My Vision for the Future of the IOP

Creativity represents overhauling the current communications status quo. I want to make bold changes that will bring in new faces and ideas to the IOP while allowing those who are working behind the scenes to be featured and share their passions, which often go unrecognized. I plan to do this by:

• Creating high-quality introduction videos of all programs to be posted on Instagram, youtube, etc. This will highlight the work of IOP Programs that are often unrecognized.​

• Increasing the frequency of student/fellow takeovers of the IOP Instagram in order to highlight student initiatives beyond just the work of the SAC.

• Partnering with other student organizations Instagrams/social media in order to publicize the IOP to new faces.

• Revamp the IOP Youtube channel with longer-form content produced over the course of the semester.

• Incorporate more interactive Instagram and social media content from Q and A sessions to polls and quizzes. 

• Create a TikTok as well as utilize Instagram Reels to increase the diversity of content the IOP Puts Out.

• Create a set of instructional videos for MailChimp, Canva, etc that will be distributed to all programs to encourage increased social media presence on each program's Instagram. I would also provide support in the process of making content.

• Create a monthly/bimonthly update newsletter that all programs can add to. This would allow for students to be aware of what all groups are doing, and decrease the feeling of being in a bubble at the IOP.

• Spotlight every history month to the same extent with student takeovers, history "lesson" posts, etc.

• Encourage overhaul of the IOP Website to more prominently feature student work and initiatives for each program, instead of primarily featuring Forums and Study Groups. There would be sections for student podcasts, policy briefs, introduction videos, to name a few.

• Create a posting calendar that all IOP members have access to. This would lead to greater accountability in posting, but also allow programs to petition for certain takeovers and posts on certain dates.

• Redesign Posters for Study Groups and Forums to be more eyecatching, as well as remake Trifold Program Boards.

• Allow students to prioritize what emails they prefer when signing up for IOP Announce. It is easy to get lost in the number of emails that are sent out, so let students sign up for what they want so they don't just bulk delete messages.

I want to focus on collaboration between the different IOP Programs, as well as introduce programming between the IOP and local organizations/student orgs. To go more in-depth, I plan to:

• Dedicate funding for cross-program collaboration and events (i.e. between WIL and Policy).

  • Encourage events with multiple programs, and provide planning assistance.​

• Increase partnerships with all affinity groups on campus to both reach out to new students and help more students feel like the IOP is for everyone.

  • This would include support for ideological diversity, with a continued commitment to fellows and speakers of differing opinions. ​

• Expand the Day of Service to multiple times a year, and implement monthly Boston Public Service Trips.

  • These would be IOP Wide and would involve collaboration with local political advocacy and public service organizations. These would also incorporate many different types of volunteering, beyond just phone banking or canvassing to highlight the diversity of public service opportunities. ​

• Dedicate funding for more IOP Wide events such as IOP Watch Parties, IOP Takes Boston, etc.

• End of semester showcases to highlight the new initiatives and accomplishments of each program. This would allow students in the IOP to be exposed to the projects their peers are doing, and foster collaboration.

Community is at the very core of the IOP, though often it can feel disjointed. With so many programs and such a diverse group of students, it is imperative to dedicate time and resources to make everyone feel like they belong and have a voice here. I will do that by:

• Creating space for international students through a coalition, akin to the conservative student's coalition

• Start a program dedicated to international affairs, as so much of the IOP is focused on solely national politics. This would be a place for both international students and students interested in foreign policy. It could either be housed as an offshoot of an existing IOP Program or be a completely new program if possible. 

• Create a mentorship program for FGLI students. It is often daunting facing the government field as someone from an FGLI background, so creating a mentorship program (similar to the program rolled out this semester) specifically for FGLI students would allow students to feel more comfortable thinking about their possible future paths.

  • Create funds for students such as a travel fund, and have events to help FGLI students navigate the hiring process within the public service sector and the many resources available.​

• Continue to work towards compensation for student leaders, especially for FGLI students.

• Mandate leadership and diversity and inclusion training for all students leaders, and have them available to all students at the IOP. 

• Institutionalize heritage months with increased IOP programming and dedicated events. The IOP is for everyone and this would be a step in the right direction to making everyone feel equally valued.

• Have an open google form during the semester, where students can leave anonymous feedback in case of any grievances or any events occur where students feel like they have been wronged. 

• Have an open forum twice a semester for students to share ideas and create dialogue around issues. This would also allow students with good ideas to implement them IOP Wide, regardless of their leadership status.

• Pilot a student innovation program, similar to support programs for early-stage startups, but instead for students wanting to create in the public service and government realm, whether it is simply an idea or a fully operational organization. Provide mentorship partnerings and dedicated programming to support students in the creation of ideas, and allocate funding if possible (perhaps housed as an offshoot of STEAM). ​​

At the IOP there is often a lot of talk about internships and programs available for students in college, but there is not enough support or talk about transitioning into the workforce. I would change this by:

• Creating an IOP Alumni Directory

  • Akin to the Harvard Alumni Directory, with contact information of IOP Alumni available.​

• Have events and programming to explore fields after college that are non-traditional public service routes, in addition to events supporting students going to law school, congress, etc.

  • Have a fund/resources for students wanting to go to law school with LSAT prep resources​

• Reintroduce the term-time internship program, and create a rolling database of internship opportunities, both term-time, and summer

  • Partner with local organizations in order to host a Harvard student during the term for an internship in person.​

• Continue to expand summer hometown director's internships and establish a hometown Winternship program. This would allow students to make a meaningful difference over winter break in their hometown. Allocate funding if possible.