Issue Tip Sheets
Government & Politics
UC Berkeley has a history of activism that dates back to the days of the Free Speech Movement. Fighting
for what they believe in, and against the injustices they see in the government, the passions of the students
are evident in coffee shop discussions. The diverse viewpoints brought about by all the passionate
individuals call for an environment rich with many opportunities for anyone to become involved and
informed.
CAL CORPS PROGRAMS
Check out these Cal Corps Programs that work in government and politics.
Cal in Local Government: Cal in Local Government connects students and community
organizations through project-based internships in local government agencies in Berkeley,
Oakland and other East Bay locations. Working in placements in a city or county level
department, council or commission office, qualified student interns contribute to cities of the
East Bay while learning about the relationship between local issues and policy and developing
their leadership and professional skills. (http://students.berkeley.edu/osl/calcorps.asp?id=1095)
Cal in the Capital: Cal in the Capital (CITC) is a student-managed internship program housed
at the Cal Corps Public Service Center that prepares over 70 UC Berkeley students for
challenging summer internships in Washington, DC, each year. (
http://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~citc/)
UC BERKELEY STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
Don’t forget: UC Berkeley is home to over 700 student groups! Here are some organizations
working in government and politics:
Berkeley College Republicans (berkeley.collegegop.org)
UC Berkeley Model United Nations (http://mun.berkeley.edu/)
Berkeley Political Review (www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~bpreview)
Berkeley Stop the War Coalition (www.campusantiwar.net)
Cal Berkeley Democrats (www.caldems.com)
Students for Sustainable Development (www.ssdactivist.20m.com)
Students United for Peace (berkeleypeace.blogspot.com)
publicservice.berkeley.edu | 505 Eshleman | (510) 642-3916 | publicservice@berkeley.edu
OTHER UC BERKELEY PROGRAMS
In addition, you look into these other UC Berkeley programs that work in politics.
Cal in Sacramento Program: Provide opportunities for students to work in state
government. Raise student awareness and understanding of government, politics
and policy. Offer a unique summer experience with brown bag lectures, social events and
outings. (http://politics.berkeley.edu/CIS_index.htm)
The U.C. Berkeley Washington Program: This is a Program of great accomplishments. Student
papers from the Program’s research seminar are often published. Practical political
experiences integrate students into national political campaigns and provide them insight into
national policy making. The Program’s emphasis upon a group experience facilitates
relationships among students that transcend the Washington semester. In sum, the Berkeley
Washington Program serves as a formative experience that enriches students for a lifetime.
(http://ucdc.berkeley.edu/)
OPPROTUNITIES OUTSIDE UC BERKELEY
Ready to start your career in politics? Take a look at these opportunities outside UC
Berkeley.
Capital Fellows Program: 18 Assembly Fellows, 18 Senate Fellows, 18 Executive
Fellows and 10 Judicial Administration Fellows receive an outstanding opportunity to
engage in public service and prepare for future careers, while actively contributing to the
development and implementation of public policy in California. The ranks of former fellows
and associates include a Justice of the California Supreme Court, members of the United
States Congress and the State Legislature, a deputy director of the Peace Corps, corporate
executives, and local government and community leaders.
(http://www.csus.edu/calst/programs/)
City Hall Fellows: A non-profit organization, City Hall Places, outstanding college graduates in
positions though out the country working in city government.(http://www.cityhallfellows.org/)
City of Berkeley: The city of Berkeley is eager to receive UC Berkeley student Intern. Even the
major’s office has opportunities for interns and volunteers. So does the Division of Public Health!
Duties can include: planning events, creating materials, programmatic research, community
outreach, answering phones and working with volunteers. Start by looking at the Major’s
home page. (http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=22466)
MORE DATABASES
to search for further opportunities with the environment
VolunteerMatch—web’s largest database for volunteer opportunities,
www.volunteermatch.org
Idealist.org—listings for volunteering and internships, www.idealist.org
Hands on Bay Area— www.handsonbayarea.org
If none of these links provide what you are interested in, come to the Cal Corps Office in 505 Eshleman and we
will help you find something else!
publicservice.berkeley.edu | 505 Eshleman | (510) 642-3916 | publicservice@berkeley.edu