Fellowships

Become a Ventura County Leadership Fellow or Intern!

The fight for democracy doesn’t begin in an election year—it starts now.

As we prepare for 2026, we must defend our local seats, flip Congress, and protect democracy from ongoing attacks. The Ventura County Democratic Party is building the next generation of leaders who will inform the community, defend rights, organize grassroots efforts, and help manage responses to political threats.

This Fellowship and Internship Program provides hands-on experience in organizing, communications, and political strategy while equipping participants with leadership and advocacy skills. Through education, outreach, and coalition-building, Fellows and Interns will play a direct role in strengthening our movement and mobilizing voters.

Past Fellows Have:

Attended graduate school in political science, law, and public policy.
Run for local office and taken on leadership roles in political organizations.
Interned with elected officials and progressive nonprofits.
Secured employment in advocacy, government, and policy-related fields.

Why Join?

✔ Defend democracy by informing and mobilizing the community.

✔ Contribute to impactful projects in outreach, communications, and strategy development.

✔ Gain valuable experience in political organizing, messaging, and digital outreach.

✔ Work on real-world issues affecting Ventura County and beyond.

✔ Build leadership skills with flexible scheduling (including hybrid options).

✔ Potential for community service hours or college credit (subject to institutional approval).

✔ Take on high-level projects and lead strategic initiatives.

Requirements

Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of work.
Interest in politics, government, organizing, and social justice.
Availability for at least 10 hours per week (more hours may be taken to meet academic requirements).
Strong interpersonal skills—comfortable engaging with voters and volunteers (no prior experience necessary).
Ability to learn and adapt—willing to take direction, work in a team, and develop new skills.
Interest in current events and policy issues that impact our communities.
Basic computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Docs, Canva).
Reliable, adaptable, and eager to contribute to meaningful change.

What You’ll Do

Inform & Defend the Community – Educate residents about their rights, counter misinformation, and support initiatives that protect civil liberties.
Organize & Mobilize – Recruit and train volunteers, engage voters, and strengthen grassroots coalitions across Ventura County.
Develop Communications & Digital Strategies – Assist in messaging, social media outreach, press relations, and content creation.
Plan & Execute Community Engagement – Organize town halls, voter registration drives, phone banks, and public forums.
Manage Political & Strategic Operations – Track political developments, analyze policy impacts, and help coordinate responses to attacks on democracy.
Support Democratic Party Leadership – Work on projects related to outreach, strategy, finance, and executive board initiatives while collaborating with party leaders, elected officials, and advocacy groups.