Position Overview:

The Advocacy Team protects and advances civil liberties and civil rights across the Commonwealth through legislative, organizing, administrative, executive, and non-litigation legal advocacy tools. Our team collaborates with grassroots to grasstops, diverse coalitions, and stakeholders/system actors to drive systemic changes.

Our work spans various issue areas related to: disability rights, death penalty abolition, LGBTQIA+ advocacy, voting rights, juvenile justice, immigration, surveillance/privacy, free speech, but is primarily focused on criminal legal reform and reproductive freedom. The Advocacy Intern will be fully integrated into the Advocacy Team and will have opportunities to attend team calls and meetings, including meetings with policymakers, and support any work on our priority issue areas.

Applicants should be aware that the majority of responsibilities will be centered on grassroots organizing.

Primary Responsibilities/Essential Duties:

• Support electoral campaign initiatives through volunteer engagement, data entry, event coordination, and canvassing (door knocking).

• With support from the campaign coordinator, coordinate volunteer training programs, including tabling training, social media ambassador training, and other assignments assigned by the Advocacy Team.

• Assist in turnout and follow-up for events and activities.

• Support legislative advocacy efforts by coordinating lobby days, advocacy events, post-session webinars, and volunteer activities.

• Learn about policymaking by shadowing lobbyists in legislative meetings and attending committee meetings.

• Perform other duties and special projects assigned by members of the Advocacy Team.

Qualifications:

• Strong writing skills.

• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.

• Self-Starter who is comfortable taking initiative.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint & Teams.

• A history of working collaboratively and successfully with people and organizations from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and a broad range of ideological positions and religious views.

• Commitment to the mission and goals of the ACLU.

• Interns are expected to work an average of 15 hours each week for 32 weeks. The tentative start date is Tuesday, September 14, 2026, with a tentative end date of Friday, April 23, 2027, but start and end dates are flexible.

• This position is based in Louisville. Candidates must either reside in the Louisville metropolitan area or be willing to work a minimum of 1 day per week in the office,

• Must have a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle.

• May travel throughout Kentucky.

• Commitment to a culture of feedback.

• Individuals directly impacted by the policy changes we have prioritized are strongly encouraged to apply

• Organizing experience preferred.

• Experience or familiarity with VAN, Mobilize, EveryAction or other organizing tools a plus.

Compensation and Benefits

The position pays $9,600 over the course of 32 weeks. Individuals will be paid via a stipend and will receive a 1099 from the organization.

How to Apply, Accommodations, and Contact

Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line: Advocacy Organizing Internship. The priority deadline for applications is Wednesday, August 19, 2026.