Responsibilities

• Attend required trainings, meetings and events prior to the legislative session.
• Work effectively in a team environment to accomplish THSC’s legislative goals.
• Follow instructions from team leaders while keeping an active and open mind to identify ways of improving THSC processes and strategies.
• Represent THSC in a professional and Christ-like manner at the Capitol and in meetings, events, and other scenarios.
• Be able to speak publicly at events or in legislative hearings when necessary.
• Interface with other organizations, legislators, and staff members to promote THSC positions and negotiate changes to bills.
• Review legislation filed in the Texas legislature to identify bills relevant to THSC issues.
• Analyze legislation to identify effects and make recommendations on needed changes.
• Draft suggested bill and amendment language to file in the Texas legislature.
• Be able to work long and late hours to respond to urgent situations as they arise.
• Hours worked by THSC Watchmen will vary, but expect a minimum of 40-50 hours per week.
• Attend THSC events, staff meetings, and retreats.
• Participate in weekly team meetings.
• Meet deadlines and write reports.
• Know how to operate word documents and spreadsheets, in addition to other basic computer skills.
• Learn and abide by all relevant THSC processes and procedures.
• Perform other duties relevant to the THSC Watchmen and the THSC Public Policy Department as assigned.

Additionally, one THSC Watchmen will be recruited primarily to handle marketing efforts and grassroots coordination. The responsibilities of this position will be:

• Locate, recruit, and coordinate with supporting witnesses to testify for/against bills relevant to THSC.
• Manage THSC Watchmen-related social media posts on behalf of THSC.
• Write blog posts, letters, emails, and other material to keep THSC members up-to-date on legislative progress.
• Work with outside groups to disseminate information about homeschooling and bills of interest.
• Coordinate policy preparations for THSC Capitol Days.

Requirements

• Must have graduated from high school by January 1 of the upcoming legislative year.
• Must be at least 18 years old by January 1 of the upcoming legislative year.
• Must have been homeschooled for a significant portion of K-12 education.
• The THSC Watchmen program is open to both men and women.
• Agree to live and work in Austin from January 1 to June 15 in the year designated.
• Outside work and other notable responsibilities outside of THSC Watchmen duties are not permitted unless specifically allowed by the THSC Watchmen program administrators.
• THSC Watchmen must be able to support THSC legislative policies in order to advocate for these policies during the legislative session.
• THSC Watchmen duties must take first priority over other obligations.
• THSC Watchmen will need to own a personal computer, laptop, or tablet in order to perform their duties.
• All THSC Watchmen must attend the team training event in the fall prior to the legislative session.
• All THSC Watchmen must participate in ongoing team meetings and assignments prior to the legislative session.

Compensation

• THSC Watchmen will be provided with free (expenses paid) housing for the duration of their required stay in Austin.
• THSC Watchmen will be provided with a grocery and meal budget for the duration of their required stay.
• Work-related gas and travel costs will be reimbursed. This includes travel to Austin at the beginning of the legislative session and travel home after the conclusion of the session.
• Other work-related expenses will be covered or reimbursed as necessary.

2027 THSC Watchmen Team Selection Timeline

• Online application opens:
  • Sunday, March 1, 2026
• Applications due:
  • Sunday, May 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
• First interviews held via video conference:
  • Week of June 14, 2026
• Second interviews held via video conference:
  • Week of June 21, 2026
• Third interviews held via video conference:
  • Week of June 28, 2026
• Final decision letters sent:
  • Week of July 5, 2026
• Acceptance letters due:
  • Friday, July 10, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
• Team training held via video conference:
  • Week of July 20, 2026