SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Press Release) – Jett Jonelis has joined the ACLU of South Dakota as advocacy manager.

As advocacy manager, Jonelis oversees the organization’s legislative, public education and advocacy efforts and is responsible for developing issue campaigns to advance civil liberties and civil rights in South Dakota.

“Jett’s demonstrated passion for and commitment to constitutional rights and social justice made them a natural fit for the ACLU of South Dakota,” said Heather Smith, executive director of the ACLU of South Dakota. “Their experience with civic engagement, motivating people and creating change will be invaluable to our work for social justice. With Jett on board, our capacity to create change in South Dakota is bigger than ever.”

Prior to joining the ACLU, Jonelis served as an AmeriCorps VISTA and Public Ally in their hometown of New Haven, Conn. During their program years, they worked in community organizing and capacity building for New Haven Legal Assistance Association and Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven. Jonelis also volunteered with community placemaking organizations and engaged in organizing around ending police violence, increasing access to safe and truly affordable housing and decriminalizing homelessness.

Jonelis recently graduated with a master’s degree in public administration from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. They graduated with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Southern Connecticut State University.