Since our founding in 1920, the American Civil Liberties Union has led the fight to conserve our most precious liberties. Through the passion of our supporters, we have grown from a roomful of civil liberties activists to an organization of more than 500,000 active members and supporters with 54 state affiliate offices as well as a legislative office in Washington, DC.
Here in Michigan, our story begins as early as 1955, when social justice advocates came together and began to plan for a state organization. The ACLU of Michigan was officially established in 1959 to defend our civil liberties.
Join the thousands of members who play an active role in defending freedom. Sign up to volunteer with the ACLU of Michigan.
Our Mission
Freedom, Equality, and Justice
The Bill of Rights declared that we have rights and liberties that the government shouldn't interfere with. Rights like the freedom of speech and our right to a speedy trial that are the cornerstone of our democracy and define what makes us American.
Protecting these liberties and pushing for more freedom and equality in our lives is our job.
The ACLU of Michigan's mission remains realizing the promise of the Bill of Rights for all and expanding the reach of its guarantees to new areas through all the tools at our disposal: public education, advocacy, organizing, and litigation.
We are grateful for the hundreds of thousands of members and supporters nationwide, from all walks of life, who help us carry out our mission every day.
We Represent Everyone
Rich or poor; straight or gay; black, white, or brown; urban or rural; pious or atheist; American-born or foreign-born; able-bodied or living with a disability; every person in this country has the same basic rights. For 90 years, we have been working diligently to ensure that no one takes those rights away.
The defense of civil liberties knows no party bounds, which is why the ACLU remains nonpartisan. We have joined in coalition with conservatives and progressives alike on a wide array of issues – from reforming the intrusive powers of the Patriot Act to blocking infringements upon our First Amendment rights.
Organizations we have proudly stood with include the American Conservative Union, People for the American Way (PFAW), the Eagle Forum, Leadership Conference on Civil Rights (LCCR), Grover Norquist’s Americans for Tax Reform, Planned Parenthood, the National Rifle Association, Amnesty International, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), and the Family Research Council.
If you are not already a member, please join the ACLU.