About NYS Senator Gustavo Rivera (NY-33)
State Senator Gustavo Rivera represents the 33rd Senate District in the Bronx, which includes the neighborhoods of Belmont, Fordham, Van Nest, East Tremont, Riverdale and Norwood.
Since his election in 2010, Senator Gustavo has dedicated his efforts to change the way business is done in the legislature and to ensuring that the families of the 33rd Senate District have a voice in Albany.
In January 2013, Senator Rivera became the ranking member of the New York Senate’s Health Committee. Since then, Senator Rivera has championed legislation that addresses issues of health inequity such as the two smoking ban bills around schools and afterschool programs which he helped become law. Since March 2017, he became the main sponsor of the “New York Health Act,” a bill that will create innovative single-payer health in New York State.
In 2011, Senator Rivera launched the Bronx CAN (Changing Attitudes Now) Health Initiative. The goal of this community-oriented health initiative is not only to encourage Bronx residents to develop healthy behaviors but to shape policies that will help tear down some of the institutional barriers that stand in the way of Bronxites having a healthier lifestyle.
Senator Rivera also worked as a community organizer on New York State campaigns, as well as on President Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign. He was also employed as a professor at Pace University and a staff member for U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.
Community Affairs & Constituent Services Internship
The Office of State Senator Gustavo Rivera seeks interns for the Community Affairs department. The department assists Bronx residents in overcoming obstacles in navigating government agencies, maintains relationships with local leaders and concerned neighbors, and engages in community organizing with elected and neighborhood groups to tackle tough issues facing Bronx residents. Ideal opportunity for individuals looking for government and community organizing experience.
Those specializing in Social Work or related fields can apply specifically to engage in projects and tasks related to Constituent Services. This includes intake protocols, fact-finding, intergovernmental communications, mediation, research, and data entry tasks.
Responsibilities: Assist staff in receiving and responding to constituent inquiries (phone, email, mail, etc.); Assist in event planning including scheduling, materials preparation, and logistical support (town hall meetings, street fairs, parades, community board meetings, etc.); Represent the Senator at select meetings and events; Support community organizing campaigns, including scheduling and preparing trainings; Provide clerical support, including data entry, filing and materials/correspondence distribution; Attend skills-building trainings and educational forums; Contribute to other office projects as necessary to advance the mission of the State Senator.
Qualifications: Interns should have an interest in public service/public affairs and have strong writing and verbal skills, capacity to multitask and problem solve.
Start date: IMMEDIATELY
Hours: Minimum of 10-15 hours per week
Location: In-person, Monday through Thursday, 10 AM – 6 PM
2432 Grand Concourse, Suite 506, Bronx NY 1058
Compensation: Unpaid; will complete the paperwork necessary for the student to receive available college credit(s) or outside grants.
TO APPLY: Email cover letter and resume to grivera@nysenate.gov.
