ACLU of Tennessee's Internship/Volunteer Program

About the Program

ACLU-TN is the only statewide organization devoted solely to the defense of the Bill of Rights. Information on the issues we work on can be found here.

ACLU-TN student interns and volunteers are offered a range of valuable learning experiences through our advocacy, public education and legislative programs.

Interns have the opportunity to:

• Experience firsthand the civil liberties threats Tennesseans face
• Research civil liberties issues
• Help organize grassroots lobbying efforts
• Learn the basic "how-to" skills used in a non-profit office

Specific intern and volunteer projects and tasks vary depending on organizational needs, student interests and current events at the time of the internship. Specific intern/volunteer roles will be discussed during interviews and orientation.

Some examples of past intern and volunteer experiences include:

• Intake Assistance. The ACLU-TN advocacy program handles several thousand requests for assistance each year. People contact our office when they believe their rights have been violated. Many of these people feel disenfranchised from the legal system. Our advocacy program screens for potential ACLU-TN lawsuits and provides information, referrals and strategic advice.

• Public Education & Communications. ACLU-TN organizes a variety of conferences, workshops and town hall meetings throughout the state. Past interns and volunteers have assisted with organizing our Students' Rights Conference, our Right-to-Vote Conference, our Bill of Rights Celebration and other events. In addition, interns have worked on developing communications materials including flyers, brochures, newsletters, web text and more.

• Research and Analysis. Past intern-led research topics include the use of force by Tennessee law enforcement offices, access to reproductive freedom in Tennessee and the extent of racial profiling in Tennessee, among other topics. With the guidance of staff, interns do original research, conduct analyses and compile reports to be used in public education and lobbying efforts.

In addition, ACLU-TN interns and volunteers assist with the administrative tasks of a non-profit agency.