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
Pierre Protest 2021 - 1

Session 22: A First Look

With your support and energy, we can make a difference in 2022.
Jan 10, 2022 | 12:00 PM
Event | In-person
The Fight Ahead event image

The Fight Ahead

Let’s talk about what really happened in Pierre and what we can do to prepare for the fight ahead.
May 06, 2021 | 6:00 PM
Event | In-person
Image that reads, "We wont be erased" with "LGBQ+ and Two Spirit open mic night and restorative breathing session with Dakotah Yoga.

We won't be erased: LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit Open Mic and Breathing Session

No joke: the 2021 Legislative Session has been hard. So let's talk about it.
Apr 01, 2021 | 7:00 PM
Event | In-person
Equality day image

Equality Day Virtual Reception

Come meet your representatives, and share your thoughts with other LGBTQIA+ individuals, organizations, and allies. All are welcome!
Mar 02, 2021 | 7:00 PM
Event | In-person
TRANS PEOPLE BELONG IN SD: A legislative recap

Trans People Belong in SD: A Legislative Recap

Join the Human Rights Campaign, the Transformation Project Advocacy Network, the Black Hills Center for Equality and our team at the ACLU of South Dakota for a virtual panel discussion on past and present anti-trans legislation and how you can get plugged in for the fight ahead.
Feb 13, 2021 | 1:00 PM
Event | In-person
Olli Shorts: Legislative Advocacy

OLLI Shorts: Legislative Advocacy

OLLI Shorts are 20-minute programs open to the public during the month of February. For the Zoom link, please email [email protected].
Feb 10, 2021 | 12:30 PM
Event | In-person
Indigenous Legislative Academy Web Graphic

Indigenous Legislative Academy

Sharing your story and making your voice heard is more important now than ever.
Jan 28, 2021 | 7:00 PM
Event | In-person
Web activist academy banner

Activist Academy

Join us for our Virtual Activist Academy at 7 p.m. CT on January 6 for tips and tricks to help develop your skills as an advocate and activist. We’ll also share resources on how to influence our elected officials.
Jan 06, 2021 | 7:00 PM
Event | In-person
Pride in the Park Watertown

Watertown Pride in the Park

Pride in the Park is hosted by Watertown Love
Sep 12, 2020 | 11:00 AM