About DMI Fellows Our Work Library DMI Events DMI Blog Support DMI
DMI Internships

Seeking people with a passion for civil rights and social justice and an interest in policy research

Research Intern
Drum Major Institute for Public Policy

Fall 2007/Winter 2008

The Drum Major Institute for Public Policy seeks a Research Intern to help investigate a range of domestic public policy issues. Working under the Director of Research, the Research Intern will be an integral part of this non-partisan, non-profit organization. 

Originally called The Drum Major Foundation, DMI was founded by Harry Wachtel, lawyer and advisor to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the turbulent years of the civil rights movement.  DMI was relaunched in 1999 by New York attorney Bill Wachtel, Harry’s son, and Martin Luther King III. Today, DMI offers policymakers and the media an alternative to the conservative think tanks and policy institutes that currently dominate the landscape. We create much-needed opportunities for progressive thinkers to share their ideas for better governance. And we offer our assistance to legislators who wish to implement these ideas by providing insightful research and facilitating expert conversations with the goal of creating meaningful social change and just public policy.

We are seeking a Research Intern to assist with the following tasks:

  • Researching policy issues and legislation, preparing memos based on this research
  • Writing original posts for the DMI Blog
  • Assisting with research and writing for DMI’s annual Year in Review (see our 2006 report)
  • Occasional office/clerical tasks

Candidates must have demonstrated commitment to the mission of DMI. Current/past involvement with progressive activism is a plus. Interns must possess excellent writing, research and organizational skills as well as experience with Internet research and Lexis-Nexis. As DMI focuses exclusively on U.S. domestic policy, our organization is not a good fit for interns primarily interested in foreign policy or international development.

DMI will provide interns with a stipend of $10 per hour and provide a meaningful opportunity to develop skills and ideas in a collegial, small-office environment. Length of internship can vary, we require a commitment of at least 15 hours per week. Preference to graduate students, recent college graduates.

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to Amy Traub, Director of Research, at atraub@drummajorinstitute.org with the subject header: "Research Internship." No phone calls please.

Development/Operations Intern
Drum Major Institute for Public Policy

Fall 2007/Winter 2008

The Drum Major Institute for Public Policy is looking for interns with a passion for civil rights and social justiceand an interest in fundraising, organizational development and operations.

We are seeking interns to assist with the following tasks:

  • Research support – foundations, individuals, corporations
  • Help respond to donor/constituent requests for information
  • Help manage major donor events e.g. mail invitations, maintain RSVP list
  • Assist with updating Raiser’s Edge Database (prior knowledge of software is not necessary)
  • Assist with outreach to electeds and other DMI constituents for our different events including the Marketplace of Ideas.
  • Filing and other administrative support tasks, assist with some mailings
  • Assist in creating donor support materials

Candidates must have demonstrated commitment to the mission of DMI. Involvement with progressive activism is a plus. Interns must possess excellent writing, research and organizational skills as well as good phone skills and a willingness and comfort level with speaking to elected officials and their staff. DMI is unable to pay interns at this time, but offers a meaningful opportunity to develop skills and ideas in a collegial, small-office environment. Length of internship can vary.

This is a PAID INTERNSHIP: Work 15-20hrs (flexible) per week/ $600-$800 per month + receive college credit.

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to Penny Abeywardena, Director of Strategic Relations at penny@drummajorinstitute.org with the subject header: "Internship" or fax to 646-274-5699.  Please no phone calls.

Communications Intern
Drum Major Institute for Public Policy

Fall 2007/Winter 2008

The Drum Major Institute for Public Policy is looking for interns with a passion for social and economic justice and an interest in communications, specifically blog writing, outreach and media research.

We are seeking interns to assist with the following tasks:

  • Regularly blogging and editing blog posts for DMI’s popular public policy blog DMIblog.com.
  • Monitoring political blogs and becoming an active member in blog communities
  • Conducting internet research and monitoring breaking news and editorial coverage
  • Compiling and researching communications contacts, creating contact databases
  • Assisting with phone outreach for DMI events
  • Assisting in editing op-eds and letters to the editor

We are searching for candidates with:

  • A demonstrated commitment to the mission of DMI. Involvement with progressive activism is a plus.
  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills and organizational skills.
  • Experience with Internet research.
  • Familiarity with political blogs, commenting on blogs and writing blog posts is particularly helpful.
  • Good phone skills.

Preference to juniors or seniors or students with relevant previous internships.

This is a PAID INTERNSHIP: Work 15-20hrs (flexible) per week/ $600-$800 per month + receive college credit.

To apply, please send a cover letter specifying why you are applying for this specific position, your resume, and writing sample (can be a blog post, an article or a short paper -- should be political or policy related) to Elana Levin, Communications Manager at elevin@drummajorinstitute.org with the subject header: "Internship."