Youth/Student Services

The League of Women Voters (LWV) is a non-profit, nonpartisan political organization. Its mission is to promote informed and active participation in government. LWV Los Angeles wishes to find effective ways to engage youth and diverse populations in our community in the awareness of civic issues. We are eager to work with students and staff to design projects that are relevant to our goals and theirs.

Here are some examples of current projects/studies and programs of the League of Women Voters Los Angeles in which individuals might choose to assist. Each provides opportunities for learning and action and for involvement in the workings of democracy at the local level. It is a chance to help make change happen.

The California Academy of Math and Science has partnered with the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles on Facebook to involve students in the broader discussion of participating in the voting process. Chime in!

Responses and requests for further information can be sent to:

Zhita Rea, internships@lwvlosangeles.org, 323-571-1603.

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The League thanks Kaiser Permanente and Martin Kellner for supporting our Youth and Student Services.

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The League hosted Girl Scouts from across southern California on June 23, 2012 for "Behind the Ballot". See pictures below of the scouts learning about voter registration and the logistics of running for office.

Sally Chung is a rising junior at Westridge High School For Girls. She is so excited for this opportunity to be a student intern at the League of Women Voters just as she is excited about encouraging active participation in civil duties, promoting public policy awareness, and educating the public opinions through advocacy. Additionally, she hopes to gain valuable memories and knowledge. She is actively involved in Model UN, World Issues Club, and Green Gorillas in school. She also runs a feminist blog called "Supergals." She plans to double major in Political Science and Gender Studies in college.

Felicia Lay is a rising Senior at Arcadia High School. She is pleased to be a student intern for the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles. Felicia was born in Arcadia, CA and is excited to work with the League to expand her knowledge of the government, public policy, and the election process. She hopes to bring new ideas to the organization and encourage those who are eligible to vote.

Isabelle Rosenthal is a sophomore at Wellesley College in Massachusetts, double majoring in Political Science and Neuroscience. She plans to attend graduate school after college in order to further her studies. Her choice to intern with the League of Women Voters was based on her interest in the workings of the American political system and the elections process. Isabelle's belief in knowledge as a tool of political empowerment corresponded well to the dedication of the League of Women Voters to informing the public about elections, and she hopes to use the internship to gain experience in the arena of non-partisan organizations.

Andrea Aguilar is currently a sophomore at Wellesley College located in the Boston area. She hopes to pursue a double major in Political Science and Middle Eastern Studies and eventually attend graduate school in these fields. Andrea was attracted to the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles, because of the League's longstanding commitment to providing unbiased voter information to the residents of the Los Angeles area. Believing a well informed electorate is essential for progress, Andrea is excited to be interning for the summer at an organization that strives to achieve this goal. She hopes to learn more about the voting process through her time with the League and help promote policy issues that the League has adopted such as climate change and gun control.

Rocio Sanchez is a sophomore at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. She is currently studying towards pursuing degrees in Arabic and Women and Gender Studies. She plans to further her studies by attending graduate school.

Michelle Diaz is a senior at Robert F. Kennedy, studying the art of humanities. She interns with the League of Women Voter so she may learn and experience the way the LWV works. She hopes to gain the knowledge of outreaching others.

Regina Lopez is a senior at School for the Visual Arts and Humanities at the Robert F. Kennedy Community Schools. She plans to go to a University after she graduates High School. She interns in the League of Women Voters to learn more about politics and get more involved in her community.

Anna Diamond is a rising junior at Wellesley College, majoring in American Studies with a concentration in Political Science. Her work on several 2012 election campaigns and on a Feminist Majority Foundation program to encourage electoral participation among young women sparked her interest in the League of Women Voters and its work to make elections more accessible to voters. She hopes her internship with the League will give her experience with, and greater knowledge of, elections, community outreach and education.

Abby Formella is a senior at UCLA, studying political science. She plans to advance to law school after she graduates. Her long term goals include practicing law, and eventually running for office. She chose to intern at League of Women Voters because she truly believes that the way to keep the country moving in the right direction is to have well-informed, educated voters. The League offers a non-partisan stance which helps fulfill this goal.

