By: Fernanda Alcantara
In June 2022, a couple of months before I joined the American Civil Liberties Union, I found myself on the steps of the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., rallying and screaming in outrage at the Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. My fellow protesters' collective rage provided a level of comfort, even with the looming question: “What will the future of reproductive rights look like?”
After two years at the ACLU, I found an answer—sort of. To generalize, the future of our civil rights looks like this: our Nationwide Development team working relentlessly in a challenging fundraising climate to secure funding; our Affiliate Support Nationwide Initiative (ASNI) team providing our affiliates with a wide range of support; every donor who believes in us enough to donate their hard-earned money; our National Political Advocacy Department (NPAD) and legal teams strategizing to create the most effective and widespread change; and our Equity, Diverse, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB) team internally uplifting our staff and ensuring a safe work environment. The ACLU is a well-oiled machine producing a defense shield against any infringements on our rights and democracy itself. It was fascinating to get a front-row seat to see how this organization operates not just on a national level, but also in its relationships with its affiliates.
I am proud of my Arkansas roots, but the truth is that it was not easy to grow up poor, brown, and an immigrant in this state. Those firsthand experiences, however, were instrumental to my understanding of systemic inequality. I wanted to be a part of something that was creating change. My plan was to lead with passion and let the rest follow. My heart (and an emotional acceptance phone call) led me to join the ACLU as a Pauli Murray Fellow after completing my undergraduate studies at the University of Arkansas.
The Pauli Murray Fellowship was a life-changing opportunity. During my time as a fellow, I had the privilege to work and learn from some of the best fundraisers, leaders, organizers, advocates, and strategists. The fellowship stems from the ACLU's internal commitment to uplift systemic equality. The work I participated in contributed to that vision from a development angle. As a member of the Nationwide Development Resources (NDR) team, I became well-versed in our nationwide fundraising model, the philanthropy sector, and the intersectionality of systemic equality and philanthropy. Summer of 2023, my cohort and I led a systemic equality workshop at the National Advocacy Institute’s session in Montgomery, Alabama. In attendance were teens from across the nation who were passionate, intelligent, and hopeful for change. This is when I realized that the ACLU is not only investing in the problems of today but also in the promise of a better future.
At the end of my 18-month contract, I accepted two temporary positions with the ACLU. One was to continue the EDIB in Fundraising strategic plan with my NDR team; the second was with the ACLU of Arkansas to support their development work. These offers affirmed that I had indeed learned and grown. One thing about working for the ACLU is that we are all emotionally invested in the work, which can sometimes be hard or even triggering. There is no room to live in blissful ignorance or to pretend we aren't living in a state of urgency. I have never worked for an organization that prioritized our emotional and mental well-being so intentionally.
I wanted to use the knowledge I gained working for the national office and apply it to my home affiliate. Among the many reasons to join the Arkansas team, I was attracted to their potential. The team has grown significantly, and their priority areas truly focus on the needs of Arkansans. While both national and affiliate offices share issue areas, the affiliate’s priorities may vary. This year, the ACLU of Arkansas celebrates its 55th anniversary. Fifty-five years of dedicated service to all communities, now a national leader in gender-affirming care for transgender youth, and their dedication to voter education through their Know Your Rights campaign, I am excited to see what is in store for the next 55 years.
As my time with the ACLU comes to an end, I feel well-equipped and prepared to continue the fight for justice. Before my departure, I joked with my coworkers about leaving before things got overwhelming with the election. The reality is that there are a lot of rights and democracy itself on the line with this election. However, I feel confident that the ACLU is prepared to respond to any executive order, bill, or court ruling that comes our way. While I can no longer contribute my skills to their internal work, I can support them through donations of my money, time, and energy.
My unsolicited advice is that when you feel anxious or hopeless about the political agendas unfolding, donate. I have seen how our donor dollars translate into tangible change for the betterment of the country. If you are already a donor, I beg that you continue practicing your resiliency. We will be victorious.
After the overturning of Roe v. Wade, my trust in our political institutions shattered, but I found consistency and hope at the ACLU.