The Public Policy/Government Affairs Intern is responsible for assisting in the overall planning and implementation of Chapter Advocacy efforts in Wisconsin. The Intern will assist in orchestrating grassroots advocacy activities for those living with multiple sclerosis, by training them to effectively advocate, by networking with legislators and disability interests and coalitions, and by strategically communicating with key audiences to enhance public programs and services for people living with disabilities and further the mission of the National MS Society through public policy.

Job duties include:
Strategy: Assist in identifying public policy issues and funding levels that affect the quality of life for those living with multiple sclerosis (MS), assessing ways in which to influence public policies to improve the lives of those living with MS, evaluating policies that can be influenced to benefit those living with MS, creating communication campaigns to influence public policy.

Networking: Assist in identifying and nurturing critical and key relationships with public policy officials, volunteers, medical professionals, other NMSS Chapters, lobbyists and disability coalitions to effectively deliver timely information and influence public policy, establishing and maintaining credibility as a source for accurate information related to multiple sclerosis.Communication: Assist in identifying stakeholders who influence public policy, crafting messages, assessing channels of communication, delivering timely and effective messages, and evaluating message effectiveness.

Training: Assist in enhancing the skills of volunteer advocates, through the Government Relations Committee, Self-help groups, and among volunteers, in general, at training sessions. Assist in implementing the Chapter’s annual “Legislative Affairs Day.”

Growing Grassroots: Assist in increasing the volunteer support base for advocacy, and the chapter mission, in general, by marketing advocacy at special events, in communications and on the website, by highlighting advocacy successes and defining it in layperson terms, for both volunteers and chapter staff, and by creating new relationships with stakeholders not currently a part of the NMSS mission.

Fundraising: receive phone calls and assist in registering event participants, work at special events.