About the role#
The National Political Advocacy Department works to strengthen ACLU efforts at federal, state, and local levels. This internship focuses on the Democracy and Technology Policy & Government Affairs team. You will support attorneys and staff working on voting rights, free speech, privacy, racial justice, and the impact of emerging technologies. This is a part-time, hybrid position based in Washington, D.C.
What you'll do#
- Conduct legal and policy research on issues including voting, racial justice, and technology reform.
- Analyze legislation, elected officials, and coalition partners.
- Monitor legal, legislative, and regulatory developments in Congress, state legislatures, and administrative agencies.
- Draft memoranda, correspondence, and reports.
- Prepare advocacy and public education materials.
- Support congressional outreach, including briefings and meetings on Capitol Hill.
- Manage projects and engage in special assignments as needed.
What you'll need#
- You are currently a matriculated undergraduate student or have equivalent education and experience.
- You must be based in the U.S. for the duration of the internship.
- Knowledge of government, policy, technology reform, and impacted communities.
- Strong research, writing, analysis, and communication skills.
- The ability to craft messages for diverse audiences.
- You are organized, proactive, and willing to learn.
- You can balance multiple responsibilities and see projects through to completion.
- You work well both independently and as part of a team.
- You can handle confidential information with discretion.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is preferred.
Location & details#
- Location: Washington, D.C. (Hybrid)
- Term: Winter 2027 (12 weeks)
- Start Dates: January 11 or January 25, 2027
- Commitment: Part-time (10, 15, or 20 hours per week)
- Compensation: Paid at $24 per hour
About ACLU
The ACLU is a non-profit organization focused on the defense of civil rights and liberties. Founded in 1920, the group operates out of New York and Washington. It works on issues including voting rights, criminal justice reform, and freedom of speech. The organization employs over 1,200 people.
How to get in at ACLU
Securing an internship at the ACLU requires timing and persistence. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you apply among the first, as early applicants get seen before the pile grows. This helps you avoid the frustration of submitting applications into a void. You can also use Intern Insider to surface the recruiters behind the company roles so you can reach out directly to ask about the position or a referral, which materially improves response rates. Connecting with a human recruiter often provides more clarity than a standard application portal.
