Exec Voter Guide

November 2008 IOP Executive Election Voter Information Guide (ordered by office and last name) President and Vice-President Mary Cox and Jon Gould Tejas Sathian and Elsa Paparemborde

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Treasurer Sarah Hinkfuss Andrew McCarthy Will Ruben Tarun Singh

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Communications Director Amy Beeson Tarun Singh With election-related questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact [email protected]

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MARY COX & JON GOULD

The IOP has changed both our lives. It’s a place where we’ve met friends and mentors, discovered new interests, and been inspired to try to make a difference through politics. We’re running because we believe we have the ideas, energy, and experience to ensure that everyone has these opportunities and more. Please feel free to e-mail us with any questions! MaryCox@fas and Gould@fas RESTORING STUDENT OWNERSHIP UNIFYING THE IOP We will be your advocates for ideas that excite and inspire you. We will listen to your thoughts and work to come up with exciting ideas of our own. Key initiatives include: •A Washington J-Term leadership program anticipating the new University calendar •IOP TV, an online program featuring interviews and student punditry •Active partnerships with policy makers, media outlets, and others in Washington •Expanded opportunities for internships and careers in public service

We will improve opportunities for IOPers to engage with each other socially and substantively across programs. We understand that the greatest resource at the IOP is the students, and will work to capitalize on this through: •A new IOP Member-at-Large designation to empower non-chairs and create an IOP community beyond individual programs •A greater variety of IOP-wide social events such as mixers, pub trivia, and movie nights •Improved collaboration between IOP Programs on projects which share common ground

LEADING INCLUSIVELY

BRIDGING POLITICS & SERVICE We will work to bridge the divide between political action and community service through: •Reinvigorated IOP Days of Service to bring us together in a way that only shared actions toward a common goal can •A student Director of Service to act as an ambassador to PBHA and the Harvard service community at large. • A culture that values service programs (CIVICS, Citizenship, and CAC) and better integrates them into the IOP, in particular merging service with policy dialogue and advocacy

“I’ve worked with Mary and Jon and seen the great work they have done at the IOP. They always work to ensure everyone’s voices are heard, regardless of political persuasion.” - HRC Pres. Colin Motley

We will lead an open and collaborative executive team that works to bring the IOP community together and include all IOP members in the organization’s leadership. We will: •Be present and visible, making ourselves available to students across the IOP •Host IOP-wide general meetings that foster community and encourage a sense of common purpose •Better communication through a Google calendar with all IOP events and a weekly student newsletter

“The only people I love more than the tourists taking my picture are Jon and Mary!” - John Harvard

“I know Mary and Jon very well and have always been able to count on them to get something done. I look forward to watching them improve the IOP.” - Dems Pres. Jarret Zafran

AN IOP OF THE STUDENTS, BY THE STUDENTS, FOR THE STUDENTS

Tejas Sathian and Elsa Paparemborde President and Vice-President We want to make the IOP a place where you can engage in and practice politics and public service, not just learn about them. After two and a half years at the IOP, we believe that with a pragmatic and creative approach, we can make these goals a reality over the coming year. Tapping into the IOP Network We plan to formalize and strengthen the IOP’s network of students, alumni, and former Fellows and Directors. We believe that sustained dialogue with these constituencies will allow us to more effectively pursue the IOP’s fundamental goals and build a stronger sense of community by fostering lasting ties to the organization. We will: • Build a database of IOP contacts that is accessible and searchable online • Expand on current mentoring efforts by matching students with alumni mentors Improving student access to public service internships and careers Following on the heels of a historic presidential campaign, now is a crucial time to increase the number of students who enter the public sector during and after their time at Harvard. We plan to: • Reach out to alumni and past fellows to set up more summer and term-time internship opportunities for IOP students • Push for hiring a new IOP staff member to assist with career advising • Use the new IOP network as a resource for career advising Expanding the IOP’s presence in Washington, DC The IOP has an incredible array of connections in our nation’s capital. It’s time we started utilizing them more effectively. We will: • Formalize and restructure the summer program so that activities more effectively complement the internship experience • Work to institute an IOP program in Washington during the new January term and involve students in structuring and planning this new initiative • Collaborate with College administrators to discuss the possibility of a term-time program in Washington Fostering more effective campus and community advocacy We will expand the IOP’s efforts to engage students with political issues affecting the campus and local community. We envision an IOP that helps groups, both on and off campus, translate community engagement into politics and ideas into actions. We will: • Assist political groups on campus with advocacy efforts • Collaborate with service organizations on community service projects Making the IOP a nationwide hub for student political engagement We intend to further develop the IOP’s national programs to more effectively export our successes here to our partner schools across the country. We will: • Host nationwide conferences on issues that impact young people • Improve dialogue with political organizations at other college campuses

What’s the COLOR of Money? The IOP Treasurer sits on the GRANTS Board, the body charged with distributing the money that the IOP has designated for other groups. As Treasurer, I would expand current publicity efforts by engaging in a financial DIALOGUE with other organizations before, during and after the grant process. I would work with staff to make in-kind assistance a SYSTEMATIC consideration.

