Notes from the Field: Noah Reichblum '15

Noah Reichblum was funded by the Rockefeller Center for a Winter 2014 internship, with generous support from the Perkins Bass ’34 Public Affairs Internship Fund. Rockefeller Center-funded interns reflect on their experiences as part of our "Notes from the Field" series. Click here to read more about the Rockefeller Center's Internships program. To read the entire series, click here.

Student Intern: Noah Reichblum ‘15

Internship Organization: The Centrist Project – Hanover, NH

How would you describe your employer in one paragraph? What’s the elevator pitch?
Taking the best ideas from both parties, the Centrist Project supports moderate senatorial candidates who are committed to bipartisanship and compromise in Washington. In 2012, forty percent of voters in exit polls indicated they were moderates. The Centrist Project wants to tap into this energy and elect senators who are committed to tackling America's fiscal, social, and environmental challenges.

What are your specific responsibilities in the organization?
As an intern for the Centrist Project, I research candidates' policy positions, assist in daily office duties, and work on forming student Centrist groups on college campuses throughout the northeast. My project is to start a Dartmouth Centrist student chapter. Aligned with the Centrist Project, the Dartmouth chapter will conduct voter outreach and other key duties.

How did you feel on the first day of your internship?
The Centrist Project is a growing, dynamic, and interesting organization. Having previously worked on Capitol Hill and in the Executive Branch, I was excited to work for a campaign organization here in New Hampshire.

What is your favorite part of the internship so far?
I have had the opportunity to learn about grassroots organizing. Before working for the Centrist Project, I had very little experience in voter outreach. Working with the Centrist Project's outreach manager and executive director has given me a different perspective on politics and what it takes to build an effective political organization.

What challenges have you faced so far?
The Centrist Project's small office means that my duties can change on a daily basis. In many ways, this is exciting and creates a really interesting work environment. However, I must continue to be flexible and able to adapt to different situations.

What do you hope to achieve by the end of your internship?
I hope to establish a Dartmouth chapter whose membership includes students of all ages and political backgrounds. The group will then assist in voter outreach or run termly projects, in association with the Centrist Project.

What have been some practical lessons you've learned in the day-to-day life of your internship?
Phone calls are always much more efficient than emailing. People become invested in a movement when they believe there is something personal at stake. Politics is challenging but incredibly rewarding.