In this episode, we talk with two activists from the Colorado Immigration Rights Coalition, or CIRC. Caitlin and Leticia discuss how the landscape of immigration in our state has changed as a result of the Trump Administration, how people can get involved, and where to find help and resources.

In the wake of several high-profile raids and arrests of immigrants throughout our state, we believe it’s crucial to discuss the facts of what is happening, how to stay safe, and how to help. This episode has useful resources for folks in all situations. Whether you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one, or just an ally looking to help others, there is something in this episode for you.

Learn more about immigrant rights in Colorado from CIRC, CIRC Action Fund: https://coloradoimmigrant.org

Colorado Rapid Response Network (CORRN): https://www.coloradorapidresponsenetwork.com

CORRN hotline (report ICE activity): 1-844-864-8341

There's more key work happening at the state Capitol that the ACLU of Colorado and our partners are working on. Right now, there are bills making their way through the legislature that stand to fundamentally change:

Local jailing practices and use of contempt of court.

Student and youth privacy.

How and how often children get sentenced to jail and prison.

Fairness in the court system.

And more.

We're working with storytellers, stakeholders, lawmakers, and partner organizations across the state to enshrine critical civil rights protections for all Coloradans.

In the latest episode of our podcast "Of the People," we discuss some of the new protections the ACLU of Colorado and its partners are working on during this year's legislative session. We're also talking about how the laws we help pass in Colorado can affect the rest of our country. It is a crucial time in our nation's history that Colorado acts as part of the firewall against the civil rights attacks that we expect, and are already seeing, coming from the new presidential administration.

Learn more about COVRA: https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb25-001

Read our recent blog post on harm reduction and our case in Pueblo: https://acluco.org/HarmReduction

In this episode, one of our ACLU attorneys discusses a recent case we fought in Pueblo what that city attempted to prohibit syringe service programs from functioning. We also hear from one of the folks working in Pueblo whose organization's mission was disrupted by the prohibition.

Harm reduction resources:

Harm Reduction Action Center, https://www.harmreductionactioncenter.org

Southern Colorado Harm Reduction Association, https://www.socoharmreduction.org

In this episode, we learn more about the inequities that students in Colorado are facing, and we talk to the founder of an organization that has taken it upon themselves to help.

Learn more about The Lounge: https://www.thelounge2022.org

In this episode, we talk about two harmful propositions that are on your Colorado ballot this election. Props 128 and 130 are antithetical to fixing the criminal justice system in our state, and will divert funding from proven public safety resources in favor of police and prisons.

We also hear the stories of two previously-incarcerated Coloradans whose journeys toward reform would have been seriously jeopardized if initiatives like these made it into our state laws.

In this episode, Kyle Giddings from Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition (CCJRC) tells us about how his personal story of incarceration led to his work in advocacy. Kyle also talks to Arapahoe County Sheriff Tyler Brown about how jail-based voting works in Colorado.

More information regarding voting with a conviction or from jail: https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/FAQs/VotingAndConviction.html

Learn more about CCJRC: https://www.ccjrc.org

On today's episode, we speak with the experts about what to expect this election season in Colorado.

Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder, Amanda Gonzalez, as well as the Executive Director of Colorado Common Cause, Aly Belknap talk us through the key details we need to know.

You can find more resources for voting at https://govotecolorado.gov

Get accurate, nonpartisan information about your voting rights: https://justvotecolorado.org

Election protection hotline:

866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)

888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682)

Credits:

Producers - Jen Samano, Ivan Popov

Audio Editor - Michael Ferry

Digital designer - Pablo de la Rosa Santiago

Script Editors - Erica Tinsley, Isabelle Rayburn

In this episode, we hear the stories of two ACLU of Colorado staff members. Julian and Anaya talk about their experience growing up trans, how their transitions affected their life, and how their identities fuel the passion for what they do.

In this episode, two members of ACLU of Colorado's policy team talk about some of their work during the 2024 legislative session. We hear about the wins ACLU fought for, how the legislative session works, and what policy advocates and lawmakers are going to be working on between this and next year's legislative session.