By Vanessa Michel
This week, ACLU of Colorado announced the launch of Expanding the Table for Justice (ETFJ), a statewide initiative and 60-day community listening tour. The ETFJ mission is to connect with Colorado advocacy groups, anointed and appointed leaders, and everyday individuals to learn about their work, how they view the work of the ACLU, and how ACLU of Colorado may better support and engage community on the civil liberties issues that matter most.
ACLU of Colorado formed ETFJ as part of their priorities under new leadership to engage as trusted and collaborative partners with all communities whose rights are at stake under systemic oppression. Expanding the Table for Justice is led by Deborah Richardson, ACLU of Colorado’s new Executive Director and project coordinators, Julian Camera, Field Organizer, and Nicole Loy, Paralegal.
“My agenda is transparent,” Richardson said. “The ACLU of Colorado will transform, in warp speed, to align with our stated values of being for the people and of the people. And the first step along this journey is active collaborations with all communities.”
Individuals, community leaders, justice organizations, policymakers, and advocates across the state are invited to engage in a series of interactive, thought-provoking conversations and listening sessions. ETFJ team members and project stakeholders will discuss issues including; criminal legal reform, disability rights, homelessness, immigrants’ rights, Indigenous justice, LGBTQ+ rights, multifaith issues, racial justice, reproductive rights, voting rights, and more.
Expanding the Table for Justice officially launches June 29, 2021, at 12 noon MST through a virtual Zoom meeting where ETFJ team members will discuss the initiative and answer questions.
Register here: https://aclu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMscOqvpz8tHN06EnVzufzpvzf_4Q-meuaZ
Learn more about Expanding the Table for Justice at https://aclu-co.org/expanding-the-table-for-justice/
Vanessa Michel is Director of Communications for ACLU of Colorado.