The Arizona Public Health Association is a private, non-profit association based in Phoenix, Arizona. Our mission is to improve the health of Arizona’s communities through advocacy, education, and professional development. The association is a membership based group, open to anyone who is interested in public health issues in Arizona. AzPHA is a statewide organization. We have extensive collaborative relationships with other community based organizations that support public health issues. AzPHA will offer interns an inter-disciplinary field experience in a variety of public health related issues.
General Overview of Tasks Available
Work on a variety of projects and tasks that promote and support the work of the organization
Work with our partners on a variety of projects
Advocacy at the state, local and federal levels
Community outreach and education
Research, conference planning, data entry, and health promotion programs
AzPHA interns will have the ability to align their activities with their personal and professional interests, creating a portfolio which will be used to document learning objectives as they are achieved. Interns may select from activities such as:
Policy & Advocacy
Work closely with professional organizations such as Protecting Arizona’s Family Coalition, the AzPHA Legislative Committee, and the American Public Health Association’s government relations department to distribute alerts and discuss policy issues. Update advocacy materials, fact sheets Take monthly minutes of the AzPHA legislative meetings and help track bills Assist in the development of plans for any legislative activities that help implement previous resolutions within Arizona Assist with the development and preparation of testimony for various legislative hearings Assist with direct outreach and communication to AzPHA members, partners, by mailings, emails and phone calls to promote our advocacy Work directly with section members to research and draft resolution which form the basis for governance of AzPHA policy Assist with planning implementation or follow-up to legislative forums and meetings Work on “grass tops" advocacy by meeting with Congressional representatives to discuss AzPHA and APHA legislative priorities Learn how to use our online advocacy system to update and inform members and community partners on important public health advocacy issues
Program Planning & Communications
Develop original association literature and hand-outs for professional or lay audiences Network with existing AzPHA partners and collaborative organization as and identify new organizations whose missions and objectives complement that of AzPHA and with whom new partnerships should be pursued Represent AzPHA and offer health education input at coalition meetings Assist with public relations, including development of press releases and promotional materials Assist with direct outreach and communication to AzPHA members, section leaders, and partner organizations
Research
Assist in gathering and organizing background materials for AzPHA grants, cooperative agreements, and special topics Research and report on AzPHA priority topic areas as identified in the scope of work Attend and report on local seminars and briefings to gather information as needed
AzPHA Workshops & Seminars
Provide direct assistance in developing database of meeting speakers, AV needs, and related communications to speaker and conference participants Organize materials fro meeting sessions and work with AzPHA planning committee for all conferences and workshops
Other
Deliver direct program support to AzPHA staff, projects, and activities as needed Assist in data entry for various projects, ranging from membership updates to survey data, mailing, answering inquiries, etc.
Sample Intern Projects
Development and delivery of community based health education topic such as diabetes prevention, wellness, weight management, heart health, stress management, MRSA, etc. Assist with the development and implementation of section projects as needed As part of an interdisciplinary team, conduct a falls prevention program for seniors Work with public health departments and/or AHCCCS to conduct health education programs and outreach. Work with partner agencies to conduct research Survey members at all levels as part of an internal review process Assist in the development of web based materials for targeted audiences Assist professional organizations with the coordination of events and poster sessions Assist with grant writing and proposal development
Intern Benefits Include
Opportunity to attend health related hearings and briefings Opportunity to interact and network with other leaders and members in AzPHA and the public health community of Arizona Opportunity to gain valuable work experience in a professional office setting, with potential for letters of recommendation/commendation Opportunity to learn how: a nonprofits operate, govern, and are managed; staff interact and contribute to the organization; professional continuing education is planned, managed, and evaluated; coalitions are developed and nurtured; advocacy efforts are planned and implemented and other experiences pertinent to advanced competencies of public health professionals and working in a business environment Opportunity to interact with top public health leaders in Arizona Paid registration for AzPHA meetings Paid one year student membership for AzPHA
Qualifications and Prior Experience
Qualified applicants should be a pursuing a bachelor’s or a graduate degree in public health, health education, community health, health promotion, preventive medicine, or a related discipline, and completed two or more years of coursework with a 3.0 GPA or above. Coursework in health education/behavioral theory, multicultural communications, program planning, advocacy and policy/environmental approaches to improving health and other health education competencies is preferred.
The ideal candidate will be able to work with minimal supervision; have excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills; attention to detail; reliable and prompt; able to commit to a regular schedule; able to deal tactfully with a variety of personalities; and able to work in a team environment.
Required: Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, and Publisher. Internet research and database management experience preferable. Highly motivated, self starter.
Office Location
202 E. McDowell Rd., Suite 130, Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602-258-3361)
Housing
AzPHA is not able to provide housing for interns.
Stipend
No stipends are currently available. A stipend may be offered if grant supported. In-state travel for projects related to internship responsibilities is reimbursed at the federal rates. Interns must provide proof of insurance and use their own vehicle for transportation, as well as exact mileage to be reimbursed.
What you need to apply
The following items are needed for your internship application:
Resume
Personal statement describing your long-term career and educational goals
*You will be taken to an online form hosted by the Greater Valley Area Health Education Center (GVAHEC). When asked for your location preference, please select the Arizona Public Health Association office.
