Our History
WHAT IS PEOPLE POWER?
People Power is a special project of the ACLU that uses grassroots mobilization to defend our basic freedoms and hold leaders accountable. People Power activists work in and from their local communities to further civil rights for all.
After the nationwide People Power launch in March 2017, our state affiliate, the ACLU of Washington (ACLU-WA) reached out to local activists in the Seattle/King County area about advocating for police accountability reform.
Since then, our group has expanded from focusing on Seattle Police Department and King County Sheriff’s Office accountability reforms to advocating for statewide legislation that strengthens and supports local efforts.
How did this People Power Group start?
WHAT ISSUES HAS PEOPLE POWER WORKED ON?
People Power is grassroots so past work is not necessarily indicative of future work - you can help steer the future of this group!
In the past, People Power WA activists have worked on:
Freedom Cities – ensuring local law enforcement resources aren’t being used for federal immigration enforcement
Let People Vote – strengthening voting rights through passage of the Washington Voting Rights Act (WVRA)
ACLU Voter – supporting ballot initiatives with large civil rights implications and getting out the vote in the 2018 midterm elections
Justice First – advocating for criminal justice reform legislation at state level
King County Charter Amendments - helping to lay the groundwork for meaningful police reform in King County by advocating for 4 charter amendments addressing policing
Washington State Voter Guide - 2020 Voter Guide focused on police reform to help enable individuals to learn where their candidates stand on issues related to policing
**Local groups have also identified and tackled issues in need of support in their own areas.**