The Center provides Research Internship opportunities for current students (undergrad & graduate) interested in collaborative governance and multi-party dispute resolution. A critical aspect of collaborative governance is evaluating those processes to identify lessons learned and opportunities for contributing to and improving the field of multi-party dispute resolution.
Research Interns at the Ruckelshaus Center work with collaborative governance practitioners to conduct an evaluation of a multi-party collaborative process. During time with the Center, individuals will conduct background research, conduct key informant interviews, take notes, analyze and synthesize qualitative information, and present diverse viewpoints on a complicated and contentious issue.
2021-2022 INTERNSHIP PROJECT –
Lessons Learned: Columbia Basin Partnership Task Force
The Columbia Basin Partnership Task Force (Partnership) overcame decades of impasse by bringing together diverse interests, parties, and governments, including indigenous and other underrepresented communities from four Northwest states to collaboratively develop and implement a plan for the Columbia River basin. Their convening vision was to define the conditions that create a healthy basin ecosystem with thriving salmon and steelhead that are indicators of clean and abundant water, reliable and clean energy, a robust regional economy, and vibrant cultural and spiritual traditions, all interdependent and existing in harmony. The Partnership has adopted goals for salmon and steelhead recovery, and the governors of Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Idaho have agreed to work together to define a collaborative framework for meeting those goals. A “path forward” group is developing a process for goal implementation.
Project mentorship, training, and guidance will be provided by staff and faculty at the Ruckelshaus Center and Oregon Consensus.
WORK CONDUCTED BY RESEARCH INTERN INCLUDES:
- Complete trainings for human subjects and responsible conduct of research.
- Manage interview logistics and scheduling for key informant interviews (to be conducted by phone or video).
- Serve as co- or lead-interviewer for key informant interviews
- Conduct background research and write memos of key findings (to be incorporated into the final report).
- Work with team to analyze and synthesize all interview responses (take notes during interviews, conduct preliminary analysis, write up key findings and common themes, and participate in team discussions).
- Participate in writing and preparation of final report.
- Participate in project team meetings and check ins with project leads
- Prepare memos at the beginning and close of the internship: documenting goals, lessons learned and recommendations for future research internships. Participate in monthly check-ins.
Updated on March 30, 2022