Em Powers has joined the ACLU of South Dakota’s communications department as a digital communications intern.
As an intern, Powers will develop substantive skills and professional experience through on-the-job learning. They’ll work alongside ACLU communications staff on a variety of issues and will help execute the ACLU’s storytelling and social media objectives and will be responsible for generating content that is engaging, engaging, up-to-date and results in measurable action.
“Em’s experience and educational background, interest in constitutional rights and commitment to civil liberties made them a natural fit for our digital communications internship,” said Janna Farley, ACLU of South Dakota communications director. “Em will be a vital contributor to our communications work, and we’re excited to help them grow and develop their advocacy skills even more.”
Powers, a native of Cherry Point, N.C., is a student at Augustana University in Sioux Falls working toward a fine arts degree with an emphasis in painting and minors in sociology and journalism. They will graduate in May 2026. At Augustana, Powers has served in leadership roles in the Augustana Student Association where they helped establish a medication drop-box on campus, collaborated with Augustana’s annual Diversity Summit, and helped start an annual suicide awareness 5K with the campus Lost&Found chapter. Powers also works in the theater department in an office and marketing role.
“I’m a very observant person, and I’ve been bothered about injustices I’ve witnessed since I was a kid.” Powers said. “I used to cry every time I saw people living without housing and sometimes still do. Wherever there is change to be made, I want to be there.”
About the ACLU of South Dakota
The American Civil Liberties Union of South Dakota is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of civil liberties and civil rights. The ACLU of South Dakota is part of a three-state chapter that also includes North Dakota and Wyoming. The team in South Dakota is supported by staff in those states.
The ACLU believes freedoms of press, speech, assembly, and religion, and the rights to due process, equal protection and privacy, are fundamental to a free people. In addition, the ACLU seeks to advance constitutional protections for groups traditionally denied their rights, including people of color, women, and the LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit communities. The ACLU of South Dakota carries out its work through selective litigation, lobbying at the state and local level, and through public education and awareness of what the Bill of Rights means for the people of South Dakota.
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