2016-02-12
In October and November 2016, the United States Embassy in Canberra will send a group of 10 young Australian political leaders from major political parties to the U.S. as part of the Australian Young Political Leaders Program (AYPL). The intensive two-week exchange program will provide participants with the chance to experience first-hand the closing weeks of the 2016 U.S. Presidential election campaign. During the trip, participants will observe how U.S. political parties manage campaigns and conduct activities such as political advertising, fundraising, polling and media relations. Participants will also gain exposure to the substantive issues that influence election outcomes.
The AYPL 2016 will most likely begin in a “swing state” on or around 31 October and conclude in Washington, D.C. on 11 November. The two-week AYPL 2016 schedule will consist of meetings, campaign stops, and interactions with local and national party organisations. There will be opportunities to observe regional political dynamics, including stops in several U.S. States. At the conclusion of the election, participants will be able to discuss the election results and their observations with political analysts in Washington, D.C.
The Australian Greens have been afforded the opportunity to recommend one young member of the Australian Greens aged from 21 to 35 years of age who it is believed would benefit from participation in the 2016 AYPL program.
The Australian Greens' participant selected for the 2016 AYPL will be responsible for their own international airfare, meals and incidental expenses. The U.S. State Department will cover the costs of U.S. domestic airfares, accommodation, ground transportation, conference room rentals and working meals.
Should you wish to nominate as the Australian Greens' representative on the 2016 AYPL exchange program, please submit a copy of your current CV and covering letter detailing the following:
- your interest in U.S. politics and, in particular, the 2016 U.S. Presidential election; and
- an understanding of how this experience might develop your personal and professional skills as a young political leader.
Applications are encouraged from all Australian Greens party members, state/federal party employees and state/federal parliamentary employees who are aged between 21 and 35 years.
Please note, the successful applicant has a role as a representative of Australia, the Australian Young Political Leaders program, as well as the Australian Greens and are expected to conduct themselves professionally.
Applications close 5pm, 1 April 2016.