Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be Catholic to apply?
Does NETWORK provide housing?
What is the work environment like?
How much administrative work is there?
Can I start the program late or leave early?
What do Associates do after the program?
Do I have to be Catholic to apply?
No! While we analyze our issues using principles from Catholic social teaching, our staff and Associates represent different faith traditions, and our work is enhanced by the contributions of diverse perspectives. We welcome applicants from any faith background who meet our qualifications.
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Does NETWORK provide housing?
NETWORK does not provide housing. While you would be responsible for making your own housing arrangements, we can assist by providing contact information for group housing situations. Most of these housing placements have hosted Associates in the past.
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What is the work environment like?
We hope you will feel welcome and valued as a member of the NETWORK team. You will join a group of progressive people committed to social justice who take the time to get to know one another and share fun as well as share the work.
The NETWORK staff are dedicated to finding alternative ways of working together that emphasize collaboration and communication. We do not have a strict hierarchy, but we work in teams (which we call “circles”). Each of us contributes to the organizational management and gives input on major organizational decisions.
You will have a staff mentor who will guide you and supervise your work. You will also have the opportunity to collaborate with other staff members and give input on our educational and outreach efforts, as well as our legislative strategy.
As time allows, you may also choose to learn about areas of the organization such as fundraising, Latino outreach, or communications.
As a staff, we take time to reflect upon our faith and get to know each other. Each day, staff who are available gather for lunch in our conference room and share stories and jokes. Four times a year we take time away from work or away from the office to explore our faith and deepen our knowledge of social justice work. And we throw some great parties!
We take pride in the fact that each year, participants in the Associate Program remark positively on the high level of responsibility they are given and the degree to which they participate in all facets of the organization.
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How much administrative work is there?
The Associate Program is designed to be a substantive learning experience, with a high degree of responsibility. This is not an internship where you might find yourself toiling away at the photocopier 38 hours per week and engaging in program work during the other 2 hours. You will be part of the legislative process – setting up and conducting lobby visits, attending coalition meetings, and mobilizing NETWORK members to take action – as well as part of the inner workings of the organization – participating in staff meetings and other organizational events.
Lobby Associates typically spend no more than 15% of their time doing administrative work such as photocopying, data entry, and envelope stuffing. The Field Associate typically spends approximately 10% of their time on administrative tasks.
You may be encouraged to know that NETWORK is a small organization committed to a collaborative style of work, and so all staff and Associates perform some administrative work.
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Can I start the program late or leave early?
No. The Associate Program is enhanced by the team-building and connections that occur as Associates experience the program together. In addition, because the staff time and effort needed to conduct orientation and evaluations for Associates is substantial, we are unable to tailor them to individual schedules. If you are not able to start the program in September and stay through July, this may not be the year for you to apply to the Associate Program.
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What do Associates do after the program?
“The 11-month experience provided me not only with new skills and knowledge to enable me to continue as a lobbyist, but a new awareness of and confidence in the possibilities of faith-full political activism.”
- Alison Prevost, Lobbyist, National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd (NETWORK Associate 2001-2002)
“NETWORK provided the conditions for my spirit to open, grow, and flower. I shared in the decisions as well as the struggle.”
- Jean Sammon, NETWORK Field Organizer (NETWORK Associate 1999-2000)
Associates have taken a variety of paths after their service with NETWORK. Here’s a sampling of what some former Associates have done:
Bernie, a Brother of the Divine Word, spent several years doing organizing and lobbying at NETWORK. He now applies his organizing skills to community work in Jamaica, where he helps coordinate a housing and microenterprise program.
Rachel came to NETWORK after graduating from Marquette University with a degree in political science. After NETWORK, Rachel participated directly in the legislative process as an aide to a Congressional Representative. She’s now pursuing an advanced degree.
Alison, a lobby Associate at NETWORK, was hired by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd for the first lobbyist position in their newly-formed advocacy office in Washington, DC.
You may be interested to know that 3 of our current staff were once Associates!
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Program Overview
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Qualifications
Stipend/Benefits
Housing
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Frequently Asked Questions
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