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In an effort to keep you updated, we are launching our first newsletter that highlights some of the work we've done in 2024 and introduce you to a few new faces who recently joined our team!

Building Community: ACLU-WI Hosts Voting Rights Trivia at Cactus Club

On February 27, over 50 community members, volunteers, staff, and partners came together as the ACLU of WI hosted its first Voting Rights Trivia Night at the Cactus Club in Milwaukee's historic Bay View neighborhood.

Teams put their knowledge to the test as they tackled trivia questions spanning a wide range of topics from pop culture to politics. There were raffles and door prizes donated by generous local businesses. Kelsey Kaufman, owner of the Cactus Club, generously donated her space, an LGBTQ+-owned bar with a history of supporting social justice initiatives.

We are immensely grateful to everyone who attended our Voting Rights Trivia Night, whether as a participant, volunteer, sponsor, or supporter. Your generosity and dedication allow us to continue our vital work in advocating for justice, equality, and civil liberties in Wisconsin and beyond. Read more.

Welcome New Legal Director, Ryan Cox

New Legal Director Ryan Cox joined the ACLU of Wisconsin in October 2023, leading the organization's work to vindicate individual rights through impact litigation in the state and federal courts, investigate government action, and advocate for vulnerable populations.

Ryan is passionate about the ACLU's work to guarantee equitable access to the ballot box through its voting rights and Election Protection work, its work to guarantee racial and economic justice, disability justice, and its work to ensure the promises of the Bill of Rights through its First Amendment and policing work.

Ryan comes to the ACLU of Wisconsin from Texas, where he has focused on community and civil rights issues for many years. Before joining our team, Ryan was the managing attorney for the San Antonio Legal Services Association, where he worked on housing, homelessness and disability issues. Before that he was the senior staff attorney in the Voting Rights Program at the Texas Civil Rights Project. Read more about Ryan, plus a Q&A with him.

Meet the other members of the Legal Department:

R. Tim Muth, staff attorney with the ACLU of Wisconsin since 2016:

"Because I split my time between the ACLU of Wisconsin and doing human rights work in El Salvador, I have a particular passion for the rights of immigrants, who want nothing more than to find a better, safer life for themselves and their families."

Emma Shakeshaft, staff attorney researcher with the ACLU of Wisconsin since 2018:

"My dedication to working for a legal organization that combats various forms of inequality has always been connected to my life experiences and academic pursuits. I have a personal commitment to practice law in areas that center under-represented communities, specifically within the areas of civil rights, racial justice, and criminal justice reform."

Nour Kalbouneh, legal intake coordinator with the ACLU of WI since August 2021:

"The disparity rates in incarceration in this country are extremely alarming, and the treatment of people of color is disheartening, to say the least. We live in a society systemically rooted in oppression and discrimination, and working towards dismantling that system is what I am passionate about."

Hayley I. Archer, staff attorney with the ACLU of Wisconsin since March 2024.

We Want to Hear From You!

There are over 13,000 ACLU members in Wisconsin and thousands more who support the fight to protect civil rights and liberties through financial support, volunteering, and participating in calls to action. Supporters across our great state are key to the work, and we want to know what issues you care about, how we can better connect and communicate with you, and more!

Participate in our Member and Supporter Survey by Saturday, June 1, to give us your thoughts and be entered to win an ACLU swag bag!

Thanks for sticking with us,

ACLU of Wisconsin