Events

Upcoming & Ongoing Events

Event | Virtual
An ACLU of South Dakota legal observer, wearing a blue vest, is working at a protest.

Legal Observer Training for Domestic Military Deployment

Protest has been a tried-and-true way to create change for centuries – and these days, more and more people are making their voices heard by marching in the streets. We love to see people exercising their First Amendment rights like this! The right to join with fellow citizens in protest or peaceful assembly, after all, is critical to a functioning democracy. But lately, we've been subjected to escalating threats to our free society. We are up against a coordinated assault on the constitutional right to free speech and political dissent that has sustained American democracy for the past 238 years. Alarmingly, we're also witnessing the intrusion of military force into civilian life. Earlier this summer, the Trump administration deployed Marines and National Guard units to crack down on protests in Los Angeles and has thousands of Guard members patrolling the streets of Washington, D.C. The administration has signaled that this is just the start, with plans to deploy more troops onto American streets in cities across the country – possibly even in South Dakota. The need for legal observers is critical to deter unlawful governmental intervention at protests and document potential abuse of power during domestic military deployments. Will you help us defend our free society? By completing this training and joining the volunteer legal observer team in your part of the state, you can do your part to uphold the First Amendment. Register today!
Oct 16, 2025 | 7:30 PM

Past Events

Event | In-person
phone bank

Phone Bank: Rapid City

Can you join us for our first legislative phone bank in Rapid City?
Feb 20, 2019 | 6:00 PM
Event | In-person
letter web

Writing a Strongly Worded Letter: Rapid City

A political letter writing campaign designed to help citizens make their voices heard on social justice topics.
Feb 19, 2019 | 6:00 PM
Event | In-person
letter web

Writing a Strongly Worded Letter: Vermillion

At this one hour session located in the Center for Diversity and Community, we will work with you to craft the perfect letter, email or post card to your representative.
Feb 11, 2019 | 6:00 PM
Event | In-person
letter web

Writing a Strongly Worded Letter: Madison

A political letter writing campaign designed to help citizens make their voices heard on social justice topics.
Feb 06, 2019 | 6:00 PM
Event | In-person
womens march

Sioux Falls Women's March

Jan 19, 2019 | 9:00 AM
Event | In-person
aclu act

Activist Academy - Rapid City

Our comprehensive activist training will show South Dakotans ways to make a difference in their community on the local and state level.
Jan 17, 2019 | 6:00 PM
Event | In-person
letter web

Writing a Strongly Worded Letter: Pierre

A political letter writing campaign designed to help citizens make their voices heard on social justice topics.
Jan 16, 2019 | 5:30 PM
Event | In-person
aclu act

Activist Academy - Pierre

Our comprehensive activist training will show South Dakotans ways to make a difference in their community on the local and state level.
Jan 15, 2019 | 6:00 PM
Event | In-person
legal observer, blm

Legal Observer Training: Sioux Falls

Become an official ACLU Legal Observer.
Jan 09, 2019 | 6:00 PM