Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the ACLU of Wisconsin and how is different from the national ACLU? What does it mean to be a member or supporter?

A. The ACLU of Wisconsin is the state affiliate of the national American Civil Liberties Union. While the national ACLU offices in Washington D.C. and in New York City mainly focus on federal-level litigation and legislation, the ACLU of Wisconsin works to protect civil liberties at the state level. When you become a member of the national ACLU, you also become a supporter of the advocacy work of the ACLU of Wisconsin. When you donate to the ACLU of Wisconsin Foundation, your tax-deductible contributions support our educational and legal work. There are more details on our About Us page.

Q. Where does the ACLU of Wisconsin get its funding? How do I donate?

A. The ACLU of Wisconsin is funded through grants from foundations and the generosity of individual donors and members. The ACLU never takes grant money from the government. You can find out more about donating on our website.

Q. I read that the ACLU is suing the federal government for letting Marines bow their heads and pray on federal property. Is this true?

A. There are many myths about the work of the ACLU, including this often-circulated email. You can read more about the debunking of this myth on snopes.com. Read more about the history and common myths about the ACLU. Each affiliate pursues cases in their home state: our office only works on issues pertaining to Wisconsin.

Q. I have a question about my rights, but I don't want to file a lawsuit. Where can I get answers to my question?

A. ACLU of Wisconsin staff who don't work in our legal department cannot answer questions of a legal nature and might ask you to contact our legal department directly. There are other factsheets and resources on line including a referral list of attorneys who can help with individual cases.

Please visit the national ACLU Frequently Asked Questions page for more answers to common questions about the ACLU.