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I envision the IOP as an organization that is recognized for meaningfully contributing to the undergraduate community and that reflects the DIVERSITY, inclusiveness and PASSION of the student body. The IOP can welcome those students who are currently only in service, pre-professional and cultural and racial groups by articulating a CONSISTENT and CLEAR message. As Treasurer, I would build on the RELATIONSHIPS that I have developed with leaders of undergraduate organizations as Forum Chair.

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$$$$ iiss R REED D,, W WH HIIT TEE,, aanndd B BLLU UEE The IOP Treasurer has the most flexibility of the Executive Team to LEVERAGE RESOURCES to support program chairs and participants with: • Day-to-day activities, • Events, and • Long-term goals.

Hi guys, I use the ‘color of money’ motif to express my vision for the role of the IOP Treasurer within the Executive Team. Money because it’s what the Treasurer is associated with; colors because I envision the role as more than what may meet the eye. Don’t take me at my word: look to the IOP Forum Program, the place where I have spent most of my time, and talk with the students and staff with whom I’ve worked. Ask me about my experience. If my ideas have caught your eye, or if you think I’m crazy, please get in touch so we can continue this discussion. Looking forward to hearing from you! Best, Sarah hinkfuss@fas

I’m Sarah Hinkfuss. I seek your support in becoming the next IOP Treasurer.

Andrew J. McCarthy for IOP Treasurer Hey everyone! I’m Andrew McCarthy and I’m currently the co-chair of the CIVICS Program. The IOP has been an integral part of my life for the past two years and I am deeply committed to serving the organization as Treasurer. The IOP is a phenomenal organization and I intend to help it reach its maximum potential as Treasurer. I promise I’m a nice guy, despite the fact that I look like a giant tool in my photo— that “no, really, don’t you think I belong on Entourage?” look is totally a joke. My plans as Treasurer include: Publicizing the IOP’s Activities and Available Resources • Meeting with student group leaders to publicize the IOP grant application process • Finalizing a financial aid program for students whose financial needs prevent them from participating in IOP programs • Taking careful notes at SAC meetings and making the minutes available to the IOP at large • Finding a long-term solution to funding IOP Parties • Advocating for student political groups in need of IOP funding • Reviewing monthly expense reports and working closely with IOP Staff and SAC members to allocate the student budget • Making expense reimbursement forms available online Developing a Term-Time Internships Program in the Boston Area • Working with local and state-level governmental institutions to create term-time internships for Harvard undergraduates • Giving Harvard students real experience in government and public service during the semester while engaging them in community issues Fostering a Stronger Relationship between the IOP and PBHA • Developing internship opportunities with the institutions with which PBHA programs work • Working closely with IOP-PBHA liaisons to develop events among both organizations’ programs • I have considerable experience with PBHA as current chair of the only joint IOP-PBHA program Creating a More Cohesive IOP Community • The Treasurer is the de facto Fun Czar of the IOP—I will work to create a variety of social events which build community within the IOP such as IOP-wide Pub Trivia Nights, inter-program competitive events, and the IOP = Iota Omicron Pi Toga Party • Retaining IOP members who participate in high turnover programs (e.g., Fellows and Study Groups and the Forum) by reaching out to them in January and encouraging their interest in other programs • Organizing staff-student luncheons twice a semester Expanding the IOP’s Presence in the Harvard Community • Organizing small programs for those with a casual interest in politics who want to learn more about politics and issues—for example dinner discussions with faculty or IOP fellows in dining halls • Holding events such as lectures and workshops in the Houses

W ILL R UBEN

FOR

IOP T REASURER

EXTENSIVE IOP INVOLVEMENT – ALL 5 SEMESTERS QUALIFIED FOR EXECUTIVE TEAM AND TREASURER • FELLOWS PROGRAM – I am a three-time liaison and have been on the Fellows Selection Committee all of my semesters at Harvard. • SPECIAL EVENTS – Currently on SPEV. Helped to organized the Election 101 Pizza and Politics series and am currently working on the Campaign Managers Conference website. DC Trip 2008 participant. • CAMPUS VOICES – Helped with issue-coverage of the election and reported from the Republican and Democratic National Conventions. • INTERNSHIPS – Received an IOP stipend freshman year and was an “employer” for VoteGopher.com IOP stipend recipients last summer. • HPR & NATIONAL CAMPAIGN – Have written for the HPR and was involved in H-Vote my freshman year.

FELLOWS SELECTION COMMITTEE CHAIR • In charge of the committee that interviews and recommends applicants for the IOP Fellowship. • Actively involved in the recruiting process for IOP Fellows, including soliciting recommendations from other student groups – groups that I would work with as Treasurer. • Work closely with the IOP staff, including Bill Purcell and Cathy McLaughlin.

