Advocacy Intern

The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee (ACLU-TN) uses integrated advocacy – including litigation, legislative lobbying, strategic communications and narrative change, and people-centered engagement and mobilization – to pursue strategic campaigns that expand civil liberties and civil rights in Tennessee while building the long-term power of the ACLU and the civil liberties movement in our state. 

RESPONSIBILITIES  

The advocacy intern will report to the deputy director of integrated advocacy and support initiatives related to the work of various departments. Possible projects may include: 

• Issue, campaign, landscape, resource, policy, and other research
• Supporting research and writing of advocacy and educational materials and resources 
• Supporting public education campaigns, local campaigns and events 
• Assisting in outreach opportunities and staffing in-person and virtual events 
• Non-profit operations support 
• Working on special projects 
• Other duties as determined by the needs of the department or organization 

QUALIFICATIONS 

This internship is open to students who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program that offers credit for internships and who possess the following: 

• Interest in and commitment to civil liberties and civil rights, and to racial and social justice 
• A commitment to equity, inclusion, diversity and belonging
• Excellent research, writing and communications skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and web-based research
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as a team member
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage projects 
• Sense of humor 

APPLY 

If you’re excited about devoting your talents and skills to the ACLU of Tennessee, please submit your resume, a letter of interest that describes why you are pursuing this internship, including why you would be a good fit, and a list of three references (name, email, phone, and relation to applicant). References will not be checked until candidates are finalists. All applications are processed through the ACLU of Tennessee Career Page (JazzHR); see their . 

PRIORITY DEADLINE: April 25, 2025 

Phone calls will not be accepted. Priority will be given to completed applications received by the April 25, 2025, priority deadline. However, applications will be accepted until the position is filled, at which time the posting will be removed from the ACLU-TN/ACLU websites.

LOCATION 

The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee office is in Nashville, Tennessee. Interns can work remotely, in person, or a combination of remote and in-person. 

ABOUT 

ACLU has been a leader in moving freedom forward in Tennessee for 100 years. In 1925, when John Scopes was arrested for teaching evolution in a Dayton, TN public school classroom, ACLU cooperating attorney Clarence Darrow defended him. In the era of segregation, ACLU spoke out for racial justice and the right to assemble, including representing Dr. Martin Luther King during the sanitation workers strike in Memphis. In recent years, we have successfully pursued cutting-edge initiatives on a range of issues, including LGBTQ+ equality, freedom of speech, voting rights and democracy, immigrants’ rights, criminal legal reform, and reproductive justice. 

ACLU-TN is an equal-opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU of Tennessee encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion/creed, national origin, ancestry, alienage, or citizenship status, sex, disability, age (18 and over), uniformed service member status, veteran status, personal appearance (including style of dress and personal grooming), sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity, gender expression, or status as a transgender person), marital status, membership in a domestic partnership, caregiver status, familial status or responsibilities (including being the subject of proceedings for child support payments), matriculation (e.g., being enrolled in a college or university or in a business, nursing, professional, secretarial, technical or vocational school), political affiliation, genetic information (including family medical history), lawful use of tobacco products, unemployment status, and status as a victim or survivor or the family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking, and any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state and local laws.

ACLU-TN strives to ensure that its recruitment and employment practices are fair and equitable for all individuals, including those with disabilities. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities, ensuring accessibility for everyone. If you need accommodation during the application or interview process, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].