The ACLU of Colorado is the state’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. We’re a private institution funded exclusively by the generous donations of our supporters. Our mission is to protect, defend and extend the civil rights and civil liberties of all people in Colorado through litigation, education and advocacy.
In this episode, we talk with two activists from the Colorado Immigration Rights Coalition, or CIRC. Caitlin and Leticia discuss how the landscape of immigration in our state has changed as a result of the Trump Administration, how people can get involved, and where to find help and resources.
In the wake of several high-profile raids and arrests of immigrants throughout our state, we believe it’s crucial to discuss the facts of what is happening, how to stay safe, and how to help. This episode has useful resources for folks in all situations. Whether you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one, or just an ally looking to help others, there is something in this episode for you.
Learn more about immigrant rights in Colorado from CIRC, CIRC Action Fund: https://coloradoimmigrant.org
Colorado Rapid Response Network (CORRN): https://www.coloradorapidresponsenetwork.com
CORRN hotline (report ICE activity): 1-844-864-8341
2 Mar 2025
Episode 14 - 2025 Legislative Session Pt. 2
There's more key work happening at the state Capitol that the ACLU of Colorado and our partners are working on. Right now, there are bills making their way through the legislature that stand to fundamentally change:
Local jailing practices and use of contempt of court.
Student and youth privacy.
How and how often children get sentenced to jail and prison.
Fairness in the court system.
And more.
We're working with storytellers, stakeholders, lawmakers, and partner organizations across the state to enshrine critical civil rights protections for all Coloradans.
23 Jan 2025
Episode 13 - 2025 Legislative Session
In the latest episode of our podcast "Of the People," we discuss some of the new protections the ACLU of Colorado and its partners are working on during this year's legislative session. We're also talking about how the laws we help pass in Colorado can affect the rest of our country. It is a crucial time in our nation's history that Colorado acts as part of the firewall against the civil rights attacks that we expect, and are already seeing, coming from the new presidential administration.
Learn more about COVRA: https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb25-001
18 Dec 2024
Episode 12 - Syringe Service Programs
ACLU attorney discusses the impact of a recent case in Pueblo, where the city attempted to prohibit syringe service programs and disrupt harm reduction efforts.
19 Nov 2024
Episode 11 - Inequities in Colorado's Schools
In this episode, we learn more about the inequities that students in Colorado are facing, and we talk to the founder of an organization that has taken it upon themselves to help.
Learn more about The Lounge: https://www.thelounge2022.org
23 Oct 2024
Episode 10 - Coloradans for Smart Justice
In this episode, we talk about two harmful propositions that are on your ballot this election. Props 128 and 130 are antithetical to fixing the criminal justice system in Colorado, and will divert funding from proven public safety resources in favor of police and prisons.
We will also hear the stories of two previously-incarcerated Coloradans whose journeys toward reform would have been seriously jeopardized if initiatives like these made it into our state laws.
9 Sept 2024
Episode 9 - Voting from Jail
In this episode, Kyle Giddings from Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition (CCJRC) tells us about how his personal story of incarceration led to his work in advocacy. Kyle also talks to Arapahoe County Sheriff Tyler Brown about how jail-based voting works in Colorado.
More information regarding voting with a conviction or from jail: https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/FAQs/VotingAndConviction.html
Learn more about CCJRC: https://www.ccjrc.org
20 Aug 2024
Episode 8 - 2024 Election in Colorado
On today's episode, we speak with the experts about what to expect this election season in Colorado.
Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder, Amanda Gonzalez, as well as the Executive Director of Colorado Common Cause, Aly Belknap talk us through the key details we need to know.
You can find more resources for voting at https://govotecolorado.gov
Get accurate, nonpartisan information about your voting rights: https://justvotecolorado.org
Election protection hotline:
866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682)
Credits:
Producers - Jen Samano, Ivan Popov
Audio Editor - Michael Ferry
Digital designer - Pablo de la Rosa Santiago
Script Editors - Erica Tinsley, Isabelle Rayburn
8 Jul 2024
Episode 7 - Identity in Action
In this episode, we hear the stories of two ACLU of Colorado staff members. Julian and Anaya talk about their experience growing up trans, how their transitions affected their life, and how their identities fuel the passion for what they do.
10 Jun 2024
Episode 6 - Legislative Wins
In this episode, two members of ACLU of Colorado's policy team talk about some of their work during the 2024 legislative session. We hear about the wins ACLU fought for, how the legislative session works, and what policy advocates and lawmakers are going to be working on between this and next year's legislative session.
13 May 2024
Episode 5 - Housing in Colorado
In this episode, we speak with Co-founder and CEO of the Community Economic Defense project, Zach Neumann.
Zach talks to us about the housing and economic landscape in Colorado, and how that has led to the rise in housing prices and the amount of unhoused people in our state.
Learn more about CEDP: https://cedproject.org
8 Apr 2024
Episode 4 - Reproductive Justice in Colorado
In this episode, we talk to Aurea Bolaños Perea, strategic communications Director for the Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights (COLOR). Aurea tells us about the state of reproductive rights in Colorado, as well as an upcoming ballot measure aimed at expanding abortion access in our state.
Learn more about Coloradans for Protecting Reproductive Freedom: https://coloradansforreproductivefreedom.com
Learn more about COLOR: https://www.colorlatina.org
Photo credit: Evan Semón
11 Mar 2024
Episode 3 - Biometric Data Privacy
In this episode, two ACLU of Colorado staff members, Anaya and Laura, explain what biometrics are and why it's important for individuals to have biometric data privacy.
Learn more about biometric data and what ACLU of Colorado is doing to protect it: https://www.aclu-co.org/en/bipa
16 Feb 2024
Episode 2 - Sean Marshall and Kristen Nelson
The United States has the highest incarceration rate of any country in the world. On average, the U.S. sends people to prison more often, and for longer periods of time, than any other developed country.
On this episode, we hear the story of Sean Marshall, a Coloradan who was sentenced in 2008 to 45 years in prison, for committing a series of armed robberies with a BB gun.
Sean shares his journey from hopelessness to redemption. He talks about how he found hope through art, how he was able to provide inspiration and hope to others in similar situations as his, and finally how he attained clemency. In 2022, Sean was able to re-enter society and rejoin his family.
You can learn more about Sean and his story on his website: https://emarshallsmith.wixsite.com/iamsean
Sean has published two books, which he talks about in this episode. They are tellings of his life and journey through the criminal legal system: https://emarshallsmith.wixsite.com/iamsean/publications
Sean’s artistic work can be found on his Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/artistseanjmarshall/
Finally, in this episode we also hear from Kristen Nelson, who helped Sean build his case for clemency. Kristen is a criminal defense attorney, and executive director of the Spero Justice Center, an organization fighting to bring hope people who are incarcerated in Colorado. You can learn more about the Spero Justice Center on their website: https://www.sperojustice.org
8 Jan 2024
Welcome to Of the People
Welcome to Of the People by ACLU of Colorado
8 Jan 2024
Episode 1 - Deborah Richardson
In this episode, ACLU of Colorado Executive Director, Deborah Richardson talks about her introduction to civil rights and the decades-long fight she has been a part of in pursuit of justice. Deborah discusses her outlook on civil rights in Colorado and what the ACLU of Colorado has been doing to protect and expand them.
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5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 53 / 100
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