Summer 2026 Undergraduate Intern, Affiliate Support and Nationwide Initiatives- Legislative Advocacy

ACLU - Internships • Sioux Falls, SD

18d • Hybrid

About The Position

The ACLU seeks an Undergraduate Intern in the Advocacy – South Dakota Wyoming Chapter of the ACLU’s National office in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This internship is hybrid.
Qualifying applicants must currently be matriculated undergraduate students or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience and must be based in the U.S. for the entire duration of the internship.
The Team:
The ACLU Communications department at the North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming Chapter creates, maintains, and expands message narratives to engage our supporters and other target audiences, to help protect and expand civil liberties and civil rights, and to illustrate the value and impact of the ACLU’s transformational work. Through our messaging, engagement with newsmakers, our written, video and audio storytelling, and visual identity, we encourage support for the ACLU and help to build a more perfect union.
Reporting to the Advocacy Manager, the Legislative Advocacy Intern position is a unique opportunity for aspiring community organizers and advocates to advance civil liberties and civil rights during the South Dakota legislative session. The successful candidate is comfortable working within communities across the state and shares a voracious dedication to the values upheld by the work of the ACLU SD. Reporting to the Advocacy Manager, the Legislative Advocacy Intern will be instrumental in growing community-driven responses and increasing engagement with South Dakota’s legislative session.

Requirements

• Demonstrated interest in advocacy, community organizing, and/or public policy
• Ability to prioritize work under tight deadlines
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Actively developing or currently possess a strong sense professionalism, including ability to retain confidential information and exercise discretion
• Ability to think creatively to create compelling outreach tactics
• Strong interpersonal skills including an ability to resolve conflicts in a manner that respect relationships with colleagues and community partners
• Proficiency using diverse technology platforms, including but not limited to; Zoom, Microsoft Office, Outlook
• Be committed to advancing the mission of the ACLU
• Center and embed the principles of equity, inclusion and belonging in their work by demonstrating commitment to diversity with an approach that respects and values multiple perspectives
• Be committed to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflict

Nice To Haves

• Public speaking experience preferred, but not required
• Volunteer management experience preferred, but not required
• Familiarity with the South Dakota legislative process

Responsibilities

• Track the movement of priority legislation through the legislative process
• Conduct research to support the chapter’s legislative agenda
• Monitor committee hearings and floor sessions related to legislative session policy agenda
• Plan and lead community events to educate and mobilize citizen engagement
• Work with coalition partners and student groups to amplify messaging and engagement
• Participate in coalition meetings and phone calls
• Facilitate communication and meetings with stakeholders, legislators, and coalition partners

Benefits

• A stipend is available for students who are lawfully authorized to work.
• Arrangements can be made with educational institutions for work/study or course credit.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed