The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida (ACLU of Florida) seeks a Policy Intern to support Policy & Advocacy work across ACLU Florida campaigns on criminal justice reform, immigrants’ rights and voting rights.
The position is remote and will report to the Research Coordinator. This is a temporary part-time position.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Florida is an affiliate of the national ACLU, a national public interest organization devoted to the defense of the Bill of Rights. For over 100 years, the ACLU has served as the nation’s primary protector of the liberties that define our democracy. The organization implements its vital civil liberties mission in all 50 states in large part through affiliate entities such as the ACLU of Florida. Operating out of four offices—Miami (main), Tampa, Pensacola, and Jacksonville—the Florida affiliate has a budget of over $8 million and 55 staff members, placing it among the larger ACLU affiliates in the nation.
The ACLU of Florida, the state’s largest civil rights and civil liberties organization, employs litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education to protect and promote a broad range of constitutional values and individual rights, such as freedom of speech, racial justice, right to privacy, religious liberty, criminal justice reform, voting rights, reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, disability rights, and immigrants’ rights. The ACLU of Florida litigates a broad range of complex constitutional cases in federal and state courts through direct representation, filing amicus briefs, and submitting administrative complaints to state and federal agencies.
POLICY APPROACH
The ACLU of Florida has adopted a “campaign” approach for its work. Work is focused on pursuing specific integrated advocacy campaigns to achieve measurable goals that will expand civil liberties and civil rights, while building the long-term power of the ACLU and the civil liberties movement. For the foreseeable future, the ACLU of Florida will focus on three campaigns: voting rights, criminal justice reform, and immigrants’ rights. The campaigns in which the organization engages are about integrated advocacy, and include strategies across several disciplines including lobbying, communications, litigation and grassroots organizing.
Internship Overview
Interns will support the Policy and Advocacy Department in researching and analyzing local and state legislation, preparing advocacy and public education materials, and researching legal and policy issues relating to local and state legislation. There will be opportunities to attend and participate in substantive meetings and conversations within the Policy and Advocacy Department and ACLU of Florida and broader ACLU work.
- Time Commitment: 20 hours per week unless otherwise agreed.
- Duration: 12 weeks unless otherwise agreed.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Interns have the opportunity to gain valuable experience by working alongside the Policy and Advocacy team. Their backgrounds and interests contribute to the scope of work assigned, with their internship anchored by a primary project that furthers one of our primary campaigns - Campaign for Justice, Floridians for Immigrant Justice, and Let Florida Vote. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
- Conduct research and analyze local and state legislation, advocacy efforts, elections, and related legal and policy issues.
- Draft and refine internal strategy documents and public education and advocacy materials, such as briefing papers, advocacy guides, policy summaries and talking points.
- Monitor and track campaign developments, and assist with database maintenance.
This internship is open to graduate and law students who have completed their first year of school. Interns should possess the following:
- Innate curiosity, passion and initiative.
- Excellent research, writing and communication skills.
- Comfort in working independently and as part of a team.
- Fluency in a language other than English (esp. Spanish or Creole) is desired, but not required.
- Commitment to the mission and goals of the ACLU, including a demonstrated commitment to equity and racial justice.
$15 per hour. There are no benefits provided as this is a temporary part-time position.
To apply, please complete the form at www.aclufl.org/policyinternship. Applications will be accepted until the Summer Internship is filled. Applications for the Fall Internship will be accepted through August 1, 2021.
No phone calls, please.
This job description provides a general but not comprehensive list of the essential responsibilities and qualifications required. It does not represent a contract of employment. The ACLU of Florida reserves the right to change the job description and/or posting at any time without advance notice.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the ACLU of FL, is currently working remotely.
The ACLU of Florida is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU of Florida encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status. We encourage formerly incarcerated individuals to apply. If selected for an interview, please inquire if financial assistance is needed in order to attend.
The ACLU of Florida makes every effort to assure that its recruitment and employment efforts provide persons with disabilities with full opportunities for employment in all positions.
The ACLU of Florida is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need assistance applying online, please e-mail [email protected] . If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.