Internship in the Office of Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO)

Alisa Tiwari10/7/11

Princeton Class 2014

Internship Background

• Internship purpose: understanding of the challenges of developing and implementing public policy initiatives

• Why Senator Bennet?– Colorado and environmental

issues– Senator Bennet and

environmental policy

Informing the Senator

• Attending hearing and meetings for the Senate Committees

• Researching relevant information or legislation for – public statements – press releases – Floor statements

• Preparing memos on Colorado site visits

Constituent Concerns

• Responding to letters• Meeting and greeting

constituent groups• Answering the phone

Packets

• Preparing daily press packets – National News: Wall Street Journal, New York

Times, Washington Post– State News: Denver Post, Durango Herald, Colorado

Springs Gazette, Fort Morgan Times, Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, Greely Tribune, Pueblo Chieftain, Fort Collins Coloradoan, Glenwood Springs Post Independent…

• Researching current legislation or news stories

Skills Acquired

• Understanding Congress• Conducting research and reading legislation• Justifying Senate votes or political decisions• Keeping up to date on current events• Writing talking points, briefs, and letters

Conclusion

• Challenges– Budget crisis – Functions of a Senate office – Environmental issues

• Impact on my course of study