American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Reproductive Freedom Project: Public Education Department Undergraduate Internship

Since its founding in the 1920s, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the nation’s foremost defender of individual rights, has fought to ensure that the decision whether or not have a child be informed, meaningful, and protected from government interference. The ACLU is particularly committed to ensuring that individuals’ reproductive rights are not compromised because of their race, youth, or economic status, and believes that reproductive rights work must be informed by broader racial and social justice considerations. Through litigation, advocacy, and public education, the ACLU’s Reproductive Freedom Project (RFP) works to protect access to the full spectrum of reproductive health care, from sexuality education and family planning services to prenatal care and childbearing assistance to abortion counseling and services.

The Public Education Department manages RFP’s relations with the media, produces publications addressing a wide array of reproductive rights issues, develops messaging and talking points, drafts model op-eds, and organizes speaking engagements for staff. In addition, the Department works closely on many of RFP’s non-litigation activities including campaigns to increase access to emergency contraception, annual organizing around the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, and helping the ACLU’s nationwide network of affiliates with local initiatives. Current issues facing RFP include bans on safe abortion procedures, restrictions on teens’ access to abortion, the use of taxpayer dollars to promote religion in abstinence-only programs, state constitutional cases to restore Medicaid coverage for abortions to ensure real choice for low-income women, and fetal rights.

OVERVIEW:
RFP seeks an undergraduate intern to work on communications and public education activities. Working closely with the Public Education Department, the intern will assist with all aspects of communications work. Responsibilities include research and data entry for the Project’s press list, updating public education materials, and assistance maintaining RFP’s website and public education files. While the intern will have the opportunity to interact with Project attorneys and learn about the Project's legal work, applicants should understand that the intern will not gain legal experience.

Each internship lasts one semester (spring, summer, or fall); the length and terms of the internship will be negotiated when an offer is made. The summer session is typically half-time. Spring and fall internships are generally one day per week, non-paid positions.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
Applicants should have excellent research, writing, and communication skills as well as the ability to work independently. A strong interest in reproductive rights is essential. An interest in communications or journalism, racial and social justice, and issues affecting teens and low-income women is helpful.

HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and a non-fiction writing sample of not more than 3 pages in length. The application deadline is November 15th for the spring, March 15th for the summer, and September 30th for the fall. Applications received after these dates will be considered only if space is available.

Contact:     Public Education Internship Coordinator
               ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project
       125 Broad Street, 18th Floor
    New York, NY 10004.
                 Website: http://www.aclu.org/jobs/careers/26823res20060921.html