2004 Rockridge Institute Summer Internship Program

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I love the Rock Ridge Institute. Remember the shift from saying "pro-abortion" to "pro-choice"? Well, they didn't invent that. However, they do that kind of "language framing" on important issues that are in the news today. They've just started, and already they're having some excellent successes. They are the future of how progressive issues are framed.

2004 Rockridge Institute Summer Internship Program:

Public Discourse and Progressive Social Change

Application Deadline: May 7, 2004 (postmark date)

DESCRIPTION

The Strategic Framing Project of The Rockridge Institute is seeking
applicants for its Summer 2004 Internship Program. Interns at The
Rockridge Institute will participate fully in the work of the Strategic
Framing Project: studying ways that specific issues are framed and
talked about in public discourse; researching, analyzing, and preparing
reports on the arguments and language used by participants in the public
debate; and aiding in the preparation of web-based and other materials
for public dissemination. Interns will also take part in the
intellectual life of the Institute, and will have opportunities for
direct interaction with our Senior Fellows.

By using the insights of the social and cognitive sciences, The
Rockridge Institute seeks to reframe public discourse from a progressive
moral perspective. We reconceptualize progressive social change in
terms of fundamental American values and find ways of communicating
these ideas that resonate with the American public. More information is
available at http://www.rockridgeinstitute.org/.

As a Rockridge Strategic Framing Project intern, you will have a unique
opportunity to work with eminent cognitive and social scientists to
tackle difficult questions that lie at the intersection of policy and
language. Through hard work and careful research, you will make a
tangible and timely contribution to progressive goals.

In this pilot year of our internship program, we are unable to provide
stipends to interns. Applicants should have an independent source of
income that will support them in the Bay Area. Expected time commitment
is 10-20 hours a week, though we will also consider applications for
full-time internship positions. The program will run from late May to
late August. We can accommodate minor schedule adjustments. Please note
any scheduling issues in your cover letter (see below).

WHO SHOULD APPLY

The Rockridge Institute’s 2004 Summer Internships with the Strategic
Framing Project are especially appropriate for graduate students or
advanced undergraduates working in the social sciences or other areas
requiring a focus on strong research and clear writing. Applicants
should be bright and highly motivated scholars with strong academic
records. However, non-student applicants may also be considered.

We ask that you visit our website and familiarize yourself with our work
before applying. Please do not apply unless you are committed to working
responsibly—both independently and with others—to advance the work of
the Institute.

ELIGIBILITY

This position requires the following: superior communication skills;
excellent analytical ability, writing ability, and library and Internet
research capabilities; and the ability to work well reliably and
responsibly both independently and as part of a team. Applicants from
any major or graduate program will be considered, but a demonstrated
interest in public policy, cognitive science, rhetoric, or political
communication is preferred. Undergraduates should have attained at
least junior/senior status in college by Summer 2004 (GPA of 3.3 or
higher on a 4.0 scale) and have a minimum combined 12 months of
work/volunteer experience (summer work may be included).
Non-students must have two years of work experience, at least one
requiring the regular use of analytical and writing skills.

Application Procedure (please complete all steps; incomplete
applications cannot be considered):

Print out and complete the application form, available online in PDF
format at
http://www.rockridgeinstitute.org/projects/strategic/jobs/internApp2004.pdf.
Submit it in an envelope along with the following:

1. A resume and a short statement or cover letter (2 pages maximum) that:
* describes your particular skills, education (including major), and
work/volunteer experience,
* outlines your goals and interests,
* explains why you want to be a Rockridge intern with the Strategic
Framing Project, and
* details what percentage of time you are available to be a Rockridge
intern this summer, and between what dates (i.e., starting and ending
dates).

2. A sample of your own research and writing (3 pages maximum; an
excerpt from a class paper is acceptable if it can reasonably be read on
its own).

3. Transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work to date
(unofficial transcripts are acceptable).

Note: The application includes fields for two academic or professional
references. You may be asked to provide letters of recommendation from
these references at a later point in the application process.

Applications must be submitted by postal mail to the address below. All
application materials must be submitted at the same time. We realize
that May 7 is a short deadline, and we will do our best to answer
questions to expedite applications.

MAILING ADDRESS FOR HARDCOPY APPLICATIONS

Internship Coordinator
The Rockridge Institute
3871 Piedmont Ave., Suite 35
Oakland, CA 94611

If you have questions, please contact jobs@rockridgeinstitute.org