Senate Democratic Diversity Initiative | The Senate Democratic Caucus

Diversity initiative

Reflecting the diversity of our Nation

The Senate Democratic Diversity Initiative is a component of the Leadership Office of Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), which assists Senate Democratic offices in building a diverse workforce. In 2007, the Initiative was created by then-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) to develop a Senate staff who reflect the diversity of our Nation and are demographically representative of the constituents they serve.

As Leader, Senator Schumer is expanding that legacy

championing a definition of diversity and inclusion that is emblematic of our party and country; one that embraces diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds and celebrates differences in gender, sexual-orientation, ability, and the military service of our veterans.

IN ORDER TO ACCOMPLISH THE GOAL OF A MORE DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE WORKFORCE, THE DIVERSITY INITIATIVE:

Maintains and manages a resume bank of candidates for positions at all levels.
Recommends candidates to Caucus offices filling vacancies as part of the office’s talent acquisition program.
Conducts informational interviews, resume reviews, and mock interviews for aspiring Hill staffers.
Develops customized strategies and timelines for aspiring Hill staff while they navigate the hiring process.
Partners with internal and external stakeholders in identifying and addressing root causes affecting diversity, equity, and inclusion in congressional offices.
Organizes seminars and other professional development forums for Hill staff.
Creates networking opportunities for aspiring Hill staffers, current staff, and Hill alumni.
Constructs talent pipelines, in partnership with national diversity organizations, institutions, internship and fellowship partners, in identifying Senate interns and fellows.
Collects and analyzes data to identify trends, detect patterns, regulate office methods, spark innovation, and better match talent with Senate offices. This also includes collecting, for the first time, staff demographic information from every Democratic Caucus office.

Annual Surveys

The Senate Democratic Diversity Initiative has completed its eighth Democratic staff survey. This survey is a snapshot of the racial, ethnic and gender diversity among U.S. Senate Democratic staff on June 30th, 2024. The Diversity Initiative plans to update this survey annually.

View our 2024 SURVEY RESULTS

More Information

Email: Diversity_Initiative@schumer.senate.gov

Senate Diversity Initiative Resume Bank

Senate Employment Bulletin

Outside Internship & Fellowship Opportunities

Senate Democratic Internships