In its early days, the American Civil Liberties Union primarily addressed civil liberties and civil rights violations through the courts and in legislatures. But over time, we realized that to create lasting change, we needed to be community-connected, collaborating with others.
Our San Diego ACLU is advancing a new model for ACLUs that integrates the best of legal, policy, and advocacy, and community organizing to build power and advance civil liberties together. As a membership organization, we seek avenues for our activists and allies to participate fully in our democratic institutions. We particularly focus on low-income and communities of color.
Our current focus areas are Advancing Justice (addressing inequities and civil liberties violations in our criminal justice system), Advancing Immigrant Rights, Advancing Democracy (restoring and increasing voter access to the polls).
