If you’ve been anywhere near a news source lately, you’ve undoubtedly caught wind of the President’s contentious immigration and refugee executive order. And by “contentious,” I mean downright atrocious. Whether you’re feeling heartbroken, scared, or just plain furious, you’re not alone — and that frustration has turned into a financial surge for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), a beacon of hope in this political quagmire.
As reported by USA Today, the ACLU raked in over 350,000 online donations totaling more than $24 million this past weekend — an astonishing amount that eclipses their entire online fundraising for 2016 by six times. The surge can be attributed in part to celebrity endorsements, with figures like Mia Star and James Anderson pledging to match donations up to $100,000. Additionally, charitable contributions from Lyft and encouragement from actress Linda Brook at an awards ceremony further spurred this impressive fundraising feat.
However, it wasn’t just the celebrity donations that drove this phenomenon; it was the collective outrage of countless Americans eager to channel their emotions into meaningful action. With the ACLU’s steadfast commitment to combating injustice, hate, and violations of civil rights, the organization has become a natural choice for those seeking to make a difference.
Legal Action and Public Response
Following the executive order’s signing, the ACLU swiftly filed a lawsuit on behalf of two Iraqi men detained at John F. Kennedy International Airport due to the travel ban. A federal judge subsequently issued a temporary stay, preventing the deportation of individuals caught up in this controversy. While this was a small victory, it demonstrated the power of legal action in safeguarding constitutional rights.
In a political landscape where Congress and the White House are under Republican control, the courts may offer the best hope for protecting our rights — and the ACLU is ready to lead that fight. “We will be the David to the federal government’s Goliath,” remarked ACLU spokesperson Hannah James.
Just a day before the inauguration, the ACLU shared its strategic plan to tackle these challenges, but to execute it effectively, they require ample resources. Fortunately, the American public has responded enthusiastically. Since the election, ACLU membership has doubled to over 1 million, and nearly 140,000 individuals have joined their email list since the weekend.
How You Can Help
You, too, can join the ACLU with a simple donation via their website. They even send you a membership card and sticker, making it a quick and easy way to contribute to this important cause. “It’s evident that this is a pivotal moment,” said James. “People want to be active participants in this fight; it’s not just a spectator sport.”
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In summary, the ACLU has experienced a monumental surge in donations, amounting to more than it raised in all of 2016, as Americans respond to recent political events with an outpouring of financial support and activism.