Name: Julia Opppedisano & Rachel SchirripaDate:_12/10/2013___ Per: 3_

Interest Group Project ~ AP US Government & Politics ~ Mr. Tumino

Complete a grid for your interest group.

Name of Interest Group:American Civil liberties Union
Mailing address:
125 Broad Street, 18th Floor, New YorkNY10004 / Website address:
/ Phone number to contact:
212-549-2500
Summarize the group’s purpose:
The ACLU is our nation's guardian of liberty, working daily in courts, legislatures and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties that the Constitution and laws of the United States guarantee everyone in this country
  • Defends targets of discrimination
  • Promotes fair and smart justice
  • Keeps America safe and free
  • Protects civil liberties in the digital age
The ACLU also works to extend rights to segments of our population that have traditionally been denied their rights, including people of color; women; lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people; prisoners; and people with disabilities. / In what ways does the group try to influence the policy process? (Money, Grassroots and/or Litigation)
Influence policy process by working on court cases that involve the rights of underrepresented people.
Litigation is one of the many ways the ACLU and its allies are working to put an end to solitary confinement. / How is the group funded?
26% Membership contributions
16% Bequests
57% Grants and contributions
1% Other revenue
What is the major piece of legislation that concerns the group?
Working to protect civil liberties and:
  • Your First Amendment rights
  • Your right to equal protection under the law
  • Your right to due process
  • Your right to privacy
/ How closely aligned is the group aligned with one particular party/ideology?
They are closely aligned with liberals in the views of civil liberties and extended rights of color; women; lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people; prisoners; and people with disabilities. / What were the contributions to and from this group in recent years?
Various foundations such as the; Guardians of Liberty, Rockefeller, Carnegie, Ford, Field, Tides, Gill, Arcus, Horizons and others help to contribute and donate to the ACLU
The ACLU makes its contribution through working to protect civil liberties and preserving the rights of individuals
Names/politicians associated with this group
  • Susan N. Herman was elected President of the American Civil Liberties Union
  • Anthony D. Romero is the Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union
  • Dorothy M. Ehrlich was named Deputy Executive Director of the ACLU
  • Laura W. Murphy is in her second tenure as Director of the ACLU’s Washington Legislative Office

Geri E. Rozanski director, affiliate support and advocacy

  • Steven R. Shapiro is the Legal Director of the American Civil Liberties Union
  • Emily Tynes is Communications Director of the national American Civil Liberties Union
  • Mark Wier joined the American Civil Liberties Union as Chief Development Officer

Terence Dougherty, general counsel

/ Give one or two important contributions (judicial, legislative, etc.) from this group.
Judicial:
The ACLU contributes to this group by representing persons and organizations in lawsuits, and lobbies for policies that have been established by its board of directors
Legislative:
They contribute to this group by lobbying to advance the rights of civil rights and civil liberties
Ex: Laura Murphy was selected as top 50 most influential lobbyists and honored her for significant contributions to legislation
Spend time on OpenSecrets.org reading through your interest group’s financial records. What important information did you learn?
The ACLU contributes all their money to candidates and none to PACS, 527 committees, parties or other outside groups. Their contributions to candidates came from individuals rather than PACS.