FALL 2007 INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
American Civil Liberties Union
LGBT and AIDS Projects
New York, NY

The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender & AIDS Projects of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) seek applicants for semester-long Legislative and Field Internships in New York City starting in September 2007. Founded in 1920, the American Civil Liberties Union, with national offices in New York and Washington and 53 affiliates across the country, is America’s foremost advocate of individual rights.

OVERVIEW:
The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Project’s mission is to secure equal treatment and basic respect for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people: even-handed treatment by government; protection from discrimination in jobs, schools, housing and public accommodations; and equal rights for lesbian and gay couples and families. The AIDS Project’s mission is to ensure that as society responds to the changing nature of the HIV epidemic, it does not needlessly abrogate fundamental constitutional rights. The Project lawsuits in state and federal courts throughout the country are designed to have a significant effect on the lives of LGBT people and those with HIV/AIDS. The Project’s legal strategies are built on the idea that fighting for civil rights means not just persuading judges but also ultimately changing the way people think.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide general administrative/research support to the Project’s legislative and field staff.
• Track legislation, research policy, organize files and collect press clips about past and current bills.
• Assist with mailings of lobbying materials and general administrative assistance.
• Assist Project staff with the support of affiliate LGBT initiatives.
• Draft fact sheets and correspondence.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Interest in LGBT equality and civil rights of those with HIV/AIDS.
• Interest in legislative affairs, organizing for social change, and policy.
• Excellent research and writing skills.
• Ability to perform basic office duties including filing.
• Familiarity with basic computer software including Microsoft Word.
• Strong organizational skills a must.
• Familiarity with lesbian and gay rights, HIV/AIDS and other civil liberties issues is desirable; commitment to these issues is essential.

Internships are unpaid positions. Arrangements can be made for work/study or course credit. The expected commitment is 10-20+ hours per week during the semester, however, there is flexibility and schedules are designed to accommodate the coursework/employment of the selected interns.

HOW TO APPLY:
Applications may be submitted either by mail or e-mail. Send a cover letter, resume and a 2-3 page writing sample to:

LGBT Project Internship
Legislative Field Department
ACLU Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender & AIDS Projects
125 Broad Street, 18^th Floor
New York, New York 10004-2400

nranney@aclu.org (Please indicate “LGBT Internship Application” in the subject line.)

The ACLU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals.