Wiki source for StaffandInternExpectations
====Staff and Intern Expectations====
**Why you are here: **A knowledgeable electorate is the strongest component of a functioning democracy. Information about elected officials and candidates is crucial to maintaining the defense of one's rights and privileges guaranteed in the Constitution. In that spirit, Vote Smart provides a comprehensive database about thousands of candidates and elected officials including the president, congress, governors, and state legislators. Less detailed information is available at the county and local level for each state.
We want to reiterate that Vote Smart would be unable to provide the programs and services we do without the contributions of our interns and staff, and we appreciate the fact that you have chosen to spend 10 weeks, 2 years, or a lifetime(!) here. We need your best effort each and every day as we work to improve the political process in the United States!
===You will be able to contribute to "saving democracy" in real and meaningful ways===
Even as an intern, there may be opportunities for you to initiate your own projects, make suggestions for change, and supervise others. Just tell us how you'd like to help!
===Every day that you come to work (or come back from lunch) we expect you to be on time and ready to work===
The workday at Vote Smart begins at 8AM. If you are late to work, you will be asked to take that time off unpaid/uncredited (in the most extreme cases, interns or staff have been asked to leave us, so yes, it does happen). This will certainly affect your evaluation and our recommendations of you to future employers. If you are sick or otherwise unable to come to work, be sure to communicate this to your supervisor. If you would like to take a day off, come in late one day, or leave early, please request this at least one week in advance. Interns: do note that you will be required to make up missed hours before the end of your internship. Staff: If you are planning to take a more extended absence, please notify management several weeks in advance so that they can properly plan for your absence.
===Everyone is entitled to two breaks a day of up to 15 minutes each and lunch is traditionally taken from 12:00-1:00 pm (Based on a full 8 hour workday)===
Please coordinate your lunch with your supervisor. You are allowed to take a 30 minute break IF you clear it with your direct supervisor first. You must tell them every time that you wish to take a 30 minute break (this is not necessary for a 15 minute break). If you abuse the 30 minute break then your supervisor can deny you that privilege. If you have a chore that will take you out of the office during the workday, please let your supervisor know.
===Staying on-task is vital to meeting our goals===
It is not appropriate to be on Facebook/Twitter/non-work-related websites at any point during the day besides breaks or lunchtime. Spending time with personal emails or Facebook messages will interrupt your concentration and the concentration of your fellow interns and staff. Be aware that your computers are monitored. Obvious exceptions would be using those sites for research purposes and/or if you are working inside the Development and Communications Department and are responsible for posting content on the official Vote Smart social media sites.
===Bring your Music or Find a Podcast ===
Many of our best interns and staff in the past have found that listening to music while working helps them to stay focused and on task while in the office.
Staff Suggestions for Intern Survival: NPR.org, This American Life, TED Talks (no need to watch, just listen), Planet Money, PBS American Experience (documentaries can all be listened to while not watching), Orvis Fly Fishing Podcast, 90s Pop Pandora, Freakonomics Podcast, Beer Smith Podcast (http://www.beersmith.com), Soothing Tones (http://free-binaural-beats.com/), 84 Part Series on the History of WWII, do it! ([[http://worldwariipodcast.net/wordpress/2012/01/episode-1/]]), The Bugle Podcast [[http://thebuglepodcast.com/]]
===While in the office you are asked to keep side conversations to a "dull roar"===
...especially while others are on the phone. You may have noticed that our office lacks many cubicles, doors, etc. and so we have to be courteous of everyone. Other people likely have different work habits than you! If needed, a conversation can move outside or to the conference room. Please try to limit all conversations, be it online or in-person, to work-related matters and limit their noise.
===Remain professional in the office===
Part of the unique nature of this workplace is the amount of interaction between staff and interns, especially when compared with a congressional office, for example. We do, however, expect the office to operate under a set of professional rules, so please keep that in mind throughout the duration of your time here.
===If you have a question, please follow the appropriate chain of command===
First, check the wiki to see if your question is addressed on there. Then, consult with your immediate supervisor.
===Please be aware that you will be evaluated throughout your time here===
You will also have the opportunity to evaluate your supervisor, those that you supervise, and your experience as a whole. It is our hope to make your time here an enjoyable, valuable, and productive experience for both yourself and Vote Smart.
The staff and interns in the past that have had the most rewarding experiences are the ones that are best able to keep the big picture in mind. Keep in mind what you are contributing to - a Voter's Self Defense System that is needed now more than ever as we head into the next election.