AGENDA AS TREASURER • A MORE ACCESSIBLE GRANTS PROCESS – I will move the application truly online (not just downloadable) and therefore will be able to make it much more accessible on the IOP’s website. I will hold information sessions and send email reminders about the process. • WILL REACH OUT TO MORE STUDENT GROUPS ELIGIBLE FOR GRANTS I will be more proactive in reaching out to student groups and campus leaders who are good candidates for IOP grants. • COMMITTED TO FUNDING IOP SOCIAL EVENTS – I will push for more social events and continue to seek funding for those that have been successful. • A VALUABLE VOICE ON THE EXECUTIVE TEAM – I will continue to attend the meetings of many IOP programs and will serve as their liaison to the Executive Team. I will take my role on the Executive Team seriously and look forward to working with the IOP staff and the new President and Vice President – whomever is elected. • AND MORE…Feel free to email me at [email protected].

Like many of you who will be voting in the upcoming IOP SAC elections, the IOP has meant a great deal to me, and frankly, it was the reason why I chose Harvard over other schools. The IOP has played a significant role in my Harvard experience, as I’m sure it has in yours, and that’s why I am running for treasurer, in order to improve on that experience to accentuate the IOP’s role as the central hub of all things political. To make this goal possible, my agenda would focus on three major categories: Improving Financial Policies Being treasurer I would expand the Grants process by which student organizations can get funding for events that promote a better understanding of politics and public service. It is unfortunate that so many student organizations are unaware of this process by which they can get funding from the IOP. Further, I would do a better job of making it known that the IOP is funding events such as the Dems and Republicans’ trips during campaign season- this type of funding exemplifies what the IOP is about and students should associate the IOP with such programs. Further, being the current chair of Internships I have seen the program expand from 40 Director’s Internships to 50 and have seen the funding expand to $4,000 for each Director’s Internship. While I am excited to welcome this expansion, as treasurer I would try to ensure that Internship and Stipend funding accounts for the cost of living differences in different areas. $4000 goes a lot further in New Mexico than New York and the IOP’s policies ought to account for that in order to make it easier for students to spend the summer enjoying their internship. Improving the IOP Environment Too often students associate the IOP as being a group of elitist individuals who lack approachability and as an institution that is hard to get involved in. This is a particularly salient concern when speaking to freshman whose involvement at the IOP dies down as the year progresses. However, there are a few things that can be done to eliminate this image, which is for the most part, over-exaggerated. As treasurer I would continue the current SAC team’s policies of holding more social events such as parties, but would also expand the events to include more low-key events such as IOP outings in the Boston area, the IOP movie nights, and ice cream socials. I also feel that the mentorship program started by the current SAC executive team ought to be expanded to include more events throughout the year. Other simple changes which such as an online feedback form, inviting visiting Professors to special study groups, taking advantage of MIT and BU resources would help make the IOP experience that much better. I also feel it would be helpful to expand on working with other student groups, as internships chair I was able to get the Democrats and Republicans to share internship information with the IOP. As such, I would push for a program in which one or two student groups were invited to at least 1 SAC meeting a semester to discuss how the IOP can collaborate with them. I feel that these simple changes would add to the moral of the IOP student body and help greatly with freshman retention. Student Staff Relationships Having worked with the staff as a forum lead, forum usher, citizenship tutor, and internships chair, I am convinced that the staff at the IOP is what makes this place as valuable as it is. Being on the SAC exec team I would set aside time for each program to meet with its staff member, outside of the IOP, whether it be a picnic or some other outing to foster a better staff student relationship. I would also promote staffstudent activities such as softball games and basketball games, so both students and staff can take time off from the Harvard environment and just get to know each other better. I feel this would help relieve some stress and tension as well as provide the IOP with some well needed bonding time. This would help students understand the staff on a more personal level and thus help get beyond the simple worker/student relationship that sometimes makes the interaction seem too mundane. These are just a few of the policies that I would implement if I had the privilege to serve as a part the SAC exec team, and I look forward to any feedback that any of you have, Tarun (You can always email me at [email protected])

AMY BEESON for

communications director If elected to serve as your Communications Director, I will: Be proactive in outreach to pre-frosh, freshmen and potential new members throughout the year, presenting the IOP as a unified organization of varied programs with a strong, shared mission, a wealth of resources, and a wide range of approaches to facilitating engagement in politics and public service. Keep you up-to-date with one comprehensive list of what’s going on at the IOP in any given week. Work to improve internal communication and cohesion at the IOP, and actively explore possibilities for greater collaboration between programs. Engage with other student groups at Harvard that could enrich the IOP and stand to benefit from collaboration, especially campus political groups and service organizations such as PBHA. Be a voice on the Exec Team for bridging the gap between community service and public service, enhancing the IOP’s own sense of community, and continually expanding opportunities for student involvement, drawing on my past involvement in diverse IOP programs (Citizenship Tutoring, Fellows and Study Groups, and National Campaign).