"Everyone has their own unique life experiences and their own voice. And we need yours in the fight for civil liberties."

BECOME A MEMBEr 

These are some of our priority areas, locally and nationally:

• Freedom of Speech • Voting Access
• Criminal Justice Reform • LGBTQ+ Rights
• Reproductive Freedom • Immigrants Rights
• Racial Justice • and many more. 

Our priorities intersect with National's. For example, here in Rhode Island, we passed the Reproductive Privacy Act to make sure reproductive rights are protected by law. This is also a big priority for National. National works across the country to protect our rights, and we all work to make these protections permanent.

Our local focus in 2024-2025 includes promoting police reform, making government more transparent and accessible, and reforming overly harsh criminal justice policies and practices. By working together, we help protect and improve our communities both locally and nationally.

BECOME A MEMBER

Together, we show up.

In true Rhode Island fashion, we're one of the smallest ACLU affiliates in the country with a staff of fewer than ten. Despite this, we've lobbied on over 300 bills this legislative session, have over 30 cases ongoing at a given time, and have distributed over 9,000 educational materials to our community in the past year. Our Know Your Rights materials encompass such topics as what to do if you're stopped by the police, students' rights, recreational marijuana, and access to public records. Learn more below about the ACLU and membership...

1. Why did I get this link sent to me?

A.Why did I get this link sent to me?

A.

Congratulations! One of our Board members has identified you as someone that is passionate about the community that they live in. We have a yearly challenge for our Board members to add new members. They are often out in the community and talking to people on our behalf, so we thought this website was a perfect way to give them easy access to share something they’re passionate about.

2. What is the ACLU?

A.What is the ACLU?

A.

The ACLU, or American Civil Liberties Union, is a group that helps protect people’s rights and freedoms. We make sure everyone is treated fairly and that the rules in the Constitution are followed. We help people who feel their rights are being taken away, like the right to free speech or the right to privacy.

3. Is there an ACLU in Rhode Island?

A.Is there an ACLU in Rhode Island?

A.

Yes, there sure is! Here in Rhode Island, we have more than 5,000 members and over 20,000 supporters.

4. Where is the ACLU located?

A.Where is the ACLU located?

A.

The ACLU has its main office in New York City, but we have 53 affiliate offices (sort of like branches) and 200 chapters in many states throughout the United States. These affiliates help people all over the country with their rights and freedoms. The local affiliate, ACLU of Rhode Island, has an office in Providence.

5. What does the ACLU of Rhode Island do?

A.What does the ACLU of Rhode Island do?

A.

We help protect people’s rights and freedoms. We do this by going to court to fight for people who feel their rights have been taken away. We work on important issues like free speech, privacy, and equal treatment for everyone. We also try to change unfair laws and teach people about their rights. We fight nationally and locally. Nationally the ACLU has more than 1.5 million members.

6. Why should I join the ACLU of RI?

A.Why should I join the ACLU of RI?

A.

To help protect people’s rights and make sure everyone is treated fairly. By joining, you can support our work in fighting unfair laws, helping people who need it, and teaching others about their rights. Joining the ACLU means you care about justice and want to make a difference in the world. There are a whole bunch of ways to support our work.

7. What does it cost to become a member? Do I need to join both the local and national groups?

A.What does it cost to become a member? Do I need to join both the local and national groups?

A.

Membership dues start at $20 a year. When you become a member of the ACLU of Rhode Island you also become a member of ACLU National. In fact, you will be sent your official ACLU membership card from National!

8. Where does my money go if I become a member?

A.Where does my money go if I become a member?

A.

If you become a member, your money helps us protect people’s rights and freedoms. It is used to pay for legal costs to fight unfair laws in the courts, to actively lobby in the legislature to pass law to better protect our freedoms, and to support our education programs that teach people about their rights. Your money helps us to make sure we can do our work to protect everyone's rights.

9. What if I want to make people’s lives better at both national and local levels?

A.What if I want to make people’s lives better at both national and local levels?

A.

When you join the ACLU of Rhode Island, your membership helps support our entire organization, both nationally and locally. We share resources and funds to tackle big issues across the country and specific problems in the Ocean State. By joining, you are helping to make a difference here in Rhode Island and throughout the United States. We are all We the People.

10. What if I don’t want to join but I want to support the work that the ACLU of Rhode Island is doing?

A.What if I don’t want to join but I want to support the work that the ACLU of Rhode Island is doing?

A.

If you don’t want to join but still want to support our work, you can donate to the ACLU Foundation of Rhode Island. Donations help us protect people’s rights and freedoms. You can donate any amount you feel comfortable with, and your money will support our important work. Visit https://www.riaclu.org/en/donate for more information.

11. Okay, you have given me a lot to think about. I think I need some convincing… or maybe just to talk with someone. How do I do that?

A.Okay, you have given me a lot to think about. I think I need some convincing… or maybe just to talk with someone. How do I do that?

A.

It’s great that you’re thinking about the impact you can make! We have events coming up in the fall and winter, but before then feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or call our office and ask for Monica at 401-831-7171.

12. I’m convinced! I will join. What now?

A.I’m convinced! I will join. What now?

A.

That’s great! We are so happy that you have decided to join. You can go to our website, https://action.aclu.org/give/rhode-island-join-renew-today, or you can print out a form and mail it to our office with a check.

Our mailing address is 128 Dorrance Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903. Once you join you will receive your membership card in the mail in anywhere from 4-8 weeks. We’re so excited that you are joining the fight.

In solidarity,

ACLU of Rhode Island Staff & Board