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What is the American Democracy Project? The American Democracy Project at IU South Bend leads campus efforts for register, educate, and mobilize student voters, and works to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences required to participate actively in the political process and make a meaningful difference in their communities. The ADP hosts Civic Leadership Academy, Unify America, Public Issue Forum, Pizza & Politics, Donuts & Democracy, and more. In short, we equip students and community members with the knowledge, skills, and experiences required to make a meaningful difference in their communities.

The ADP is strictly non-partisan. Past interns have been Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, members of minor parties, and independents. Students from all partisan and ideological backgrounds are eligible to apply. To learn more go to https://www.iusb.edu/adp

What qualifications do Democracy Fellows need?  Successful candidates for these positions will have a demonstrated ability to work independently, complete projects, and meet deadlines.

Other requirements include:

• A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a team.
• An ability to remain calm and diplomatic when discussing controversial political issues.
• A commitment to serve as an ambassador of the ADP and the university when interacting with students, staff, faculty, and community members – including journalists and politicians.
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, and Excel). A willingness to learn and use online team management programs (i.e. Asana) and time clocks (i.e. TIME).
• A strong commitment to civic engagement and a desire to help young people become politically engaged.
• Strong writing, oral communication, and critical thinking skills.
• Prior experience with event planning and/or community engagement is a plus.
• Prior success staffing American Democracy Project or other campus events is preferred, but not required.

What are the key benefits of serving as a Democracy Fellow? Past ADP fellows have gone on to (funded) graduate programs and exciting jobs acting as communication directors, agency executives, urban planners, attorneys, and more. These positions reflect the advantages of participating with the ADP:

• Leadership experience.
• Skill development.
• Networking opportunities.
• Resume enhancement.
• Flexible (work-around-your-courses) schedule.
• Convenient on-campus and remote worksites.
• Increased competitiveness for scholarships and awards.
• Opportunities to earn college credit for civic engagement work.
• Detailed recommendation letters for successful fellows.
• An opportunity to empower voters, fight political polarization, work with campus and community leaders, and strengthen democracy.

How do I apply? Students who support representative democracy and are ready to promote an informed and engaged community are encouraged to apply for a position with the American Democracy Project.  U.S. citizenship is not required to participate. Earn up to three POLS Y481 credits per semester. Financial aid eligible workstudy students may also inquire about hourly wages. Past ADP volunteers receive priority consideration, but no prior ADP experience is required to apply.

Ready to START as a volunteer? Email iusbadp@iu.edu to get started!

Who should I contact if I have questions? Contact IU South Bend’s American Democracy Project Director, Dr. Elizabeth Bennion, at ebennion@iu.edu. Cc iusbadp@iu.edu.  Visit https://go.iu.edu/IUSBADP to learn more about the ADP and see our recent events.