6 minute read
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.
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 was the opportunity to live in Washington, D.C. While gaining invaluable professional experience, I spent a lot of time exploring the Capitol, going sightseeing, and exploring the hidden beauties of the city. Living right in the city presented me with the opportunity to explore all over DC. From getting to wander and see all of the amazing monuments, exploring the museums, getting tours of the Capitol building, to getting involved with the community with farmers’ markets and flea markets, and going to sporting events. Having the opportunity to explore my interests in government and get to live in a new city proved to be a life-changing summer, and one that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Lily’s Perspective
During my internship at the National Grange, I worked on a wide array of topics and issues, including an op-ed on rural cancer care for the Grange Today! newsletter. Although I did not have extensive prior experience in communications, I learned how to publish and curate a TikTok series to reach and engage the youth in Grange advocacy. One of my favorite—and more comprehensive—projects was developing a complex health report that covered a wide array of topics facing rural communities.
When I wasn’t working in the office, I attended hearings for the Grange and gained a firsthand look at how our system worked. I loved my time viewing the House Agriculture hearings and the DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) hearings. Attending the Ag Network intern lunches was always an excellent opportunity to enjoy good food and learn about other companies and groups in the Agricultural space.
One of the best parts of Washington was the amount of exploring I did! My favorite exhibits I visited were the Smithsonian American History Museum and the People's House. Being a Political Science major, I have a fascination with American history. I was lucky enough to score a White House tour at the conclusion of my internship. D.C. has a plethora of farmers' markets and flea markets, which I loved exploring on weekends. I went to a Nationals game with my friends and the congressional baseball game, which were great experiences. Overall, D.C. was a big change from rural Pennsylvania, but I loved my time here and cannot wait to come back!
Overall, we loved our internship at the National Grange and our time in our nation's capital. All of us come from different areas of the country and have diverse experiences with agricultural issues, but we share a passion for helping rural America thrive. We look forward to our next year of school, but will deeply miss our friends we have made in the big city! This internship has opened new doors for all of us. It has connected us with not just other internships, but people working in the field that we aspire to be in. This has been an invaluable experience that we will never forget.
The National Grange offers interns a front-row seat to the intersection of policy, advocacy, and rural issues. Interns engage directly with Grange partners and Congressional offices to explore and advance solutions for rural America. And perhaps most importantly, you don’t need a background in agriculture to make an impact here. All perspectives are welcome and needed to move the conversation forward.
If you're passionate about public service, policy, or supporting rural communities, we strongly encourage you to consider interning with the Grange. You’ll leave with more than just experience—you’ll leave with purpose.
