The ACLU seeks an Undergraduate Intern for the Center for Democracy - National Security Project of the ACLU’s National office in New York, NY.
The National Security Project is dedicated to ensuring that U.S. national security policies and practices are consistent with the Constitution, civil liberties, and human rights. The Project seeks to ensure that our nation’s core democratic values are the foundation of its strength and security, and that the government’s response to national security concerns comports with fundamental principles of transparency, accountability, equality, and due process. Through litigation and advocacy, the National Security Project responds to government measures, defends impacted communities, and strives to educate the public and shape the law so that the courts, Congress, and citizenry can serve as an enduring check against abuse.
The National Security Project’s litigation and advocacy focuses on issues including: national security programs or policies that discriminate against racial and religious minorities, activists, and those who dissent; government surveillance; unlawful killing and detention; censorship; and, secrecy.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Interns will gain valuable experience by working with the team on a wide variety of issues. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Reviewing and logging government documents in National Security Project online databases
- Organizing and archiving case files
- Conducting factual research
- Other projects as assigned
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
The internship is open to undergraduates who will have completed their first college semester before the internship commences. Interns should possess the following:
- A strong interest in human rights and civil liberties issues
- Excellent research, writing and communication skills
- Strong computer and web-based research skills
- Strong organizational skills
- The initiative to see projects through to completion
- A commitment to civil liberties, civil rights, and social justice
- Commitment to the mission of the ACLU
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience, through personal connection or work experience, working with marginalized communities whose civil rights and liberties are harmed by discriminatory or abusive national security policies
INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW - Location: Due to COVID-19 our offices are currently operating in reduced capacities. We plan to launch a Summer 2023 Internship Program that offers a limited number of remote or hybrid intern positions. This internship has been identified as a hybrid opportunity following a part in-person and part remote schedule.
- Time Commitment: Summer internships require a full-time commitment of 35 hours per week.
- Internship Duration: Internships extend for a 10-week period and begin either May 30 or June 12, 2023.
- Stipend: A stipend is available for those students who do not receive course credit and are lawfully authorized to work. Students who receive outside funding are eligible for a partial stipend to bring their total funding up to the level of the ACLU’s stipend amount for that term, if applicable. Arrangements can be made with educational institutions for work/study or course credit. Below is the stipend breakdown:
- $18.57/hour for undergraduate students or equivalent experience and $21.42/hour for graduate and law students or equivalent experience.
Priority Application Deadline: March 3, 2023.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and accepted until the position is filled, but priority review will be given to applications submitted on or before March 3, 2023.