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Undergraduate and Graduate Student Internships

Born out of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s, we have been cultivating freedom on Southern soil for over forty years since 1969. The ACLU of Mississippi works to preserve and guarantee the protections of the Constitution's Bill of Rights.

We aim to extend these freedoms to segments of our population who have traditionally been denied their rights, including people of color; lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people; women; mental-health patients; prisoners; people with disabilities; and the poor.

The ACLU of MS seeks motivated, intelligent, resourceful applicants (undergraduate or graduate) for the Social Justice/Public Policy Internship. The internship is semester long and typically begins at the start of the student’s academic semester. Our needs vary and applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Interns will develop skills in social justice, public policy, and public interest campaign and program work, participate in trainings at the ACLU of MS office, and will meet with ACLU of MS staff on a regular basis. Interns will have the opportunity to participate in issue-discussions and other events over the course of the internship.

We are looking for personable, responsible, fun individuals who are excited about exploring the Deep South, talking to people, spending time outside, and working independently.

Duties

The ACLU of MS develops and executes public policy campaigns to further our mission to defend and promote civil liberties and civil rights throughout Mississippi. We seek to influence public policy through lobbying, organizing, public education, coalition building and online activism.

Some of the tasks interns will be asked to complete include:

Community Engagement

  • Assist with follow-up to the historical MS Youth Hip Hop Summit;
  • Provide general logistical support for events;
  • Coordinate registration and follow up with activists.

Membership and Recruitment

  • Assist with development of targeted state areas;
  • Support membership recruitment through our campaign;
  • Support development of the campus networks.

Legislative Advocacy

  • Assist in issue campaign research;
  • Help coordinate events and workshops;
  • Work with staff and volunteers of coalition partner organizations to implement organizing tactics around various ACLU issues, including but not limited to reproductive rights, sex education, immigrants rights, death penalty and school to prison pipeline (youth justice).

General Administrative Support

  • Organize mailings;
  • Photocopy distribution materials;
  • Create flyers;
  • Maintain databases;
  • Other administrative duties as needed.

This position requires a minimum commitment of two days per week (15-20 weekly hours), including the possibility of several evenings each month.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Political Science, Public Policy, Sociology, and other social science-related majors encouraged; • Highly motivated, diligent, hard working, and resourceful individuals greatly desired;
  • Strong interpersonal skills; including but not limited to articulate, clearly understood communication skills with staff members and the community;
  • High degree of professionalism, tact, and civility in all interactions;
  • Self-starter, ability to effectively and efficiently work independently without great supervision;
  • Excellent reading comprehension and writing skills;
  • Ability to exceptionally represent the ACLU of MS in the community;
  • Possess basic office skills; including, but not limited to computer proficiency, multi-phone line proficiency, photocopying/printing/scanning proficiency, email and internet savvy;
  • Knowledge of civil liberties and civil rights issues facing Mississippians;
  • Respect for the dignity and rights of ALL people;
  • Experience in community organizing, event planning, grassroots organizations, or lobbying preferred; and
  • Willingness to quickly adapt and learn are key attributes sought.

To Apply

Please email a resume and cover letter to the attention of Nancy Kohsin-Kintigh describing your experience and why you are interested in interning for the ACLU of MS and what you will bring to this position in .pdf (preferred) or .doc/.docx format to nkohsinkintigh@aclu-ms.org.

Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Contact Nancy Kohsin-Kintigh at 601.354.3408 with specific questions.

This position requires a minimum commitment of two days per week (15-20 weekly hours), including the possibility several evenings each month. Small stipends may be available, however class credit is always a possibility --- we will work with your school to facilitate the completion of desired class credits.