By Ariana Davis, ACLU-CT 2008 Intern
The 2008 ACLU Membership Conference, “Stand Up For Freedom,” was an outstanding success. The attendees came from all across America and represented all different ages. Members listened in on a variety of panel discussions, asked questions, attended workshops, listened to comedians and musicians, heard anecdotes, watched award-winning documentaries, and lobbied on Capitol Hill. This was all on top of the thrilling opportunity to see three Supreme Court justices.
Members who attended had the opportunity to learn from remarkable people who were able to discuss topical issues, such as capital punishment and immigration, in a provocative and insightful way. Executive Director Anthony Romero emphasized issues relevant to young people and the importance of having young people involved and represented in the ACLU.
The panel on capital punishment was one of the most powerful events of the conference. Wrongfully convicted for the rape and murder of a white woman, Darryl Hunt spoke personally about his 20 year prison stay. His attorney was there to field questions and relay both the legal and emotional journey Darryl took. Reverend Carroll Pickett also took the stage and spoke of his experience as a death row chaplain at Huntsville Prison in Texas, where he accompanied 95 men to their death. There were screenings of documentaries, including the 2008 Oscar-winning At the Death House Door, which told the story of Reverend Pickett’s involvement on death row. There was also a panel discussion with the film makers and authors, as well as actor Kal Penn. These artists who were part of the “Rights, Camera, Action” program provided a dynamic and engaging discussion Sunday night.
Tuesday’s closing plenary lunch was one of the highlights of the conference. Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Antonin Scalia, and David Souter were special guests at the tribute to the incredible career of retiring ACLU President Nadine Strossen. Justice Ginsberg, whose history with the ACLU made her the most admired of the guests, gave a beautiful speech about Strossen and the far-reaching influence of her work for civil liberties.
The most common question asked throughout the conference was “how can I get involved?” Lobbying is an excellent way to do that. Members who wanted to participate on Capitol Hill visits received invaluable tips on how to lobby. Participants were provided with information about the senators and representatives, including their recent voting record and where they differed from ACLU’s position on the issues.
The staff, interns, and members from the ACLU of Connecticut spent the afternoon on both House and Senate visits. Aides from Senators Dodd’s and Lieberman’s offices met with interns and board members. ACLU-CT summer legal intern Dan Lebrecque had this to say about his lobbying experience: “I think that it is great that in America we can approach our elected representatives and tell them exactly what we think about the issues and what we want them to do in Congress…it was very empowering, it makes a citizen feel like he/she can make a difference.”
Andrew Schneider and his interns met with aides to Representatives John Larson and Rosa DeLauro to thank them for voting 100 per cent with the ACLU and to review our legislative priorities. There were also face-to-face meetings with Representatives Joe Courtney, Chris Shays and Chris Murphy. For many of the interns, it was their first time on Capitol Hill. ACLU-CT summer intern Max Margulies remarked, “it was an interesting experience to be on the Hill and see how things work there, and to see how accessible our Representatives were.”
Even outside the conference center, discussions about civil liberties continued. In the hostel, filled primarily with the youth attending the conference, discussions and debates could be heard happening everywhere. People seemed inspired by the stories told and motivated to further their involvement.
Ariana Davis is a summer intern in the ACLU-CT office.
