Become a Member

  1. As an ACLU member who lives in Rhode Island, you automatically belong to both the ACLU of RI and the National ACLU. The ACLU of Rhode Island is the state affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union. Your membership dues support both local and national civil liberties programs.
  2. $1 of your dues covers subscriptions to the National ACLU and the ACLU of RI newsletters. You will also receive information throughout the year about special ACLU events and activities.
  3. We do not share your name with other organizations.  The National ACLU sends members mailings from other organizations in exchange for them doing the same. However, we guard the anonymity of our membership very carefully, and the other organization never actually sees your name.  If you would like to opt out of these email exchanges, call or email us, and we will ask the National ACLU to remove you from these mailings.
  4. The ACLU Foundation of RI is a separate fund to help cover our litigation and education programs.  Contributions to the Foundation are tax-deductible, and thus helpful to those wishing to make special or large contributions.  We occasionally send special appeals when there is a need that requires funds above and beyond our regular renewable income. Such contributions are separate from membership dues. Click here for more information on the difference between the ACLU of Rhode Island and the ACLU Foundation of Rhode Island.
  5. Special events are run to raise funds over and above membership dues.  We hope you will participate in them throughout the year.
  6. You can follow our work on social media. Find us on Facebook (@riaclu), Twitter (@riaclu) and Instagram (@riaclu).
  7. Your membership begins the month your membership dues were processed.  Shortly before the expiration date, you are sent the first renewal notice for the coming year by the national office.  If you respond to the first notice, 99% of your renewal goes for civil liberties work. 
  8. The fact that you are currently receiving mailings does not necessarily mean your membership is current.  We carry you as long as possible, hoping that you will stick with us.
  9. If you receive duplicate ACLU mailings, or move to a different address, please call or email us so we can correct your information.
  10. If you have questions, or would like more information, please contact us!