The American system of government is founded on two counterbalancing principles: that the majority of the people governs, through democratically elected representatives; and that the power even of a democratic majority must be limited, to ensure individual rights. The protection of these precious individual rights is the subject of the Bill of Rights (amendments 1- 10 of our Constitution), as well as the three post-Civil War amendments (the 13th, 14th and 15th) and the 19th Amendment (women's suffrage), adopted in 1920. Here in Santa Cruz, participants in our local ACLU chapter engage in a variety of events, both organizing and participating, with education about our rights and exposure of risks to our liberties as our goals.

You can contact us at the Santa Cruz ACLU by postal mail or email at:

Santa Cruz Chapter, ACLU
P.O. Box 875
Santa Cruz, CA 95061

info@aclusantacruz.org

For legal issues, or to join the ACLU*, write or call the Northern California Affiliate of the ACLU:

ACLU of Northern California
1663 Mission Street, Suite 460
San Francisco, CA 94103

Phone: 415-621-2493
Fax: 415-255-1478

*Anyone who joins the ACLU, either through the Northern California affiliate, or through the National ACLU, automatically becomes a member of their local Chapter. For Santa Cruz County residents, this means you become a member of our local chapter - the Santa Cruz Chapter. We are one of the largest in the nation! After joining, watch for our newsletters and occasional event flyers. These are published to let you know about the educational and often inspiring events happening locally. Our Chapter's annual meeting is in the fall, usually in November.