2008 INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Undergraduate Field Internship
American Civil Liberties Union
Washington Legislative Office

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is the nation’s foremost advocate of individual rights – litigating, legislating, and educating the public on a broad array of issues affecting individual freedom in the United States. The ACLU is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public interest organization devoted to protecting the basic civil liberties of all Americans, and extending them to groups that have traditionally been denied them. Founded in 1952, the Washington National Office is responsible for advancing the civil liberties agenda of the national organization before Congress and the Executive Branch. The Field Department of the ACLU Washington National Office invites applications for undergraduate internships for the fall and winter semesters of 2008.

INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW:
The internship is designed to give students the opportunity to develop skills and gain experience working on grassroots organizing and lobbying campaigns. The intern will work on key civil rights and civil liberties issues with a dynamic field team consisting of: Field Director, Deputy Field Director, Regional Field Organizers, Internet Organizer, Field Assistants as well as other members of the Washington Legislative Office.

The Field Department Intern will:

• Conduct research, maintain databases and assist the Field Department to enhance the public education, advocacy and outreach efforts of the ACLU
• Lean how to effectively communicate lay understanding of issues relating to law, public policy and legislative process
• Attend internal strategy sessions and participate in planning activities
• Potential activities include: recruit volunteers for various outreach/grassroots activities, tabling at events, assist with lobby visits, work on Internet organizing, identify and recruit key grassroots leaders, help with creation of outreach materials, preparation of legislative scorecard and distribution, work with affiliates to enhance outreach efforts, and attend periodic Congressional meetings on Capitol Hill.

Applicants should be energetic, enthusiastic, creative thinkers who are interested in learning about how non-profit and advocacy campaigns work. Applicants should have excellent research and communications skills with the ability to communicate effectively and represent the ACLU at assigned events. Applicants must have good computer skills and familiarity with the Internet. A strong interest in civil liberties is a must.

It is suggested to submit your application material early as possible as decisions are made on a continuous basis. A commitment of 10 weeks is asked, although the specific length and terms of the internship will be negotiated when an offer is made.

HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants should send a cover letter, resume and writing sample of not more than 5 pages. The cover letter should note your availability and your specific interest in civil liberties.

ACLU Washington National Office
Attn: Internship Coordinator
RE: Field Internship
915 15^th St., NW, 6^th Fl.
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 675-2301
Or
bbolden@dcaclu.org

The ACLU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals.