We the People is a blog series that features the stories of members, supporters, volunteers, and allies of the American Civil Liberties Union of South Dakota. Together we are accomplishing critical work in our state to protect and advance civil liberties across the Midwest and beyond.
Name: Moriah Scorzafava
Pronouns: She, her, hers
Hometown: Sioux Falls
Positions: ACLU of South Dakota communications intern, president of the University of South Dakota Sociology Club, senator for the USD Student Government Association – and chair of the Government Affairs Committee, president of the South Dakota College Democrats.
Moriah Scorzafava has a pretty impressive resume. But that’s not why she does everything she does.
“I dedicate most of my spare time to the various student organizations that I’m involved in,” Moriah said. “I truly love being involved on campus, connecting with the community of Vermillion, and being an advocate for progressive issues.”
Getting involved is one of the best ways to create change – and why she’s excited about working for the ACLU this semester.
“The ACLU represents the idea that real change happens when people are willing to defend civil liberties consistently, even when it’s uncomfortable or unpopular,” Moriah said.
When did you first hear about the ACLU and why is the work appealing to you?
I can’t quite pinpoint the exact moment I first heard about the ACLU, but it was likely sometime during middle or high school in a social studies class. That said, I remember exactly when I began closely following the ACLU’s work. When Donald Trump won the 2016 election, I was young, but I vividly remember feeling confused about how someone so openly callous could become president. Throughout his first term, I noticed that the ACLU played a critical role in challenging a vast number of unconstitutional actions and policies.
Which of the ACLU’s issue areas are you particularly passionate about and why?
The first issue I was ever truly passionate about was reproductive rights. I can clearly remember the day I heard that Donald Trump was campaigning on overturning Roe v. Wade. Even before I fully understood the depth of the issue, I knew it would be devastating for women in America if he followed through on that promise.
From there, my interest in other issues grew. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and someone with many loved ones within it, I will never stop advocating for LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit rights. I am also deeply passionate about immigrants’ rights. It is incredibly upsetting to see how normalized hateful rhetoric toward immigrants has become. No human being is illegal on stolen land.
That belief brings me to Indigenous justice. When my family moved to South Dakota, my mom made a point of taking us around the state so we understood the history of the land we were living on. I believe it is beyond important to support and uplift the voices of those whose stories began long before ours.
What is your favorite way to get involved in your community?
My favorite way to get involved is through campus and community collaboration. I love attending and helping plan events that bring together student organizations at USD and members of the Vermillion community. The sense of care and connection here is what makes Vermillion feel so special.
What excites you about communications advocacy work?
Communications advocacy excites me because the future is digital. As someone who actively engages with internet culture, I know how powerful online spaces and social media can be in creating real change. We have to meet people where they are, and increasingly, that’s online. I also love the creativity involved in figuring out how to frame serious and complex issues in ways that people can not only understand, but engage with. This work feels like my niche.
Do you have any advice for someone who might be interested in getting more politically involved in their community?
Yes, absolutely! If you’re interested in a specific political party, look for contact or meeting information for your local county party. They usually meet at least once a month and are a great place to start. If party affiliated groups aren’t your thing, city council meetings or local nonpartisan advocacy organizations are also excellent ways to get involved and make an impact.
Which of the Constitution’s amendments are most important to you and why?
The First Amendment is the most important amendment, in my opinion. It is truly the foundation of democracy. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to challenge authority, pursue truth through open debate, create change through protest, or hold power accountable through a free press. Without the First Amendment, American democracy as we know it would cease to exist.
What issues do you think are most important for South Dakotans to pay attention to?
I believe the most important issues to focus on are Indigenous justice, freedom of speech and expression, reproductive freedom, and voting rights. These issues are vital to protecting the dignity, autonomy, and political power of South Dakotans, particularly those from historically marginalized communities.
What are you most looking forward to during your time as an intern?
I’m most looking forward to experiencing the South Dakota legislative session through the lens of a communications intern. I love examining issues from different perspectives, and I think it will be incredibly valuable to view legislation through the challenge of communicating it clearly and effectively to others.