.org or call (330) 434-1311 to set up an interview today!
The Ed Davis Internship in Applied Politics
The Ed Davis Internship in Applied Politics was established in 1990 in honor of Edward J. Davis, a visionary leader in the local government, the Democratic Party, and the African American community. Mr. Davis was the first African American to be elected to Akron City Council, to serve as Council President and as Council Clerk. Mr. Davis’ long and successful career serves as an excellent model for effective engagement in public affairs. The goal of the Ed Davis internship is to provide University of Akron students opportunities to gain experience in grassroots politics, with a special focus on the Summit County Democratic Party. Preference is given to African American students.
Former Interns on Their Experience with SCDP
Ryan Ward, Intern, Summer 2010
"The Democratic Party offers a unique, educational, laid back and fun experience where you are certain to walk away with a whole new knowledge base and understanding of how Party politics operates. I learned a lot about how the political process works, and of course all of the back-end components of Party politics. For example, I saw, first hand, at our 11th Annual FDR Dinner (SCDP's largest fundraiser of the year) how the Party raises money and encourages solidarity and unity among all under the Democratic umbrella. I also learned many invaluable and functional skills including targeting via voter and financial databases, updating and increasing website functionality, growth in communication skills by encouraging people to attend fundraisers, walk in parades for candidates and persuading voters through canvassing and phone calls; yet, that's just the tip of the iceberg! The most exciting thing that I got to do was to sit in on a strategy meeting for the Ohio Democratic Party, with Chair Chris Redfern, Chair of the SCDP Wayne Jones, ODP Political Director Carri Twigg and other political notables."
Jazzmon Britton, Intern, Summer 2010
"I earned a job working on a campaign through the connections I made interning for this office. I also learned that asking for help doesn't mean you can't do it, it means tapping into the resources that have already done it. "
Gabby Colavecchio, Intern, Summer 2011
"What I learned from working with the Summit County Dems seems counterintuitive. Instead of the stereotypical concept of politics as cold and dishonest, I found that the Party is full of life and truly committed to serving the community. Whether it was answering the phone and directing people to where they can sign the petition for Senate Bill 5 or editing spreadsheets tracking community and Party involvement, I was simultaneously working for the good of the Party and helping individuals. What I will take from this experience is an optimistic view of the Democratic Party and its future involvement in shaping the community."
Claire Meneer, Intern, Spring 2012
"I recently spent a semester as a full-time general intern here, at the Summit County Democratic Party. My experience has been very valuable and resourceful. This office has helped me to better understand the inner workings of campaigns, elections, as well as local, state and federal politics. Working in such a relaxed, comfortable and small setting has allowed me to take on responsibilites much greater than just answering phones. I have learned so many tools including database management, event plannng and campaign management, all of which will help when looking for a full-time job. One of the best things I will take away from this internship experience is the relationships I have developed with many of th staff members that work out of this office! Thanks SCDP for giving me this great and exciting opportunity!"