Electronic Privacy Information Center www.epic.org

Organization Overview:

EPIC, a public interest research center in Washington, D.C., was established in 1994 to focus public attention on emerging civil liberties issues. EPIC works to protect privacy and open government and to ensure accurate and private electoral systems.

Project:

1. Information and Policy Project (One Student)
• Draft a policy Web page
• Draft a memo on an information policy issue -- including the basis of Congressional testimony, regulatory comments, or other EPIC work product
• Attend a Congressional hearing or policy event (depends on availability, of course)


Participant Comments

"I spent time researching an issue that I could submit a Freedom of Information Act request on and then the attorneys at the office helped me draw up the proper language for the request. I did a lot of research and began writing a chapter for their yearly book on privacy and human rights. I did a little bit of prep help for the attorney that was testifying before the subcommittee.

"I really enjoyed seeing the process of preparing for and actually seeing an EPIC staffer giving testimony on a real issue. It was gratifying to see EPIC working on current issues with such speed and efficiency and then working to help shape legislation.

"The research I did on social networking was very hands-off from the work the other members were doing, as they were extremely busy with other issues -- so I wish I could have been working a bit more closely with them. That said, the members of EPIC were very supportive and really helped explain to me the ins and outs of the issue they were testifying on. Marc was a really great teacher both to me and the new attorney that was giving the testimony. It was a really great, intimate learning experience."