NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

MEDIA CONTACT:

Gary Chythlook, Communications Manager

 (907) 677-1700, garychythlook@firstalaskans.org, www.firstalaskans.org

FIRST ALASKANS INSTITUTE RECRUITING LEGISLATIVE FELLOWS FOR THE 2010 PUBLIC POLICY FELLOWSHIP IN JUNEAU

(September 2, 2009 - Anchorage, AK) First Alaskans Institute begins recruitment for the third year of the Public Policy Fellowship. The fellowship will place two to four Alaska Natives in the State Legislature in Juneau during the upcoming 2010 Legislative session.

This paid 15-week fellowship runs from January 19 to April 18, 2010, in Juneau. The fellowship will begin with a two day intensive orientation in Anchorage before beginning work with the selected legislative office. Fellows commit to work five days a week for the full 15 week session. Eligible fellows will receive a housing stipend, a round trip ticket to Juneau, and will be paid an hourly wage.

The goal of the First Alaskans Public Policy Fellowship is to provide an opportunity for emerging Native leaders to become familiar with the state legislative process; understand their own histories; learn and use the skills of past, present and future leadership; and gain hands on experience with the issues that confront Alaska Natives and the State of Alaska. Fellows will gain real work experience while learning and participating in the state legislative and political process.

Timeline

·         Recruitment: September 1, 2009 - November 6, 2009

·         Application due date: November 6, 2009

·         Final selection of fellows: December 4, 2009

·         Fellowship program: January 19- April 18, 2010

Public Policy Fellows will be selected using a competitive application process. 

Application Process

Submit the following materials by November 6, 2009:

• A resume,
• Two letters of recommendation, and
• An essay describing how the Public Policy Fellowship will help achieve career and leadership goals.

*There is no academic requirement to be eligible for the Fellowship.

Send application materials to First Alaskans Institute, 606 E Street, Suite 200, Anchorage, Alaska 99501, or submit your application via email to info@firstalaskans.org.  Applications sent by mail must be postmarked no later than November 6, 2009.  Please call First Alaskans at 907-677-1700 with any questions you may have about the program.

First Alaskans Institute is an Alaska Native non-profit organization whose mission is to Advance Alaska Native People through community engagement, information and research, collaboration and leadership development. For more information about this or other initiatives of First Alaskans, please visit www.firstalaskans.org.

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606 E Street Suite 200 Anchorage, AK 99501   Tel: 907.677.1700  Fax: 907.677.1780  www.firstalaskans.org