American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona

Through targeted communications, and traditional and online media, the aclu of Arizona helps inform the public about current or proposed laws, policies or ballot measures that impact Civil Liberties. We work to influence elected officials and policymakers at the local, state and federal levels to protect constitutional rights and use a variety of communications strategies to engage our members, (which totaled 14,089 in 2023) and supporters in advocacy and lobbying, changing public opinion, responding to Civil liberties-related news items and influencing decision makers. The aclu of Arizona had 37,120 subscribers on our email list and maintained a website that attracted 206,000 hits throughout the year and had 38,606 social media followers.

The aclu of Arizona lobbies Arizona legislators and members of local government bodies, including school boards, to take action on public policies that impact Civil Liberties. We engage in research and policy analysis in order to develop and draft policies and take positions and actions on ballot measures that impact Civil Liberties. During the 2022 fiscal year, the aclu of Arizona's lobbying-related activities included testifying before members of the Arizona legislature and submitting 9 written recommendations to those elected officials. During the 2022 session, the aclu of Arizona assisted in defeating 73 bills that would have threatened Civil Liberties, drafted 2 pieces of legislation, wrote testimony 17 times and sent 5 veto letters.

The aclu of Arizona utilizes grassroots activism to recruit, train and mobilize aclu members and activists in the fight to protect our Civil rights and Liberties. We believe in elevating the voices of directly impacted people to share their stories, help develop policy goals and lead discussions with policymakers. Through a variety of outreach and community-based activities including trainings, phone banks, workshops, community meetings and conversations, the aclu of Arizona recruits, trains and develops volunteer leaders, while also educating people in communities statewide about their constitutional rights and important Civil Liberties issues. As part of our organizing/advocacy efforts, we recruited 39 formerly incarcerated volunteers to lead our criminal justice advocacy efforts and conducted 99 one-on-one meetings to expand our volunteer/leader base.