Internship Location: St Louis MO
Organization Type: Nonprofit/NGO
Policy Areas: Social Justice Policy (Criminal Justice Reform, LGBTQ+ Rights, Voting Rights) and Health Policy (Reproductive Rights)
As a Complaint Investigation Specialist at the ACLU of Missouri this summer, I managed the intake and resolution of civil liberties complaints through active documentation, legal research, and fact-finding. I evaluated complaints by applying relevant laws, statutes, and regulations, and I helped complainants resolve disputes by providing tailored information, referrals, community resources, and clear, legally informed correspondence. This experience offered me firsthand insight into the nonprofit legal advocacy world and the systemic challenges faced by Missouri residents. I gained a deeper understanding of issues such as prison conditions, law enforcement misconduct, book banning in school districts, and LGBTQ+ rights. I was especially surprised by how many complaints reflected institutional failures and genuine struggle, yet were too individualized to warrant legal action from our team. La Follette’s public policy curriculum prepared me well for this role. My coursework sharpened my critical thinking and policy analysis skills and strengthened my writing and communication abilities, which were both essential when evaluating and resolving complaints. I would absolutely recommend this internship to students interested in civil rights, community advocacy, or policy. It was a meaningful opportunity to support such an important organization while gaining exposure to real-world legal and policy issues. The internship reinforced my desire to pursue a career in policy and deepened my interest in the intersection of law and public policy!