NETWORK is interested in people from any faith background who demonstrate:

• commitment to the goals and values of NETWORK
• a passion for social and economic justice
• an interest in politics
• a commitment to dismantling oppressive systems (like sexism, racism, and classism)
• effective written and oral communications skills
• ability to work both independently and in collaboration with others
• computer proficiency
• ability to multi-task
• a desire to work in a faith-based environment

Associates must be at least 21; there is no upper age limit. Over the years, our associates have been equally divided between college graduates and people in mid-career or retirement phases of their life.

At NETWORK, we strive for a workplace which reflects our diverse communities — particularly in terms of race, ethnicity and age. We especially encourage applications from people of color.

Remember, you don’t need a degree in political science, you don’t have to be Catholic, and you don’t have to be fresh out of college. You do need the skills above and the passion – ignited by your work, your studies, or your life experience – for the demanding and rewarding work of advocating for social justice.

If this sounds like you, we would like to hear from you!

The Associate Program starts in late August 2017 and ends July 2018. Associates arrive in late August, and undergo a two week onboarding process, in which they will learn the essentials of their position, NETWORK, and get an introduction to the world of Washington, DC. Following the two week onboarding, Associates will be ready to begin work the second week of September.

The Associate Program is enhanced by the team-building and connections that occur as Associates experience the program together. In addition, because the staff time and effort needed to conduct orientation and evaluations for Associates is substantial, we are unable to tailor this to individual schedules. If you are not able to start the program in September and stay through July, this may not be the year for you to apply to the Associate Program.

The 2017-2018 application process will be from January 2017 through April 2017. Applications will be reviewed starting February 1. Interviews will be conducted throughout February and March. Selected applicants will be notified in April.

NETWORK does not provide housing, but does provide a modest housing stipend. While you would be responsible for making your own housing arrangements, we can assist by providing contact information for group housing situations. Most of these housing placements have hosted Associates in the past, and are accessible via DC’s public transportation system.

You will join a group of progressive people committed to social justice who take the time to get to know one another and share fun as well as share the work. We hope you feel welcome and valued as a member of the NETWORK team.

The NETWORK staff are dedicated to finding alternative ways of working together that emphasize collaboration and communication. Our office works in teams, called  “circles” and each of us contributes to the organizational management and gives input on major organizational decisions.

You will have a staff mentor who will guide you and supervise your work. You will also have the opportunity to collaborate with other staff members and give input on our educational and outreach efforts, as well as our legislative strategy. As time allows, you may also choose to learn about areas of the organization such as fundraising, board relations, and communications.

As a staff, we take time to reflect upon our faith and get to know each other. Each day, staff who are available gather for lunch in our conference room to enjoy a little table fellowship. Four times a year we take time away from work or away from the office to explore our faith and deepen our knowledge of justice work and our own political ministry. And we throw some great parties!

We take pride in the fact that each year, participants in the Associate Program remark positively on the high level of responsibility they are given and the degree to which they participate in all facets of the organization.

Communications

The Communications Associate uses the media and digital platforms to effectively communicate NETWORK’s message to the press, our members, and activists. You will be a part of a Communications team that engages and activates our network through writing blogs and other website content and creating multi-media content, then disseminating it through email, website, social media, and traditional media. You will promote the NETWORK brand across all communications channels and vehicles. A key function of this role is assisting with NETWORK’s email marketing and social media presence.

In order to keep our activists educated and engaged, the Communications Associate learns a little bit about all of the issues NETWORK works on. You will work with other teams to integrate media and messaging strategies in major projects and NETWORK campaigns and ensure organizational consistency in all aspects of communication. This fast-paced position is perfect for a creative person with a high-attention to detail.

Grassroots Mobilization

The Grassroots Mobilization Associate cultivates relationships with individuals, communities, and organizations across the country to educate and mobilize our network for political action. In this position, you will develop workshops and resources to help the public understand federal policies, the intersection of faith and politics, and effective lobbying strategies. You will educate student groups and others – e.g. leading workshops at conferences – on NETWORK’s policy issues, and mobilize individuals to optimize advocacy strategies.

The Grassroots Mobilization team is responsible for growing, connecting, and nourishing our Spirit-filled network of justice seekers and works to understand and reach others in a broader, long-term context, not only the most current legislation. You will work to organize our local advocates to build clout in key districts and also help coordinate our relationships among all who share our passions. This includes individual activists; faith-based advocacy groups; NETWORK-organized state groups; students, recent grads, and student groups; congregations of women religious; and other local/state coalition partners.

Government Relations

The Government Relations Associate always takes on a few issues and learns about them in depth, but the day-to-day tasks of a Government Relations Associate change as the political climate changes. Upon your arrival at NETWORK you will be assigned to a few issues after discussion with other Government Relations team members. Work on your issues may include: researching, attending coalition meetings with similar organizations, attending lobby visits, writing sign-on letters, creating one-page documents for the NETWORK website or Congressional staffers, and collaborating with the field department to inform and mobilize our grassroots activists on your issues.

At times the work is more general, trying to educate and build general support for an issue, but other times the work is more detailed and specific, attempting to change the language of a bill, lobbying for increased co-sponsors, and then for the eventual passage of a bill. Either way, you will get to know the ins and outs of the issues you are assigned, and you will keep up to date with the latest information from Capitol Hill, across the nation, and abroad.

The Associate Program is designed to be a substantive learning experience, with a high degree of responsibility. This is not an internship where you might find yourself toiling away at the photocopier 38 hours per week and engaging in program work during the other 2 hours. You will be part of the legislative process – setting up and conducting lobby visits, attending coalition meetings, and mobilizing NETWORK members to take action – as well as part of the inner workings of the organization – participating in staff meetings and other organizational events.

Associates typically spend no more than 15% of their time doing administrative tasks such as photocopying, data entry, sorting constituent letters, and preparing our mailers.

You may be encouraged to know that NETWORK is a small organization committed to a collaborative style of work, so all staff and Associates perform some administrative work.

Associates have taken a variety of paths after their service with NETWORK. Here’s a sampling of what some former Associates have done:

• Alison was hired by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd for the first lobbyist position in their newly-formed advocacy office in Washington, DC
• James went on to work on several election campaigns, and was one of the founders of Catholics United
• Ashley is now the NETWORK Communications Coordinator
• Claire was hired by the Center for American Progress to be the Outreach Manager for the Faith and Progressive Policy Initiative
• James went on to teach at a Jesuit high school in Texas and is now working towards his Master’s Degree at Boston College School of Theology and Ministry
• Ellen works at a healthcare research and policy organization in Washington
• Katie went on to do campaign work with Battleground Texas and now does data work with her alma mater
• Many associates decide to go to graduate school for a Masters or PhD after their time at NETWORK — two of them recently got their law degrees

Other associates have gone on to work as community organizers, campus ministers, legislative assistants, at think tanks, with the State Department, and other organizations including the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Pax Christi, Faith in Public Life, the Catholic Worker, and many more