Amy Miller '93 Continues Internship Opportunity with ACLU of Nebraska

Amy Miller '93 entered her third year at Grinnell as an art history major still contemplating career options. The Grinnell-in-London program, however, galvanized her plans. The experience opened her eyes to the prevalence of poverty, police brutality, and neglect and she resolved to work for those in need of a voice. After Grinnell, Amy attended law school, and later joined the ACLU of Nebraska, first as a volunteer, then as a staff attorney in 1999. She launched her career with the oldest civil rights organization in the United States and she continues to work tirelessly to protect fundamental rights for all people.

Each summer, Amy welcomes a current Grinnell student to intern with the ACLU of Nebraska to develop a firsthand look at the legal system through the lens of a nonprofit advocacy organization. Although direct involvement with Grinnell internship programs began as a means to "give back," Amy finds the process personally rewarding. She explains, "It keeps me connected to the campus. We talk about dorms, campus organizations, and student interests."

Amy started hosting Grinnell students at the ACLU of Nebraska in 2005. Sarah Pruett '07 went to work immediately and Amy knew she was capable of big projects. Sarah researched mental health issues related to incarcerated individuals and contributed to the publication "Barred from Hope: A Study of Healthcare in Nebraska's County Jails." Sarah and Amy developed a report that reached every senator in the state and resulted in positive policy change at the state government level. Both developed personally and professionally by working together at disparate career stages. Sarah will attend law school at Cornell University in the fall. This summer, Amy will supervise her fifth consecutive Grinnell internship experience.

Amy's advice to interns: "Ask questions and learn from everyone - talk to the clerk, the legislative committee, the person who answers the phone." Amy finds fulfillment in helping interns understand the "why" of her work by sharing from experience and presenting the day-to-day experience of her career. Amy also offers advice for alumni who may be thinking about hosting an intern. "It is as much fun as going back to Grinnell and the interns are brilliant!"