This weekend I've been looking into more information that will help me better understand the opportunity that interning in a U.S. Representative's office provides. I came across this video, and while it is about interning in a U.S. Senator's office, I still think it does a good job portraying the wonderful opportunities one can participate in.
I'll be working on my own video about my experience this Summer so check back for progress on that.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Research and Background
I hadn't realized how much research a United States Congressman does until the other day. Obviously knowing as much as one can about issues that come to the office is important and the best way to be 'up to speed' on any issue, is to research it.
Luckily there is a resource available to all Members and their staff that is probably the best of it's kind in the world. That is the Library of Congress and it's very talented staff. The other day I was fortunate to be invited to attend a briefing from one of it's Librarians in the Congressional Research Service on how to access resources and services as well as to learn about the Congressional Quarterly.
The Congressional Quarterly is the largest reporting service on Capitol Hill. Known as an objective and politically unbiased source of news and reporting, the CQ, as it's known around the Capitol, is an indispensable tool in conducting research on the issues that come before Congress.
In the coming weeks and months I will be using the CQ and other Library of Congress resources for research and background information for the office. As I learn more, I will report on the extensive efforts that go into research and information gathering for Members of Congress.
Luckily there is a resource available to all Members and their staff that is probably the best of it's kind in the world. That is the Library of Congress and it's very talented staff. The other day I was fortunate to be invited to attend a briefing from one of it's Librarians in the Congressional Research Service on how to access resources and services as well as to learn about the Congressional Quarterly.
The Congressional Quarterly is the largest reporting service on Capitol Hill. Known as an objective and politically unbiased source of news and reporting, the CQ, as it's known around the Capitol, is an indispensable tool in conducting research on the issues that come before Congress.
In the coming weeks and months I will be using the CQ and other Library of Congress resources for research and background information for the office. As I learn more, I will report on the extensive efforts that go into research and information gathering for Members of Congress.
Riding and Research
When working at the United States Capitol, a big part of the experience is just being in Washington, DC. Although I'm living just outside of the city in Virginia (that's across the Potomac for those not familiar with the area), it means that getting to/from the office is something that you have to plan for.
The first couple of days of my Internship I was able to catch a ride from a fellow commuter. But beginning today, I became one of the tens of thousands who 'Ride the Metro' each way. The Washington, DC Metro is a great public transportation system, and it includes both Rail and Bus services. Luckily, from my home to the office, is only a Rail ride, and all without any transfers!
For me, I live next to what is known as an Orange line station at Dunn-Loring/Merrifield. At the other end of my daily commute is the station nearest the US Capitol and the office, at Capitol South. The ride takes about 40-minutes with five minutes at each end to walk to/from the station, so my total commute is just under an hour each way.
Driving the same route would be an unpredictable experience with the traffic in this area. In the morning it might take about 45 minutes, but in the evening it could be well over an hour (or more!) And one of the best things about the Metro is that once you're on, you can relax, read, listen to music or just zone in or out (depending on which way you're heading).
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Day Two: I'm Official!
Things are settling in a bit; I arrived at the office at a more appropriate time (the office official hours are from 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM M-F) and picked up where I had left off from the previous day.
An extremely important part of working in a Representative's Office is to have the proper credentials. Without them, access to most areas are restricted and simply getting in and out of the building has special procedures. Today I was walked through the system to get my offiical ID Badge. The picture is much better than what one usually gets on their Drivers License and the badge has a handy slot for attaching it to a lanyard, so you can wear it with you wherever you are. My badge identifies me as an Intern, has an expiration date which is my intended last day of my internship, and appears to contain more information in an RFID chip inside the card.
Incidentally, I should mention that Representative Moore's office is located inside one of the four United States House Representatives Office Buildings, all of which are on the South side, immediately across the street, from the US Capitol. He is in the Longworth House Office Building (the other three are the Cannon, Ford and Rayburn Buildings). This is a picture of where I come to work every day.
In addition to the work assisting in coordinating the mail correspondence I helped with some errands to get supplies. Venturing out in the building (it is a BIG building) helped me gain my bearings on where things are at.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
My First Day!
I meandered into the office around 8:15 this morning, a tad bit early. Once I was all set up, I took a quick tour around the office. I was taken aback by how many Congressional Members and their staffers recycle… Very Cool!
Today I was orientated in the technique for answering the phones and how the office coordinates the handling of the variety of constituent mail. Both require a very large effort on the part of everyone in the office and appear to be perpetual in nature.
At the same time, it is surpising for the first time to observe democracy in action through constituents’ correspondence with the Congressman. There are a wide variety of issues that people write, email and call the office about. Obviously the communications reflect the diversity of many opinions and ideas of the people who live in the 3rd District of Kansas.
To me, it is especially interesting to be a part of the system that handles that communication and to see how much attention is provided to the effort to contact and communicate with Representative Moore. Today has already given me a lot to think about, particularly the concept of how a Congressman goes about the work of representing people from back home.
Today I was orientated in the technique for answering the phones and how the office coordinates the handling of the variety of constituent mail. Both require a very large effort on the part of everyone in the office and appear to be perpetual in nature.
At the same time, it is surpising for the first time to observe democracy in action through constituents’ correspondence with the Congressman. There are a wide variety of issues that people write, email and call the office about. Obviously the communications reflect the diversity of many opinions and ideas of the people who live in the 3rd District of Kansas.
To me, it is especially interesting to be a part of the system that handles that communication and to see how much attention is provided to the effort to contact and communicate with Representative Moore. Today has already given me a lot to think about, particularly the concept of how a Congressman goes about the work of representing people from back home.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Jumping In With Both Feet!
I can hardly believe that tomorrow I will be starting a summer internship!
I want to thank Howard Baukele, Chief of Staff in U.S. Representative Dennis Moore's office for extending me this invitation to serve and learn.
I also want to thank Marilyn Gaar at Johnson County Community College for her efforts to help me gain the most educational experience from this internship.
Finally, a big word of thanks to Roberta Eveslage at JCCC for her confidence in me in this role and her support, without which I doubt that I would be in this opportunity.
So readers, check back often throughout the Summer to learn about the work of a new intern in the United States House of Represenatives. I welcome your replies, questions or comments on my experience.
I want to thank Howard Baukele, Chief of Staff in U.S. Representative Dennis Moore's office for extending me this invitation to serve and learn.
I also want to thank Marilyn Gaar at Johnson County Community College for her efforts to help me gain the most educational experience from this internship.
Finally, a big word of thanks to Roberta Eveslage at JCCC for her confidence in me in this role and her support, without which I doubt that I would be in this opportunity.
So readers, check back often throughout the Summer to learn about the work of a new intern in the United States House of Represenatives. I welcome your replies, questions or comments on my experience.
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