Sabrina Harowitz is currently a junior at Loyola Marymount University studying as a Political Science major. She plans to pursue law after graduating spring of 2014. She enjoys working at the League because of the many tasks she had to work with, and all the knowledge she gained from working on multiple projects, especially on grassroots politics and the community around her. She also truly appreciates how dedicated the League is to remaining non-partisan on issues. She believes that growing accustomed to thinking objectively to both sides of issues will prepare her for the future as a lawyer

Lauren Richardson Lauren Richardson is currently a sophomore at the University of Southern California double majoring in political science and international relations, global business. Her interest in global politics directed her to the League of Women Voter's Los Angeles for a spring internship. Lauren strongly believes that where a person stands on particular issues depends on his or her core values and assumptions about human behavior, social relations, and the role of various institutions. It is for this reason that she believes adequately educating voters will help them develop the necessary critical thinking skills to analyze issues from multiple perspectives and figure out exactly what is important to them. During her time at the League, Lauren hopes to become more involved in the workings of democracy at a more local and personal level, so that she can reach her long-term goal of educating others on national issues. Lauren is excited about all that her internship has to offer and is ready to take the necessary steps that will push her closer to her long-term goal.

Jasmine Davis Jasmine is currently an undergraduate at Loyola Marymount University majoring in political science with a minor in African-American Studies. She plans to further her studies by attending graduate school, focusing on global politics and public policy. She is extremely excited about working with the League of Women voters because she believes they are adamant about actively engaging the community in politics. She hopes to gain experience in non-profit organizations and use the knowledge she has gained from this experience to help promote more political efficacy in the community of Los Angeles and its neighbors.

Elizabeth De La Cruz graduated from California State University, Northridge in 2012 with a degree in Women Studies with an emphasis in social work. She aspires to attend graduate school and attain a degree in Social Work. Elizabeth chose to intern at the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles to gain more knowledge in the process of local and statewide elections.

Elaine Krebs is currently studying Health and Humanities at the University of Southern California. When she graduates, she plans on becoming a science teacher in the inner city. Elaine is excited to intern at the League because of their involvement in education and youth services, and hopes to gain valuable leadership experience.

Stephanie Garcia is currently a junior at Loyola Marymount University, pursuing a double major degree in Political Science and Women's Studies. She enjoys interning at the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles, because she believes in the importance of providing voters with materials to make well-informed decisions. When she graduates, she hopes to attend a Public Policy graduate program.

Zaenab Bisola Balogun is a senior at California State University, Los Angeles studying Business Administration with an emphasis in marketing. Interning at the League of Women Voters was a fortunate opportunity for her because she has passion in both the politics and marketing. This has been a positive experience for Bisola; "I love the working environment at the League and everybody is friendly. Not to mention, I get hands on experience working with various software, my knowledge in politics has broadened and my interpersonal skills continually improve". In the future, she plans on pursing her MBA and opening up a charity for poverty stricken individuals.

Kyle Coulam joined the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles in the spring of 2012. He moved to Los Angeles in October 2011 after receiving a dual degree in History and Political Science from the University of Vermont. His areas of study include American history and politics, international relations/security, sustainability and the environment, as well as African, Chinese, European, Japanese, and Middle Eastern history and politics. Kyle's studies have taken him all over the world from working in Switzerland with Green Cross International to exploring the deserts of Morocco.

Helen Medrano, from Covina, received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California- Riverside. She recently finished her Master's degree, also in Political Science, from the California State University- Fullerton. Helen is currently working as a substitute teacher at the high school level for the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District. Helen contacted the League of Woman Voters interested in finding an internship that would allow her to utilize her educational background while advocating political engagement. Her long-term goal is to help educate the youth and promote their involvement in the democratic process.

Sean McCreary is a sophomore at the George Washington University in Washington , D.C studying towards an bachelor's degree in International Affairs. He aspires to have a career shaping international policy at the State Department, and sought out the league learn more about how public policy affects citizens.

