It is finally the end of January. What does that mean to me? It means new bills being introduced in the state legislature, the height of winter storm season and the State of the Union Address. It also means the
ACLU National Staff Conference !
This will be my first experience getting to meet all of the wonderful lawyers, organizers, lobbyists, development and other staff that work so tirelessly to protect civil liberties. Needless to say I am very excited.
I’ve found that often the most valuable learning experiences come from interacting with peers and colleagues – from those that closely understand the success and setbacks of working at an organization like the ACLU. I look forward to hearing about how New York, New Jersey and Georgia are fighting for
religious liberty in an Islamophobic climate. Florida, Washington and Illinois will speak about their work protecting the civil rights of
transgender people . The ACLU of MAINE’s own Legal Director Zach Heiden will sit on a panel discussing the
marriage equality legislative and referendum campaigns. Shenna Bellows, the ACLU of MAINE’s Executive Director, will be on a panel about creating meaningful relationships with unlikely bedfellows. ACLU of MAINE Field Director Brianna Twofoot will speak on a panel about the organizing that went into the
solitary confinement campaign. Lawyers who fly to Guantanamo, help vastly reduce solitary confinement units, defend
women’s right to safe and legal abortions and many, many more will share their experiences in Vegas.
What a tremendous opportunity. I am so proud to be a part of such a dynamic and expansive organization.