At the ACLU of Hawaiʻi, we work every day to protect and advance civil rights and civil liberties across the islands. But this critical work doesn’t happen in a vacuum—it is fueled by the passion, energy, and dedication of community members like you.
Whether you are a student looking to build a career in public interest advocacy or a community member ready to show up on the front lines of systemic change, we have a place for you. We are thrilled to announce that applications are officially open for our Spring January–May 2027 Internship Program, alongside ongoing opportunities to join our vibrant volunteer grassroots network!
Launch Your Career: Spring 2027 Internship Program
Our internship program offers unique, hands-on experience working directly on high-impact advocacy, community education, and legislative strategy. For the upcoming term, we are offering two distinct internship tracks:
1. Communications Intern
Perfect for storytelling advocates, content creators, and strategic thinkers. As a Communications Intern, your general responsibilities will include:
- Supporting internal and external communications projects.
- Assisting with social media content planning, creation, and video compilation.
- Drafting and editing high-impact communications materials.
- Tracking post-event analytics and researching audience trends.
- Interviewing team members and stakeholders for community stories.
2. Community Engagement Intern
Ideal for grassroots organizers, campus leaders, and mobilizers. As a Community Engagement Intern, your general responsibilities will include:
- Assisting with public education and executing community events.
- Spearheading on-campus and student mobilization efforts around pressing civil rights issues.
- Planning educational workshops, teach-ins, and Know Your Rights presentations.
- Educating community members on policy initiatives during the legislative session.
- Identifying future subject matter areas for impactful public education.
Internship Expectations & How to Apply
- Availability: Both tracks require interns to be available in-person on Tuesdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM HST.
- The Perks: Beyond day-to-day work, every week you will get to either sit down and talk with a seasoned professional in civil rights/civil liberties work, or take part in a workshop series covering advanced organizing and mobilization tactics.
- How to Apply: Review the informational slides provided in our social media channels for complete details. Email your application directly to [email protected] with your preferred track(s), a cover letter, résumé, and unofficial transcript (if applicable).
- Deadline: Submit your materials by 11:59 PM HST on November 30, 2026. Please use the exact subject line: “ACLU-HI 2027 Spring Internship Application.”
Power the Movement: Volunteer with ACLU-HI
If an internship doesn’t fit your current schedule, you can make a powerful impact by joining our volunteer ‘ohana. Volunteering with the ACLU of Hawaiʻi means joining a dedicated community committed to protecting and uplifting our collective constitutional rights.
We know everyone has different capacities, which is why we offer opportunities to fit any schedule—whether you have just one single hour to give or dozens of hours over the year.
What Volunteering Looks Like:
- Showing Up in the Community: Representing ACLU-HI at tabling events, sharing our core mission, and distributing critical resources.
- Mobilizing for Action: Supporting protests, rallies, and major public actions.
- Marching with Us: Walking alongside staff and fellow advocates in prominent community celebrations, such as the Honolulu Pride Parade!
- Civic & Legislative Advocacy: Giving vital testimony for or against key bills impacting civil rights at the legislature, and assisting with community Know Your Rights workshops and teach-ins.
How to Join the Volunteer Network
Ready to stand up for freedom and justice in our community? You can jump in right now by emailing [email protected] to express your specific interest in volunteering, or visit the volunteer sign-up page directly on our website.
Because freedom can’t protect itself—it takes all of us. Read through our latest informational slide decks for a complete breakdown, and let’s get to work!