• Envision your dream job.
  Ideally, what would you like to do for the next two years?
• Research prospective host organizations.
  You will be working closely with a host organization to implement your project. Find one that will be mutually beneficial to you and to the organization.
• Approach the organization.
  Pitch your idea and discuss the details of your project and your required benefits (including salary, health insurance, etc.).
• Work with the host organization to develop a project proposal.
  Once the organization has agreed to host the project, work closely with it to develop the details of the proposal and identify specific strategies.
• Demonstrate a pressing need in a specific community.
  Paint a picture of the particular problem in the specific community you wish to serve.
• Know your community – obtain stakeholder “buy-in.”
  Demonstrate your understanding of the target community. Include personal connections to the community, if applicable.
• Propose realistic and targeted strategies.
  Dream big, but plan realistically. Will you be able to achieve your goals?
• Propose a project, not a staff position.
  Demonstrate long-term impact and sustainability. How will your project have a lasting impact on the community?
• Show commitment to the work.
  Describe your experience. Why are you the right person for the job?
• Get extensive feedback.
  Asking for feedback will only strengthen your proposal. Seek advice from law school or undergraduate professors, employers or anyone else that may offer insight.

These are some abbreviated tips on completing your proposal. For more detail, read the full tip sheet. You may also find it helpful to review successful applicant examples.