We know that freedom doesn’t protect itself. We know that in a participatory democracy, every voice matters and no action is too small. Today, so many of our basic freedoms are under attack by Trump’s policies. Now, more than ever, we are each called to action. We are each called to organize in our communities. We have been answering the call, and we have been showing up in the streets to vocalize opposition.
For so many of you, this is the first time you are engaging in protest and you are asking, “What’s next? What else can I do?” The time has come to go deeper. In response to the call to action and the overwhelming support the organization has seen in the months since the election, ACLU Nationwide is launching a new initiative. People Power is aimed to help organize grassroots mobilization for rapid response to Trump’s attempts at curtailing our hard-won civil liberties. This Saturday, March 11, ACLU will hold a “Resistance Training” in Miami, Florida. Via People Power, volunteers across the country will host events to view a live webcast of the training and plan local actions. Check the map to attend an event near you or sign up to be a host!
Faiz Shakur, National Political Director for ACLU Nationwide, describes the new effort best: “PeoplePower.org will use digital tools to communicate with and help train volunteers to resist President Trump’s unlawful policies across the country. The ACLU will promote ideas for action to defend sanctuary cities, resist deportation raids, oppose the Muslim Ban, maintain Planned Parenthood funding, and support other priorities. But the program will also seek to amplify organic, bottom-up grassroots actions. PeoplePower.org will be a one-stop hub for everyone looking to influence the national debate.”
During Saturday's Resistance Training there will be a specific call to action and opportunity to begin to organize actions with friends, neighbors, and other ACLU members. This decentralized model will be crucial to maintaining momentum for nation-wide priorities. But, I also want to take a moment to direct your attention to ACLU of Maine’s new action center. Here you will find a calendar of local events and different ways to engage in local activism. There are some really concerning legislative priorities that we will continue to organize around and we are so grateful for your support.
ACLU of Maine is also planning a series of trainings to build capacity for the local resistance. Stay tuned, more details will be forthcoming! And if you haven’t gotten your ticket yet, there are still some available for our 29th annual Scolnik awards dinner on April 18th!