Jackie Pomeroy graduated from Pomona College in 2011 with a degree in Public Policy Analysis and Politics. At Pomona, she completed research on topics ranging from citizen participation in global climate change dialogue to the participatory elements surrounding LAUSD's Public School Choice initiative. The League managed the PSC Advisory vote process and she became aware of its work because the final reports were crucial to her thesis research. She is currently pursuing a Master's of Public Policy and Certificate of Non-Profit Management at the USC Price School of Public Policy.

Dulce Sanchez is a sophomore at Smith College in Northampton, MA. She is pursuing a double Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and Government. She has hopes to become a law student within the next four years and ultimately create a non-profit organization providing legal assistance to immigrants and political refugees. Dulce chose to intern at the LWVLA to gain experience and knowledge from the members and staff of the League, as well as from fellow student interns.

Amasha Alexandra Scott graduated from Prairie State College in 2011, with a degree in Liberal Arts & Science. She now has plans to attend UCLA where she will major in Film, Theatre, & Television. Amasha believes that interning with the league will give her knowledge in many fields to help further her career in the entertainment industry.

Moises Torres is a sophomore student at Glendale College and his desired area of study is Political Science and or Public Policy. At Glendale Community College, he is involved in the Sociology Club where he is currently the Vice President and plans on getting involved with student government. Moises is interning with the league of Women Voters to enhance his knowledge of various forms of politics. He describes the members of the League as "amazing people and friendly, one major thing that really stood out to me was that they want you to learn and have a good time." He also said "the League really has a productive environment where they foster growth and really help you understand and develop your goals."

Kelly Velasquez, from East Los Angeles is a senior studying Political Science at Loyola Marymount University. Kelly's interest in the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles (LWVLA) is with youth outreach. She believes the League's influence on the youth can and will encourage more young people to be active voters. Kelly aspires to be a lawyer within the next five years practicing in Los Angeles and to be an active member of the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles. Kelly chose to intern for LWVLA to learn the role of a non-partisan political organization in a metropolitan city, to gain knowledge about the process of local and statewide elections and to gain indispensable skills relevant to any field of study.

Javier Chavez, from Rancho Cucamonga, is currently studying Politics at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Javier chose to intern with the League so that he could gain experience in reaching out to those without a voice. In the future, Javier plans to move to Africa in order to help developing nations in that region. Reaching out to the people will be one of the first steps to accomplish that mission. Working with the League will help Javier gain some of this experience, so that he can one day help in an international spectrum.

Krystal Henriquez, from Los Angeles, CA, is a senior studying Political Science with an emphasis in Public Administration at California State University, Los Angeles. Krystal is passionate about the League of Women Voters' (LWV) commitment to increase the understanding of major public policy issues, and to influence public policy through education and advocacy since it's founding in 1920. Krystal's long-term goal is to be an administrator and a political analyst to improve efficiency in her community through administrative duties and policy-making efforts. Krystal chose to intern for LWVLA because it offers leadership opportunities, knowledge and hands-on experience that will add to her abilities to enhance her educational career aspirations.

Joann Horta, born and raised in Puerto Rico, moved to Los Angeles to pursue her universities studies. She has a Bachelors in History and has recently graduated with a Masters degree in Political Science with an emphasis in global politics. Joann chose to intern at the LWVLA to obtain hands on experience on advocacy and non profit management

Kaitlyn Jeong is a senior at Arcadia High School and is thrilled to be serving as a student intern for the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles. Born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley, Kaitlyn has sought out opportunities to become involved with surrounding communities though volunteer service and hopes to pass on the knowledge she has gained from the League about government action and advocacy to her peers. Kaitlyn's experience with the League has furthered her desire to continue her studies in Political Science and she looks forward to working with the League in teaching others how impactful a single voice or a single vote can be.

Annie Shapiro is a current intern at the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles and attends Palisades Charter High School as a senior. She was born in Tarzana, CA and is interning with the LWVLA for the first time this summer. As a future Political Science and International Relations major, Annie is excited to work with the League in order to broaden her knowledge of government, advocacy and policy. While pursuing her passions, she hopes to bring the ideas of the League to different individuals in the Los Angeles area in order to educate the public on various political issues and processes.

