Section Membership

PROJECTS & INITIATIVES

The Section houses numerous Initiatives, including voting rights programs such as Perfecting Democracy, a reproductive rights clearinghouse, civil rights civics institute, and a partnership with Free Legal Answers, among other things. We also co-lead projects on the death penalty, HIV/AIDS, environmental justice and court-watching. Section members are welcome to participate!

Human Rights Magazine

The Section publishes Human Rights, a quarterly magazine, devoted exclusively to civil rights and social justice issues. The magazine has won numerous awards for content, design and format. Both Human Rights and the CRSJ e-Newsletter, a quarterly electronic newsletter, report on issues of concern to members. The e-Newsletter also carries Section news, the Chair's Column and updates on U.S. Supreme Court developments.

Policy Development

For over 50 years, the Section has sponsored or co-sponsored hundreds of resolutions adopted by the ABA House that address issues relating to civil rights, human rights, civil liberties, individual rights and social justice. The Section also draws upon ABA policy as bases for amicus briefs it develops on behalf of the ABA for filing with the U.S. Supreme Court or federal appellate courts.

PROGRAMMING

Each month, the Section sponsors cutting-edge educational programming addressing the latest developments in civil rights, social justice, and human rights. The Section’s webinars quickly provide information on government actions impacting civil rights and social justice issues as they arise. All members are invited to tune in or work with staff to develop their own programs.

QUARTERLY MEETINGS

The Section meets four times a year, in the Fall, around the ABA Midyear Meeting, in the Spring, and during the ABA Annual Meeting. Our Council meetings are open to all members and leaders who wish to participate in important discussions and work. The meetings typically include business sessions, programs, networking opportunities, Section dinners and much more.

COMMITTEES

We invite you to become involved with critical legal and public policy issues by joining one or more Section committees. You may want to become part of a committee in order to learn more about developments in a particular issue area. Or you may choose to take a more active role by participating in or organizing specific activities.