Washington Leadership Program 2003: Indian American Center for
Political Awareness




Over 130 students have experienced working of U.S. political system
WASHINGTON: This past summer, the Indian American Center for Political Awareness (IACPA) Washington Leadership Program (WLP) placed 15 interns in Congressional offices. It marked the 10th year that the WLP has given Indian-American university students a behind-the-scenes look at Washington and the political process.

IACPA’s Washington Leadership Program (WLP) honored
WASHINGTON: At its annual Capitol Hill dinner this summer, the Indian American Friendship Council (IAFC) honored the Indian American Center for Political Awareness’s (IACPA) Washington Leadership Program (WLP) for its outstanding contributions to the community.

‘WLP helped me see ways I could make a difference’
I spent most of this summerng and sorting letters, answering phone calls and running errands for the office of Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY).

Interns With Representatives: In Their Own Words
More than anything, this program gave me a means to find where my passions exist. For example, my experiences in working on my Congressional assignments dealing with the Chile and Singapore Free Trade Agreements made me realize the influence that trade can have.

‘Lesson I learned is that politics is the exploration and comprehension of human nature’
My time spent on the Hill was truly a remarkable experience that has left an indelible impression. By my second week of working in Congressman Mark Foley’s (R-FL) office, I was assigned a project on interstate parental abductions and later received another project regarding immigration. I also attended many hearings and briefings. Even when I did clerical and constituent work, I found there was much to be learned from the concerns of the constituents.

‘One of the central things I learned was how important it is to stand up for your views’
Many people believe you can loose yourself by getting involved in politics, but this summer I found myself through politics. This summer, I was given the opportunity to intern for Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC). Through this internship, I learned the ins and outs of our government, while developing a desire to pursue a Capitol Hill career. This internship also provided me with the skills I will need for future successes.

‘I have made a commitment, as Gandhi said, to be the change I wish to see in the world’
During an IACPA dinner, we were asked to pick one word to describe our time in Washington, D.C. My response was “engaged.” My experience as a member, however small, of the machine that roars to life to run this nation has invested me in the democratic process. Regardless of where I eventually choose to devote my time, be it in an international nongovernmental organization, an educational institution, or in a governing body, I will have no option but to involve myself in the political process.

Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ). Photo right, Sanchay Krishna, who interned with him
At first I, was skeptical about spending a summer with 14 other Indian Americans, but after meeting everyone and getting to know all of them, I’m glad that I did. Getting to meet a lot of new people, making several new friends, building relationships, and networking with a lot of people has allowed me to grow as a person ----- both mentally and personally.

After internship, Rep. Filner ‘offered me a place on his permanent staff’
During my senior year at Stanford, I remember dinner discussions and hallway debates on politics, especially in the wake of 9/11. While I enjoyed political conversations, I did not feel content keeping my passion in the dorm. I wanted to be where the “oaks stood” ----- I wanted to be in Congress.

‘Every constituent does count; voices are heard’
This summer has been both informative and inspirational with regards to my knowledge of both the Indian-American community and politics.