CAMPAIGNS AND ADVOCACY INTERN
FALL 2017
ABOUT THE ACLU OF KANSAS
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Kansas is a non-profit and non-partisan organization dedicated to preserving and advancing the civil rights and legal freedoms guaranteed by the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The ACLU of Kansas works in the state legislature, the courts, and local communities to protect the rights of all people living in Kansas. The organization’s work includes efforts to strengthen and defend First Amendment rights, voting rights, reproductive rights, racial justice, LGBT rights, immigrants’ rights, stopping government surveillance, and reforming the criminal justice system. The ACLU of Kansas often works in broad-based coalitions made up of individuals and organizations from across the political, partisan, and ideological spectrum. The ACLU of Kansas is an affiliate of the national American Civil Liberties Union, has a current staff of 6, an annual budget of approximately $1 million, and 30,000 supporters across the state.
The ACLU of Kansas comprises two separate corporate entities, the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas and the ACLU Foundation of Kansas. Both entities have the same overall mission, and share office space and employees. The ACLU has two separate corporate entities in order to do a broad range of work to protect civil liberties. The ACLU Foundation of Kansas is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that primarily engages in litigation and public education. The ACLU of Kansas is a 501(c)(4) non-profit corporation that primarily engages in lobbying and advocacy.
More information about the ACLU of Kansas is available at www.aclukansas.org.
DESCRIPTION
The ACLU of Kansas is seeking an Campaigns and Advocacy intern for the Fall semester of 2017. This unpaid internship, located at the Overland Park, KS office, will be an excellent opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience while influence the political strategy for our Smart Justice and Civic Participation campaigns.
Interns must commit to working a minimum of 15 hours per week for 8 weeks. This position is based in Overland Park, Kansas and could require minimum travel to other areas of the state (KS).
RESPONSIBILITIES
Internship duties will be conducted under the guidance of the Director of Advocacy and may include but may not limited to:
- Campaign issue research, monitoring, and reporting;
- Drafting campaign outreach documents;
- Assist in developing and planning a volunteer leadership development process that empowers the community
- Assist with building and maintaining an active base of community advocates who can be mobilized to participate in meetings, rallies, hearings, and delegations
- Opportunities to attend coalition meetings, community organizations, faith leaders, business leaders, donors and other state agency meetings.
REQUIREMENTS
- College junior/seniors or graduate level students with an interest in public policy, political campaigns, grassroots organizing or government
- Candidates need strong research, writing and organizational skills and willingness to work in a professional setting
- Ability to communicate in a professional manner with community contacts
- Excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment is critical
- Strong passion for civil liberties and the work of the ACLU of Kansas
TO APPLY
Please send a brief cover letter and resume to:
Michele L. Watley
Director of Advocacy, ACLU of Kansas
Please include “Campaigns and Advocacy Intern” in the subject line. Applications accepted until position is filled. No in-person applications or phone calls, please. All applications will be treated confidentially.