ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union)
Beliefs: They believe in protecting the rights of citizens from civil rights violations. Their three main beliefs are freedom of expression, equality before the law, and right to due process. They are also strong supporters of the right to privacy. ACLU tends to focus on minorities such as immigrants, gays, prisoners, women, poor, etc.
Political Activity: Some of the major political activities ACLU have contributed to are: the Scopes Monkey Trial, Roe vs. Wade, and Brown vs. The Board of Education. A very recent example was in Georgia in the case of Ling vs. Georgia; ACLU defended a non-English speaking, Mandarin Chinese woman who was put on trial without an interpreter.
Lobbying: ACLU lobbying varies from state to state as the group is more of a state sponsored group rather than a total national group. The ACLU lobbies for issues regarding teenage abortion, privacy, and other freedoms. An example would be the ACLU in Tennessee. They recently lobbied in support for SB3114 which is a law that “prohibits governmental entities from denying access to books, records, and other materials available for public inspection because a governmental entity is involved in litigation or contemplating involvement.”
Common Supporters: Common supporters consist of the disabled, minorities, gays, lesbians, bisexuals, poor, and women.
Known Political Supporters:
Michael Dukakis
La Raza
Beliefs: The main aim of La Raza is collecting a picture of the Hispanic population to learn a vast knowledge and identify solutions of the challenges Hispanic's face. It “works to improve the opportunities for Hispanic Americans.”
Political Activity: Currently, the members of the La Raza are campaigning on discrimination, immigration and partnering with One Nation Working Together to build an economy that works for everyone.
Current Lobbying: The La Raza is currently boycotting conventions and conferences with the assistance of other groups by reducing travel to Arizona because of SB 1070.
Common Supporters/ Voters: Since La Raza is a known advocate for Hispanic rights, the common supporter and voter of La Raza are Hispanics. Also, African Americans and Asian Americans are known supporters of the La Raza and vote favorably towards positive immigration propositions.
Political Supporters: There are no known political supporters of the La Raza, however, there are several politicians like Ben R. Lujan, Representative of New Mexico, who supports policies parallel to the policies the La Raza supports.
Ben R. Lujan
PAC: The La Raza does not form a PAC.
NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People)
Beliefs: The NAACP believes in ensuring the political, educational, social, and economic equality of all citizens, achieving equality of rights, removing racial discrimination, and educating everyone on their constitutional rights.
Political Activity: Some of the issues that the NAACP is focusing on include: civic engagement, climate justice initiatives, economic opportunity (obtain affordable credit and financing including mortgage loans and small business loans), give every student the same opportunity to learn, and rid the health care system of racial and ethnic disparities.
Current Lobbying: The NAACP is currently lobbying for health care to be a civil right, protecting poor workers, upholding justice for all through the I Am Troy Campaign, and protecting children's health (Children's Health Insurance Reauthorization Act of 2009).
Common Supporters: Common supporters are those of minority groups, primarily including African-Americans.
Known Political Supporters:
W.E.B. Du Bois
PAC: The NAACP does form a PAC due to their contributions to their organization.