[[CategoryAllStaffandInterns]]
[[CategoryOrientation]]
**Why you are here: **A knowledgeable electorate is the strongest component of a functioning democracy. Information about elected officials and candidates is crucial to maintaining the defense of one's rights and privileges guaranteed in the Constitution. In that spirit, Vote Smart provides a comprehensive database about thousands of candidates and elected officials including the president, congress, governors, and state legislators. Less detailed information is available at the county and local level for each state.
We want to reiterate that Vote Smart would be unable to provide the programs and services we do without the contributions of our interns and staff, and we appreciate the fact that you have chosen to spend 10 weeks, 2 years, or a lifetime(!) here. We need your best effort each and every day as we work to improve the political process in the United States!
===You will be able to contribute to "saving democracy" in real and meaningful ways===
Even as an intern, there may be opportunities for you to initiate your own projects, make suggestions for change, and supervise others. Just tell us how you'd like to help!
===Every day that you come to work (or come back from lunch) we expect you to be on time and ready to work===
The workday at Vote Smart begins at 8AM. If you are late to work, you will be asked to take that time off unpaid/uncredited (in the most extreme cases, interns or staff have been asked to leave us, so yes, it does happen). This will certainly affect your evaluation and our recommendations of you to future employers. If you are sick or otherwise unable to come to work, be sure to communicate this to your supervisor. If you would like to take a day off, come in late one day, or leave early, please request this at least one week in advance. Interns: do note that you will be required to make up missed hours before the end of your internship. Staff: If you are planning to take a more extended absence, please notify management several weeks in advance so that they can properly plan for your absence.
===Everyone is entitled to two breaks a day of up to 15 minutes each and lunch is traditionally taken from 12:00-1:00 pm (Based on a full 8 hour workday)===
Please coordinate your lunch with your supervisor. You are allowed to take a 30 minute break IF you clear it with your direct supervisor first. You must tell them every time that you wish to take a 30 minute break (this is not necessary for a 15 minute break). If you abuse the 30 minute break then your supervisor can deny you that privilege. If you have a chore that will take you out of the office during the workday, please let your supervisor know.
===Staying on-task is vital to meeting our goals===
It is not appropriate to be on Facebook/Twitter/non-work-related websites at any point during the day besides breaks or lunchtime. Spending time with personal emails or Facebook messages will interrupt your concentration and the concentration of your fellow interns and staff. Be aware that your computers are monitored. Obvious exceptions would be using those sites for research purposes and/or if you are working inside the Development and Communications Department and are responsible for posting content on the official Vote Smart social media sites.
===Bring your Music or Find a Podcast ===
Many of our best interns and staff in the past have found that listening to music while working helps them to stay focused and on task while in the office.
Staff Suggestions for Intern Survival: NPR.org, This American Life, TED Talks (no need to watch, just listen), Planet Money, PBS American Experience (documentaries can all be listened to while not watching), Orvis Fly Fishing Podcast, 90s Pop Pandora, Freakonomics Podcast, Beer Smith Podcast (http://www.beersmith.com), Soothing Tones (http://free-binaural-beats.com/), 84 Part Series on the History of WWII, do it! ([[http://worldwariipodcast.net/wordpress/2012/01/episode-1/]]), The Bugle Podcast [[http://thebuglepodcast.com/]]
===While in the office you are asked to keep side conversations to a "dull roar"===
...especially while others are on the phone. You may have noticed that our office lacks many cubicles, doors, etc. and so we have to be courteous of everyone. Other people likely have different work habits than you! If needed, a conversation can move outside or to the conference room. Please try to limit all conversations, be it online or in-person, to work-related matters and limit their noise.
===Remain professional in the office===
Part of the unique nature of this workplace is the amount of interaction between staff and interns, especially when compared with a congressional office, for example. We do, however, expect the office to operate under a set of professional rules, so please keep that in mind throughout the duration of your time here.
===If you have a question, please follow the appropriate chain of command===
First, check the wiki to see if your question is addressed on there. Then, consult with your immediate supervisor.
===Please be aware that you will be evaluated throughout your time here===
You will also have the opportunity to evaluate your supervisor, those that you supervise, and your experience as a whole. It is our hope to make your time here an enjoyable, valuable, and productive experience for both yourself and Vote Smart.
The staff and interns in the past that have had the most rewarding experiences are the ones that are best able to keep the big picture in mind. Keep in mind what you are contributing to - a Voter's Self Defense System that is needed now more than ever as we head into the next election.
[[CategoryAllStaffandInterns]]
[[CategoryOrientation]]
