Common Learning Activities:

• Collaborate with the CEO/Board Advocacy Committee on strategic issues

• Develop and draft advocacy briefs for senior leadership

• Research trends and issues related to policy agenda

• Track status of current legislative bills and/or budget items

• Conduct needs assessments and program evaluations

• Learn from Ryther senior leadership and community partners across the region

• Attend advocacy events and meetings to highlight policy work

• Sharpen your communication skills by presenting to agency staff and board members

• Gain experience in macro level work through both in-person and virtual avenues

TRAININGS

Our rigorous onboarding process includes a variety of core trainings such as:

• Trauma-informed care

• Workplace expectations

• Ethical decision-making

• Equity and social justice

Additionally, students in this Learning Pathway get specific training and supervision in:

• Supervision with agency senior leadership

• Consultation with members of the board of directors

• Training in use of Theory of Change and RAPID decision-making tools

REQUIRED ELEMENTS

To fully participate in this Learning Pathway, interns should meet the following requirements:

• Available to attend some in-person events and meetings at Ryther’s main campus in Seattle.  (Hybrid work is available and many meetings will be virtual.)

• Able maintain practicum placement for no less than 6 months (2 quarters/semesters) with preference for those who can commit to at least 9 months.

• Able to complete assigned tasks outside of their specific Learning Pathway based on agency needs, school/program requirements, and individual learning goals.

• Acceptance of and ability to work with individuals and families with a variety of identities, behaviors, and cultural and spiritual practices with the ability to apply a social justice and equity lens to all aspects of this work.