PUBLIC POLICY INTERNSHIP & EXTERNSHIP PROGRAM FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

Save to Favorites

The American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland (ACLU-MD) seeks highly motivated undergraduate students for our Public Policy internship program, based in Annapolis. The ACLU-MD is the Maryland state affiliate office of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), one of the nation’s premier civil liberties and civil rights organizations. The ACLU-MD was founded in 1931, and currently has approximately 14,000 members and supporters statewide. Our mission is to ensure that all people in the State are free to think and speak as they choose and can lead their lives free from discrimination and unwarranted government intrusion. The Bill of Rights and the Maryland Declaration of Rights guide our work, and we act without partisanship to achieve these goals. The ACLU-MD takes great pride in having an extraordinarily broad agenda. Beyond the defense of First Amendment rights for which the ACLU is best known, our affiliate has taken on major initiatives on behalf of marginalized citizens--those who are racially, politically and economically disadvantaged. The ACLU-MD’s current or recent docket is comprised of cases and legislation in almost every area of constitutional and civil rights law, including freedom of speech and association, freedom of religion, race and gender discrimination, privacy, police misconduct, the right to vote, due process, lesbian and gay rights, prisoner’s rights, the rights of persons with disabilities, criminal procedure, and access to public records. Public Policy Spring Interns participate in the ACLU’s Public Policy program (details at http://www.aclu-md.org/our_work/legislative_bills). The ACLU-MD’s Public Policy program works primarily with statewide leaders to realize the promise of our Constitution and Bill of Rights. Interns work closely with the program’s Director Sara Love and Associate Toni Holness. Interns may do some or all of the following: help track legislation, conduct bill analysis, perform factual research, help draft testimony, file testimony, schedule us to testify, and attend meetings with policy makers and hearings. The Maryland General Assembly is in session from January through mid-April annually and this is the busiest and most exciting time for the program. Spring Interns will spend all of their time in Annapolis from January through mid-April, in the midst of the action; therefore, transportation to travel to Annapolis is required. Applicants should have excellent research and writing skills, a demonstrated commitment to public interest work, excellent time management skills, and a healthy sense of humor. Interested students should send a cover letter, resume, official or unofficial transcript, and the name of at least two references to: Toni Holness holness@aclu-md.org Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis until all positions are filled, but students should apply early to ensure consideration. Spring Interns are asked to work 10-15 hours per week. The internship is unpaid, but parking is reimbursed. The ACLU of Maryland is an equal opportunity employer, and is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity without regard to age, color, disability, gender, marital or parental status, national origin, race, religion, or sexual orientation.