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
Election Debrief and Action Team

Post-Election Debrief and Action Team Meeting - Brookings

Join us as we build a network of community safety and action on the frontlines for freedom.
Nov 21, 2024 | 7:00 PM
Event | In-person
Election Debrief and Action Team

Post-Election Debrief and Action Team Meeting - Sioux Falls

Join us as we build a network of community safety and action on the frontlines for freedom.
Nov 16, 2024 | 10:00 AM
Event | In-person
Join the Election Protection Team

Virtual Election Protection Team Training

Our democracy works best when all eligible voters can cast their ballots. With your help, we'll protect every South Dakotan's right to vote in 2024 and beyond.
Sep 18, 2024 | 6:30 PM
Event | In-person
Join the Election Protection Team

Rapid City Election Protection Team Training

What are you doing on November 5? (Besides voting, that is!) Want to join our Election Protection Team in Rapid City?
Sep 11, 2024 | 5:00 PM
Event | In-person
Join the Election Protection Team

Sioux Falls Election Protection Team Training

Aug 21, 2024 | 5:45 PM
Event | In-person
Join the Election Protection Team

Aberdeen Election Protection Team Training

Aug 20, 2024 | 6:00 PM
Event | In-person
Meet the ACLU for coffee and conversation in Aberdeen

Coffee & Conversation in Aberdeen

Change happens in our communities when we talk to each other and share our ideas. Let’s talk in Aberdeen over a great cup of coffee!
Aug 20, 2024 | 11:00 AM
Event | In-person
Black Hills Pride Festival

Meet the ACLU at Black Hills Pride

We’re thrilled to get to know LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit advocates in the Black Hills and hope to see you there!
Jun 29, 2024 | 9:00 AM
Event | In-person
Brookings Pride image 2

Meet the ACLU at Brookings Pride

We’re thrilled to get to know LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit advocates in Brookings and hope to see you there!
Jun 22, 2024 | 11:00 AM