Civil Rights
During the Spring Break of 2024, Alternative Break Program has scheduled a trip to Selma, Alabama, which involves addressing the social issue of civil rights through volunteering for the Selma Center for Nonviolence, Truth and Reconciliation (Selma CTNR).
Civil Rights Definition
According to the Legal Information Institute at Cornell Law School: "Civil rights refer to legal provisions that stem from notions of equality… For example, the right to vote is a civil right. A civil liberty, on the other hand, refers to personal freedoms protected from government intrusion such as those listed in the Bill of Rights. For example, the First Amendment's right to free speech is a civil liberty." (Source: law.cornell.edu/wex/civil_rights)
The 1960s Civil Rights Movement
The 1960s Civil Rights Movement in the United States primarily focused on combating the Jim Crow system of racial segregation and discrimination which affected the African-American population. Through various acts of protest—led by figures such as Martin Luther King Jr.—the movement culminated in the signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. However, the legacy of African-American oppression remains present today. Communities of color continue to be disproportionately affected by violence, mistreatment by the criminal justice system, as well as unnecessary voting restrictions. These inequities are directly addressed by the Selma CTNR through community programming and organizing.
Nonprofits for Civil Rights
Monroe County Branch, NAACP
About: The Monroe County NAACP works to advance racial equity through legislative advocacy, educational programming, and more. The organization works directly with students through the Indiana University NAACP to achieve its larger mission.
Website: https://sites.google.com/site/mcbnaacp/
Donation Link: Donate
How To Get Involved: Anyone can become a member of the organization—and join the mailing list full of details about meetings and events—through emailing mcbnaacp@gmail.com.
League of Women Voters of Bloomington-Monroe County (LWV-BMC)
About: The League of Women Voters of Bloomington-Monroe County (LWV-BMC) is a nonpartisan political organization which advocates for voting rights, voter education, as well as other civil and human rights issues. Here are examples of work done by the League:
- Hosting “legislative updates” which inform Bloomington residents on vital legislation at the local and state level
- Hosting debates with local candidates for elected office
- Publishing online voter education guides through the VOTE411 platform
- Registering voters through strategic partnerships
- Engaging in legislative advocacy efforts regarding issues such as voter rights, climate change, women’s rights, and more
- Observing and reporting on local board meetings, such as city council meetings and police commission meetings
Website: https://www.lwv-bmc.org/
Donation Link: Donate
How To Get Involved: Anyone can become a member of the organization online through the nonprofit’s website: https://www.lwv-bmc.org/content.aspx?page_id=60&club_id=901066
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Indiana
About: The ACLU of Indiana files lawsuits against entities that the organization believes to be violating Hoosiers’ civil rights and civil liberties. Outside of litigation, the ACLU’s work includes engaging in political advocacy, as well as educational efforts. One can learn about the issues the ACLU focuses on here.
Website: https://www.aclu-in.org/en
Donation Link: Donate
How To Get Involved: Interested individuals can sign up to be an ACLU of Indiana volunteer—and work in social media, legal intake, or advocacy—https://action.aclu.org/volunteer/aclu_in_volunteer