The Willamette Valley Legislative Fellowship is a competitive 11-week fellowship hosted by House Speaker Dan Rayfield during the 2022 General Election. During the fellowship students work on legislative elections across the state, develop policy for the upcoming 2023 legislative session, and participate in a unique guest-speaker series with policy and campaign experts.
Fellowship Structure:
The Legislative Fellowship takes place over an 11-week period from August 21st, 2022, to November 9th, 2022, and consists of three core aspects.
- Workshops/Guest-Speaker Series: Students learn from guest speakers in various fields of expertise and develop skills that are implemented in practical settings later in the program. Workshops take place every Thursday evening throughout the duration of the program.
- Policy Development: Fellows work with peers in a policy group based off their areas of interest to develop a policy concept. The strongest proposal(s) are drafted by Speaker Rayfield’s office for consideration during the 2023 Legislative Session.
- Campaign Events: Fellows use skills developed to staff campaign events held throughout the state. During the events students are able to network with staff, current representatives, and candidates seeking legislative office while developing practical campaign experience. Transportation and food are provided for weekend events.
Compensation:
A $500 stipend will be provided to participants who complete all fellowship requirements.
Some students may be eligible for college credit with their respective schools.
Requirements:
Time commitment:
- Guest Speaker Workshops: every Thursday evening beginning August 25th and ending on Election Night.
- Group Policy Work: will begin during Thursday workshops, but fellows will also need to work with their group outside of scheduled workshops to formulate policy, connect with stakeholders, and produce messaging.
- Weekend Campaign Events: Fellows will be responsible for attending 9 weekend campaign events.
Preferred Experience:
- Interest in pursuing a college degree.
- Political interest
- Written and oral communication skills
- Ability to work well with others in a collaborative process
- Ability to complete work independently
Selection Process:
The priority application process has closed but applications will still be accepted and considered as time allows.
To apply, complete the following steps:
- Complete the online application: https://forms.gle/VRgERjGcJJibbuY86
- Submit a resume, cover letter indicating why you are applying for the fellowship, and a headshot to Jack Lehman at jack@danrayfield.com.
Qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview within a week of their application submission.
Questions?
Please contact Jack Lehman at 541-609-0036 or jack@danrayfield.com with any questions!