TFN Legislative Academy
Texas Freedom Network is a statewide nonprofit that advances a mainstream agenda of religious freedom and individual liberties to counter the religious right. Founded in 1995, the Texas Freedom Network is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization of more than 60,000 religious and community leaders. Based in Austin, TFN acts as the state’s watchdog, monitoring far-right issues, organizations, money and leaders. The organization has been instrumental in defeating initiatives backed by the religious right in Texas, including private school vouchers, textbook censorship and faith-based deregulation.
The Texas Freedom Network Legislative Academy is a unique opportunity for young people to get firsthand experience in the public policy arena and with the Texas Legislative process. The next Legislative Academy will be held during the 2013 Legislative Session.
- Academy members will receive firsthand knowledge of all aspects of the legislative process in Texas, including lobbying and grassroots outreach. Interns will also be exposed to the important policy issues that confront state government.
- Academy members will receive training from TFN staff members and other relevant players in the political process in Texas. Academy members will then apply this training to real-life situations involving the legislative process in Texas.
- Academy members will play an integral role in planning the TFN Lobby Day and other session related events.
- The Legislative Academy is dedicated to ensuring that every intern has a rewarding and challenging experience while assisting TFN achieve its annual and long-term goals.
What the Legislative Academy Offers Interns:
- Hands-on work experience with one of the biggest and most influential progressive nonprofits in Texas.
- Intimate training sessions with experts in the political field.
- Experience with grassroots organizing work.
- Understanding of the political process in Texas and knowledge of the state Legislature.
- Experience in the entire legislative and advocacy process from the start of the legislative session.
- Project-implementation experience through organizing lobby day and providing other general project support.
- Tracking the progress of distinct issues through committee hearings and relevant legislation.
- Learning how the various aspects of a nonprofit work together to advance a legislative agenda.