Community Outreach Intern

Location: Montpelier, VT

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Employment Status: Full time, temporary intern
FLSA Status: Hourly, non-exempt
Compensation: $20/hour, not eligible for benefits
Scope: 30 - 40 hours per week, 10 weeks
Start Date: Target June 8, or as soon after as possible

Position Summary 

The ACLU of Vermont seeks a highly motivated Community Outreach Intern to support and coordinate community engagement and outreach efforts. This is a 10-week, 30-40 hour per-week paid internship for the summer of 2026. Start and end dates are flexible.

The Intern will work with our Field Manager to help shape our field program by utilizing the strength of the ACLU’s growing network of members, supporters, and volunteers to advance ACLU advocacy in Vermont communities.

As we face unprecedented challenges to civil liberties, the ACLU of Vermont is taking our statewide advocacy to the next level by strengthening our litigation and legislative capacity, expanding public engagement and education strategies, and creating a new infrastructure for issue campaigns and electoral engagement. That includes data-driven campaign strategies and amplified communications and organizing tactics to fight for civil rights and civil liberties — and win.

Position Location

The Intern must be a Vermont resident for the duration of the internship. They will work primarily from our Montpelier office, or from home during designated remote days, and will participate in in-person events across the state.

Primary Responsibilities

The Intern will report to the Field Manager and work closely with the advocacy team. The Intern will help expand our outreach capacity, participate in campaign development strategy, strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders – prioritizing directly impacted communities and individuals – and coordinate with office staff to track progress and win on priority campaign goals.

Responsibilities may include:

Working with the Field Manager in collaboration with the Advocacy Team to develop and implement strategies to build and utilize a base of ACLU members, volunteers, and community members in support of the ACLU of Vermont’s campaign goals.

Helping the Field Manager and advocacy team with legislative campaign development and tactics to educate volunteers and staff on the campaigning process.

Recruiting, training, assisting, and mobilizing an active volunteer base to participate in events, and support public education and advocacy efforts.

Helping develop and implement strategies to extend our support among younger Vermonters and bring new voices to our campaigns.

Tabling at community events to engage with potential supporters. Tabling events may include state fairs, county fairs, farmers markets, rallies, etc.

Identifying and recruiting potential volunteers and spokespeople for our campaigns.

Assisting in organizing both small and large-scale public events statewide to educate and mobilize ACLU of Vermont supporters and the broader public for specific advocacy priorities.

Performing data entry and small data gathering/organizing projects.

Opportunities for learning and growth include:

Understanding the difference between advocacy, mobilizing, and organizing, and how these tactics are used across the state of Vermont, within ACLU-VT and among our partner organizations.

Working toward campaign development with ACLU-VT staff and how to cut an issue.

Working in coalition with volunteer groups and other staffed organizations prioritizing civil rights and resisting federal overreach.

Understanding the complexities of addressing civil rights issues through policy, law, and public engagement.

Opportunity to engage with the wider ACLU universe, including ACLU National staff and neighboring ACLU affiliates.

Qualifications:

A demonstrated commitment to civil liberties and civil rights, and an understanding of and appreciation for the ACLU’s values, mission, goals, and current priority issues in Vermont.

Ability to work independently and to keep organized in a fast-paced environment and adjust to changing demands. A team-oriented personality, a desire to learn and grow.

A commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion; a personal approach that values the individual and respects differences of race, ethnicity, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, ability, and socio-economic circumstance.

Willingness to engage with members of the public over the phone, through electronic communications, and at in-person events and meetings.

Proficiency with computers, Microsoft Office software, database management, and various web platforms.

A valid driver’s license or driver’s privilege card, reliable vehicle, and willingness to travel extensively around the state.

Ability to work irregular hours, and to attend evening and weekend meetings when necessary.

Compensation

$20 an hour with compensation for approved mileage and expenses.

Application Procedure

To apply, email a cover letter and resume to our Applications Inbox at [email protected]. Include in the subject line of the email: your last name and “Community Outreach Intern”.

We will begin reviewing applications March 16th and the position will remain open until filled, at which point the internship listing will be removed from our website.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The ACLU of Vermont is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive office culture. We believe that having a board, staff, and volunteer base with diverse personal and professional backgrounds enhances our ability to meet our mission and creates an environment where all members of our community can thrive.

The ACLU of Vermont strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or prior involvement in the criminal legal system. The ACLU of Vermont undertakes affirmative action strategies in its recruitment and employment efforts to ensure that persons with disabilities have full opportunities for employment in all positions.