Transcript ION Government Fellows Program Overview

The Institute of Navigation
GOVERNMENT FELLOWS
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
ION Government
Fellows Program
 What is the ION Government
– Congressional Fellow
– Executive Fellow
Fellows Program?
 What does a Congressional/Executive Fellow
– Activities
– Obligations
– Experiences of Recent Fellows
 Who is eligible?
– Is this the right opportunity for me?
– How are fellows placed in Washington, D.C.?
 What
costs are covered/involved?
do?
Purpose of the Program
“To offer ION members a unique
educational experience while providing
Congress (or the Executive Branch) a
resource of technical experience and private
sector perspectives that will help foster
effective public policy on the issues that
affect our society and our profession.”
ION Fellowship Opportunities
 Congressional
Fellow
– Serves as a Science and Technology staffer for a
member of Congress or a congressional committee
– Outgoing Congressional Fellow can assist incoming
fellow in identifying opportunities
 Executive
Fellow
– Serves as a science and technology advisor in an
executive department
– There are known opportunities within the U.S. State
and Commerce Departments
Fellowship Activities

Support a member of Congress, or department, or
committee
– Typically one calendar year
– An extension of up to 3 months may be authorized by the ION
Council

Activities include:
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Providing unbiased advice on science and technology policy
Preparing for and attending hearings
Working on legislation
Preparing for and attending meetings and briefings
Conducting research
Corresponding with constituents and others
Preparing talking points for TV interviews and public speeches
Interacting with lobbyists, special interest groups, state visitors, etc.
Obligations of a Fellow

The fellow’s first allegiance is to the member or
department or committee where he/she serves
– You are an insider
– You will not lobby in behalf of any outside agency, person or
organization
– You will protect confidential proceedings and discussions from
untimely disclosure
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Report to the ION:
– At June and January Council meetings
– Write a quarterly column for the ION Newsletter
– Provide timely reports to ION and “heads-up” on pending
legislation or executive actions of interest to the ION membership
subject to confidentiality constraints
Previous Fellows
PHIL WARD, 2001-2002
– Served with Senator James Inhofe (R-Okla.)
– Influenced policy on GPS “NAVWAR” and
RFI attributable to UWB services
CLARK COHEN, 2002-2003
– Served with Senator Carl Levin (D-Mich.)
– Advised on “CAFÉ” policy
– Investigated “Special Purpose Entities”
established between banks and Enron, Inc.
Why Should I Apply?

“The most stimulating
professional experience
of my career.”
– Phil Ward
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“Could I ever forgive
myself for passing up the
opportunity for total
immersion in one of the
most important and
powerful institutions
affecting American life?”
– Clark Cohen
Is This the Right
Opportunity for Me?
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Am I interested in public service?
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Do I flourish when working under intense time pressures?
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Am I adaptable in rapidly evolving situations?
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Is this the right time for me to apply?
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A sabbatical year for university faculty
Retiring from active military service
Financially secure self-employed (consultant)
Considering a career change
Candidate for a corporate sponsored IPA or equivalent support
 HOWEVER: You cannot represent the interests of that
company
Who Is Eligible?

At least EIGHT YEARS responsible experience in navigation or
engineering programs
– Industry, university, consulting
– OR six years + master’s in engineering or qualified science
– OR three years + doctoral degree
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U.S. Citizen
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ION member when application is filed
– Membership costs $75.00/year
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Application filed by March 15 of each year
– See ION Website for application forms
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ION Selection Committee interviews
– Before or during ION Annual Meeting
– Annual Meeting held in June
Placement Process
 Once
approved by the ION:
– Distribute CV to congressional members/committees
or executive departments
– Attend AAAS sponsored training session in
Washington, DC during September
– Interview for placement with a member of congress,
or a congressional committee, or in an executive
department
– It is advisable that you be comfortable with the
political orientation of your assignment
What Costs Are Covered?

Transportation, lodging, and tuition for the AAAS
orientation session
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Relocation to Washington, D.C. and return after
completing service
– Up to $8,000 for two-way expenses
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Stipend of $70,000 (as of 2015)
– One calendar year
– Paid monthly
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Travel, lodging, and registration fees for attendance at ION
NTM and Annual Meetings
For More Information
Visit the ION Website at:
http://www.ion.org
– All fellowship program details
– Application forms
– Reports from previous fellows