It's no secret that the progressive movement could use more diversity. One of the biggest concerns I hear out here in Montana is the difficulty in taking opportunities in D.C. because of the financial difficulties for people who aren't rich to do it.
After all, who can afford D.C. prices for rent and food while working an unpaid internship?
A conversation with a friend today suggested an easy solution worth consideration: a small non-profit dedicated to identifying home-stay locations in the D.C. area for unpaid interns and the like who can't afford to rent an apartment or dorm room.
Hire staff who have worked for exchange student groups to help place people. Target wealthier progressives -- consultants and lobbyists -- for the first round of asks.
Housing could end up being secured, I would think, for as little as $1,000 or so per intern for entire semesters -- with that money going to pay for the staff and overhead of the operation.
The people accepting guests do a public service, meet interesting people from around the country, etc. The interns traveling get a housing solution that probably also helps them network into the progressive movement.
