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Wading into the fray
When I moved to DC in 1995 in the wake of the Republican victory in Congress, I wanted to convert my liberal academic ideals into practical action. I set up a series of informational interviews with feminist organizations, media watchdog groups, and political magazines and newspapers.

A clear picture quickly emerged: If I wanted to work in policy, advocacy, or reporting, I'd have to do it for free, at least initially. Only working in fundraising or direct mail for such organizations would net me a living wage. After searching and temping for two months, I found a temporary position with the Library of Congress which offered a compromise. It paid well, despite a lack of benefits, and allowed me to write about emerging debates in federal information policy.

I spent my first year devouring political books, talking to other young workers at bars and receptions, and discussing American culture with my international roommates. While it was exciting at first, the buzz of partisan statements and dropped names began to irritate me. Time spent with my liberal friends did not seem much different than the evenings I ended up out with conservatives. Discussion about ideas was often eclipsed by gossip about political figures and comparisons of job hunting strategies. Many people who had chosen to work for advocacy groups complained of inane assignments and internal power plays which contradicted the organizations' stated missions.

My passion for political issues has dwindled into a wary suspicion of political players. Have I become a crank, an apolitical bureaucrat? I interviewed successful twenty-somethings to compare their stories and feelings with my own. CONTINUE ->

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