Where Policy meets Passion and Purpose: Intern team reflects on summer in DC This summer, the National Grange hosted three interns in partnership with The Washington Center, a program that provides college students with an opportunity to spend a semester or summer in Washington, D.C. While in the nation’s capital, students engage in internships, attend night classes, participate in professional development days, and hear from distinguished guest speakers. The summer interns were: • Annie Johnson – senior agriculture major at Buena Vista University • Chloe Schmitz – senior political science major at the University of Cincinnati • Lily Thomas – senior political science major at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania Each intern contributed to a wide array of projects, including writing op-eds, researching policies supported by the Grange, creating a Rural Health Report (see page 33), and creating social media content. Additionally, they participated in the DC Ag Intern Network, attending various events, networking lunches, and panel discussions that exposed them to diverse perspectives from across the agricultural and rural policy community.
National Grange President Christine Hamp poses with the summer interns in front of the National Grange building in July. L-R - Lily Thomas, President Hamp, Annie Johnson, Chloe Schmitz.
20
L
Annie’s Perspective
During my time at the National Grange, I focused my research on the migrant workforce within agriculture and explored potential developments in the upcoming Farm Bill. This role allowed me to attend both Senate and House Agriculture Committee hearings, speak with congressional and committee staffers, and gain firsthand insight into the legislative process. I also had the opportunity to network with other agriculture interns and professionals during industry events. Outside of work, I enjoyed exploring Washington, D.C. with friends, discovering new parts of the city, reading, and spending time outdoors. My favorite part of interning with National Grange was knowing that my work contributed to supporting rural communities on a national scale. And of course, one of the best parts of being in D.C. was sharing the experience with great friends and making lifelong memories.
Chloe’s Perspective
During my time with the National Grange, I worked on a multitude of projects. My biggest projects included initiating a social media campaign with the goal of reaching younger and new audiences, focusing on a comprehensive rural health report, and publishing an opinion piece on climate change in rural America for Grange Today!. The Grange presented us with a lot of invaluable experiences outside the office as well. I attended a multitude of congressional hearings, met with various Grange partners, attended lunches with other agriculture interns in DC, and much more. I loved my time getting to see the ins and outs of our government, as well as an inside look at the non-profit and grassroots fields. One of the most unique aspects of being enrolled in the Washington Center Chloe took some time to see the was the opportunity sights in DC during her time outside to live in Washington, of the office.
GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org
