Chloe Butler
University of Florida
Hough Graduate School of Business
The Borgen Project is an innovative, national campaign that works with U.S. leaders to improve their response to the global poverty crisis. This 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization motivates our congressional leaders to support global poverty reduction and builds awareness of important legislation.
Political Affairs Internship
What is The Borgen Project?
As a Political Affairs Intern with The Borgen Project, I focused on directly communicating with my Congressional Leaders in Florida as well as staff at White House. I corresponded with my representatives to support bills that reduce global poverty and lead to economic and social development. I also engaged in mobilization efforts to advocate for the legislation we support as well as helped to increase civil engagement with constituents. The bills highlighted in the button below show some of the main legislation that The Borgen Project supports.
Below, you can view samples of my work throughout my internship. Some of the legislation that I pushed to congressional leaders included protecting the International Affairs Budget, the Food for Peace Reform Act, and the AGOA & MCC Modernization Act.
Protecting the International Affairs Budget reduces global poverty, improves education, increases access for women, which then all improve our domestic security, and overall global economy.
This bill proposes the adoption of cost-effective procurement to allow global food aid providers to purchase food locally rather than only in the U.S. which will reduce transportation costs and increase effectiveness.
This bill focuses on increasing interaction and transparency between AGOA and MCC to increase their reach to impoverished areas and increase international trade and investment.
When meeting with congressional leaders and their staff, I often presented this presentation prior to pushing a specific bill or bills. I would also speak to classes and campus organizations in an effort to mobilize constituents to contact their congressional leaders to support bills that protect the international affairs budget.
Through this internship, I was able to seriously challenge my communication skills as I met face-to-face with influential members of our government to push bills I felt passionate about. I was reminded how important it is to engage in your government and tell your congressional leaders how you want them to vote as they do so on your behalf.