Sophia Tieman is a student at Occidental College from South Pasadena, CA. Sophia chose to intern at the League because she is majoring in Politics and is interested in working with non-profits. "This organization is both political and non-profit, so it seemed like a good fit!"

Kiara Williams is a second year student studying Political Science with an emphasis in Public Law at the University of California, San Diego. She is from Torrance, CA and decided to become an intern for the LWVLA because she is passionate about public policy and hopes to become more involved with the public issues that affect her community. Her ultimate goal is to attend law school after she graduates and practice public law in Southern California, an area that she has grown to love. Kiara is excited to learn and experience all that the LWVLA internship has to offer and looks forward to using the skills she learns at the LWVLA in her future.

Zinia Gangopadhyay was an office intern during the Spring and Summer 2009 semesters. She was enrolled as a political science major at California State University Northridge and is now living in New Orleans. She continues to be active in League in her new hometown.

Elis Lee was an office intern during both the Summer 2009 and Summer 2010 semesters. She is a recent graduate from Crescenta Valley Senior High School and will be attending Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts in the Fall of 2010.

LWVLA seeks to engage youth in the issues and programs so essential to our organization. There are several components to our Youth Outreach including: Internships, a Campus Outreach program that we plan to initiate in 2011-2012, and the Running and Winning Forum.

Internships: Young people from high schools, colleges, graduate programs, etc. have opportunities to participate with LWVLA as interns, volunteers and/or to fulfill Service Learning requirements of their academic programs. In order to ensure that the time spent with LWVLA is mutually beneficial to the students and to our organization, we make the internship opportunities as flexible as possible. Each internship is planned as a collaboration that engages the student, LWVLA members and LWVLA staff.

Most interns work in the office mentored by LWVLA's Executive Director and the Administrative Assistant. Each intern is assigned a special project which allows them to use their research, problem solving and creative skills. Interns also assist with office routines and have the opportunity to meet with staff for informal seminars on the workings of our nonprofit organization. Some interns work directly with LWVLA committees engaged in research and problem solving related to League positions. (See the website section on Current Projects for more information.)

Interns are a key part of LWVLA and can benefit by gaining valuable experience in a nationally respected non-profit organization. Those who successfully complete their internships are assured letters of recommendation. All of our internships are unpaid but, as one of our recent interns stated, "The experience that you will receive in combination with the resume boost will certainly improve your employment chances in the future."

To initiate your internship, send a copy of your resume and a statement of what you hope to accomplish by working with LWVLA to internships@lwvlosangeles.org. For further information contact Zhita Rea, 323-571-1603, or call the League office, 213-368-1616.

Note: The following youth outreach projects also include opportunities for intern or youth volunteer involvement:

Campus Outreach: This is a proposed program now in the design stage. The goal of this project is to increase informed civic engagement among high school and college students and other youth groups.

Current LWVLA interns are designing this project; the emerging plan is to have future and past interns speak to government and social studies classes about their own civic engagement. The focus of their presentations will be to encourage students' voter registration, to increase their awareness of LWV's nonpartisan role in analyzing civic issues, ballot measures, etc., and to motivate students' informed voting and participation in the electoral process. Interns will also provide a presence at school community events.

Running and Winning: The Running and Winning Forum is an annual event designed by LWV for high school students in the LA area. This unique program engages students in small group discussion with elected officials to consider what is involved in running for office. In addition to the knowledge they gain, students also recognize that these officials are real people with whom they can talk. Students then form mock campaign teams, take a position on a focus issue and prepare campaign speeches to share with Forum attendees. Throughout the day, each student group is guided by an intern acting as facilitator. This program is planned by the R&W Committee and funded by Verizon.

If you have connections with a high school in the LA area that you would like to see participate in R&W or if you would like to participate in any other way, please contact the committee.

• For further information, participation, or to offer suggestions, contact: Zhita Rea, internships@lwvlosangeles.org, 323-571-1603