Every few years, Alabama draws national attention. A major court case hits the headlines. A law erodes basic human and civil rights. A protest reminds us of the resilience and passion of everyday Alabamians. We feel that spotlight intensely. Then the cameras move on.
But we, the people, remain.
Our lives go on after those moments, but our communities bear the weight of systemic injustice – a hope and longing for something better. In times like these, you may ask: What can I do?
With municipal elections ahead and the 2026 cycle already underway, that question matters more than ever, not just when ballots are cast. Alabama needs organizers in neighborhoods, advocates in city halls, and volunteers who understand that power grows wherever we show up with consistency and intention.
Our response must meet the urgency of the moment. We must understand the scale of what our neighbors are facing. Alabamians are struggling to find adequate health care, navigate through a complex parole process, assess how they protect their neighbors, and even try to understand where to vote, as they try to ensure their everyday needs are met.
The ACLU team is addressing this moment by investing in long-term strategies and community care. Vision 2030 clearly outlines our priorities. We are working to increase Black voter turnout, focus on restoring reproductive freedom, and make the opaque carceral system that punishes poverty more transparent. These goals are not abstract; they are deeply rooted in the needs of real people with real needs — folks working to care for their families, show up to their jobs to try and make ends meet, and access basic healthcare.
We have sued the state to expand birthing options and defended access to health care. Our staff and partners are guiding people through parole hearings, fighting censorship in schools, and launching programs that train the next generation of movement lawyers and organizers. We do this because we believe no one should have to leave Alabama to find freedom and safety. We have the vision, will, and strength to create the state we deserve.
And we are not alone in this work. Across the state, people are leading their own fights. Some are registering voters on campuses and at cookouts. Others are hosting "Know Your Rights" trainings or speaking out when policies threaten their communities. These actions may not make the news, but they make a difference.
The question is no longer what to do. The question is where to begin.
We invite you to take that first step. Visit aclualabama.org/events to find a way in. Join us for a training. Learn how to advocate in your hometown. You don’t need permission to lead. You just need to start.
Our future will be shaped by what we build together—across our communities, identities, and most importantly, our shared vision for something greater. Our power lives within us. It grows through our work and focus. It takes root in what we create.
