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Policy and Advocacy

Learning Pathway Component

In addition to our excellent direct services for children, youth, and families, Ryther also participates in policy and advocacy work to bring positive social change to our region.  Our work covers various areas such as:  local and state legislation, child/youth policy, mental health, Medicaid, unhoused youth, and more.  This Learning Pathway offers a lot of flexibility and the specific policy agenda would depend on the student’s interest area and current trends.

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We are currently accepting the following internship applications for this Learning Pathway:

SPRING 2024

2nd Year / Advanced Master's

SUMMER 2024

2nd Year / Advanced Master’s

FALL 2024

2nd Year / Advanced Master’s

WINTER 2025

No Openings.

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

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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

 

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

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  • 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

 

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REQUIRED ELEMENTS

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

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  • 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.

For further information, contact the Director of Learning and Vocation
learning@ryther.org

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