Summer 2026 Undergraduate, National Political Advocacy Department- Policy & Government Affairs

ACLU - Internships • Washington, DC

15d • Hybrid

About The Position

The ACLU seeks an Undergraduate Intern for the Justice Policy & Government Affairs team within the National Political Advocacy Department of the ACLU’s National office in Washington D.C. 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 National Political Advocacy Department (NPAD) works to strengthen the efforts of the ACLU at the federal, state, and local levels of government. The department harnesses the political power that comes from having more than eight million members and supporters, as well as affiliates in every state. By organizing grassroots lobbying and issue campaigns using modern tactics, the ACLU seeks to achieve change as profound in the legislative, administrative and electoral arenas as it has accomplished through the courts. The Liberty Policy & Government Affairs team works with Congress, state legislatures, regulatory agencies and others to strengthen and protect LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive freedom, women’s rights, and disability rights.
What You’ll Do:
The intern will work on projects related to LGBTQ+ rights, with a focus on trans rights. They will assist members of our team with researching and analyzing legislation, elected officials, coalition partners, and relevant developments in the political and advocacy landscapes on the state and federal levels. They will help prepare advocacy and public education materials, correspondence, and reports as needed. They will also support our team's efforts to do Congressional outreach through the form of briefings, lobby visits, and letters. This intern will gain significant insight into how our team sets its strategy and collaborates with partners at the ACLU to do organizing and communications work. Their manager Arli Christian, Senior Policy Counsel, will support the intern to manage projects, and foster their professional development through structured check-ins and networking support.

Requirements

• Knowledge of government and policy, of trans rights, and of associated communities and movements
• Strong research, writing, analysis, and communication skills. The intern will be able to cater messages and to different audiences, within and outside of the ACLU
• Organized, willing to learn, proactive; able to balance differing responsibilities and prioritize; able to manage projects and see them through to completion
• Able to work well independently, as part of a team; able to handle confidential information and exercise discretion

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, ability to apply and leverage technology in advance of advocacy goals is a plus

Responsibilities

• Conducting research, drafting reports, and analyzing state and federal legislation, advocacy efforts, and related legal and policy issues
• Preparing advocacy and public education materials; drafting memorandum and partner correspondence
• Monitoring legal and legislative developments in state legislatures and in Congress, as well as regulatory and administrative actions by the administration
• Working with teammates to manage projects
• Committing to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and/or conflict

What This Job Offers

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