2020 ADVOCACY INSTITUTE

ACLU Supporter –

Hi! My name is Liz and I'm a student at Loyola Marymount University. I'm also a first-generation Mexican immigrant. I want to tell you about the ACLU Advocacy Institute, which had a big impact on me and so many other young people I know.

I signed up for the institute back in 2017 because I wanted to learn how to influence the views and inform the opinions of elected officials, and entire communities. After attending three institutes, I can say that I have leadership and advocacy skills I wouldn't have gained anywhere else.

Are you like me, or do you know someone who is? If so, I urge you to check out this year's ACLU Advocacy Institute that starts July 22. The deadline to apply is April 5.

I first heard about the institute through a mentor who presented the idea of traveling to Washington, DC to learn how to advocate for myself and my community. And I'm so glad they did: Institute workshops have given me the skills I need to become a better leader, student, and advocate. I now have connections with professionals like lawyers and policy experts who are leaders in changing the world. I've met passionate students from across the country who are still close friends.

Thanks to the ACLU Advocacy Institute, I have learned how to advocate for myself in a predominantly white institution where I not only excel academically, but also advocate for others. The institute reminded me of how important my voice is and the power I can wield in our democracy.

ACLU Supporter, I urge you to tell the young activists you know to apply for the ACLU Advocacy Institute before the April 5 deadline. Scholarships are available, too – covering the full cost including all program fees and travel.

I can't wait to see what this year has in store!

Thanks,

Lizbeth Ramales Arango
Activist, Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies and Sociology Major
Class of 2022

Note from the ACLU: Please know that we are monitoring the rapidly unfolding situation around Coronavirus (COVID-19) and considering what impact a large gathering like this may have in July. We will post any scheduling or programmatic changes to the Advocacy Institute here. Please let us know if you have any questions by emailing [email protected].