AGENCY OVERVIEW
The Massachusetts House of Representatives (“House”) is comprised of 160 independently elected Members, each representing a district of approximately 43,000 people. The House meets year-round in either formal or informal sessions. The House is led by the Speaker of the House who is elected by the Members.
ABOUT CHAIR BUD L. WILLIAMS
Representative Bud L Williams (Democrat) is serving his third term as state representative of the 11th Hampden District, which includes parts of Springfield. In the House of Representatives, he is the House Chair of the Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion, the Chair of the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus; an appointed member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, and the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. Williams also serves as a member of the legislatively created Hate Crimes Task Force, the Commission
on the Status of African Americans, and on the Governor’s Advisory Council on Black Empowerment in February 2023. Chair Williams is a champion for justice and a healthy community; he is commended for his devotion to civic duties, his unflinching advocacy for the people he represents, and his unrelenting activism for social justice for all people.
ABOUT THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON RACIAL EQUITY CIVIL RIGHTS, AND INCLUSION
The Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights and Inclusion shall act in an advisory and oversight role to the Legislature as well as to the Chairs and Members of standing committees established by House Rule 17 and Joint Rule 1 in 2021. The committee is charged to shall consider the implicit and explicit systemic inequities, possible disproportionate outcomes, and equal access to opportunities and advancement associated with general policy proposals; to provide advice and guidance on specific policy proposals and bills
being developed by a committee. We are like no other committee, we do not receive bills, but rather we oversee the work being done by the legislature to ensure that thresholds set by the state for equity, civil rights, and inclusion are met.
COMMUNICATIONS INTERN OVERVIEW
The Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion is looking for a dedicated and passionate intern who can assist in all communication initiatives. This internship is an excellent way to experience, firsthand, the behind-the-scenes work that allows for a democracy and consistent flow of communication to and from the constituents. You will be tasked with drafting press releases, and newsletters, promoting events, and helping expand Representative William’s social media followings. The Intern will be expected to work independently and, in a team, to help accomplish the goals of the committee.
With support from the Researcher, the Intern Responsibilities include:
• Collaborates with all team members to create a compelling and informative monthly newsletter, which includes drafting, reviewing, editing, and approving relevant content, promotional collateral, digital ads, direct mail, internal and external emails, website pages, and social media
• Creates and expands Chairman’s & Committee’s social media sites (currently Facebook), including posting content regularly and monitoring sites for issues/complaints and responses needed
• Help to drive online traffic with web-related, social media, and digital campaigns, assist in
managing comments and messages on our social media pages to foster engagement and community buildings
• Photography taking, organizing, editing and utilizing for internal and external Committee and State House event events, members headshots, and social media opportunities
• Drafting press releasees, testimonies, instructions, procedures and event flyers
• Assisting with event planning and office administrative task as assigned
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
• Must be proficient in computer and web- based technology especially in relation to communication, social media and marketing platforms
• Strong organizational, creative and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• 15 – 20 hours of hybrid volunteer work at MA State House
APPLICATION MATERIALS
If you are interested in interning for the Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion, please email your resume, cover letter and sample work to the Committee Researcher, Seble Alemu at [email protected] by November 30th, 2023. This internship qualifies for school credit.
