Blog 2: What is a typical day like?

Although, I just recently started this internship at CSA, I am finding out that my typical day consist of mainly being in the office with the opportunity of attending a few meetings, when on the schedule. When I get to work in the morning, I check in with my boss and see what's on the agenda for the day. If I am working on a project, we tend to just go over any questions I may have with the project and then discuss any meetings that are happening that day or in the near future. I have my own desk, computer, filing system, supplies, etc.

This is a fast paced work environment, with a lot going on at once. In the department is the executive director, policy analyst, legislative liaison, director of legislative affairs, and the secretary. Everyone in this department, except the secretary, is a registered lobbyist. With that being said, the employees are in and out throughout the day attending meetings. I work at my desk for the majority of the day, but I do get out when meetings arise that I am able to attend, or if there is a hearing going on at the state house of representatives or state senate. I feel comfortable in the environment that I work in, but it can get a bit overwhelming at times. Everyone I work with is very helpful and polite. I could definitely see myself working in an environment like this for my career!

Blog 2: Free Write

I had the opportunity to attend a hearing in the Senate that covered topics such as tribal roads, schooling for Native American children and the possibility of implementing the indian school bus route maintenance program. There were a few senate and house members, as well as tribal members in attendance. Basically, there is a demand for more tax money to be allocated to better the school systems, roads to get to those schools, and the bus systems that allow the children to get to school safely.

States and counties that have indian reservations within their borders share an interest in tribal roads because both tribal members and non-members use them. To be certified by the state and comply with state and county school standards, each school must be accessible. There are still schools throughout Arizona that have dirt roads as the only access point to the school. The lowest grades around the state come from rural school districts, the biggest reason being lack of attendance. Funding is necessary in order to help desperate areas in Arizona and to raise the success rates of children going through school systems in these areas.

I had the opportunity to personally meet Senator Begay at this meeting and a few other members from the AD Hoc Committee. Once the hearing was adjourned, I went on to create a newsletter for the counties regarding the hearing. This was a wonderful experience and I look forward to attending other hearings in the upcoming weeks.

Blog 2: Free Write

The first week of work was quite interesting and very fast paced, which was a little overwhelming because I was expecting more of a slow week to ease into the role. The first project given to me was to help Liz Archuleta, who is a County Supervisor from Coconino, prepare for her election for NACo 2nd Vice President. NACo is the National Association of Counties. I worked on a document for her that consisted of 54 pages of information to help her quickly prepare for each interview she will be going to. Basically, because she will be meeting with so many people in the next couple weeks from all over the US, she will not have the time to do research herself, and find out information about all the people she will be meeting with.

The document I created for Liz did end up taking me the entire first week of work to complete. It was an enjoyable experience, being able to familiarize myself with many faces around the country, current bills that are being worked on, and other miscellaneous information. By the end of the week, I was able to give Liz a packet that consisted of information for all 50 states. The importance of this document is for Liz to be able to flip to the page that corresponds with the state that she is in, so she can familiarize herself with the faces and names of the people she will be meeting with and the current government related information that has been of debate recently, all at a quick glance. In a future blog, I will mention how the election turned out for Liz.

Blog 2: Where do I work?

The organization I am working for is the County Supervisors Association (CSA) of Arizona. This specific organization collaborates with all 15 counties in the state of Arizona. County supervisors provides regional leadership over critical policy areas, including policies necessary to ensure safe communities, protect public health, promote economic development, and plan and manage land use for sustainable development. Specifically, CSA has worked together as a non-partisan forum for county officials, delivering efficient, responsive local public services. Within the CSA membership are 61 elected supervisors through out the 15 counties of Arizona.

Over the course of my internship, I will have the opportunity of meeting several county supervisors by attending meetings. Additionally, I will be working on newsletters, conducting analytical research, working with budgets, gathering information for candidates running for positions, attending legislative hearings in both the house and senate, and finally attending general meetings.

Introduction

Hi Everyone!

My name is Ryne Denis. I am an intern at the County Supervisors Association (CSA) of Arizona. The three goals that I hope to achieve through this internship are as follows:

1. I would like to gain a better understanding of what exactly CSA does on a daily basis and to whom they are benefiting with their work.

2. I would like to build on my analytical research skills, consuming as much information as possible. I would also like to work with the policies that are currently being dealt with and also do some bill writing to gain a better understanding of the language used.

3. Since I just recently moved to Arizona from Illinois, I would really enjoy getting out of the office and meeting as many people as possible. This can happen in many ways, such as: going to meetings, going on tours of different facilities around the state, attending hearings in the house and senate, and just being introduced to people in general when they come and go.

I look forward to my experience with CSA!