Of the People

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Latest Episodes:

Episode 13 - 2025 Legislative Session Jan 23, 2025

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

Episode 12 - Syringe Service Programs Dec 18, 2024

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

Episode 11 - Inequities in Colorado's Schools Nov 19, 2024

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

Episode 10 - Coloradans for Smart Justice Oct 23, 2024

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.

Episode 9 - Voting from Jail Sep 09, 2024

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

Episode 8 - 2024 Election in Colorado Aug 20, 2024

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

Episode 7 - Identity in Action Jul 08, 2024

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.

Episode 6 - Legislative Wins Jun 10, 2024

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.

Episode 5 - Housing in Colorado May 13, 2024

In this episode, we speak with Co-founder and CEO of the Community Economic Defense project, Zach Neumann. Zach talks to us about the housing and economic landscape in Colorado, and how that has led to the rise in housing prices and the amount of unhoused people in our state. Learn more about CEDP: https://cedproject.org

Episode 4 - Reproductive Justice in Colorado Apr 08, 2024

In this episode, we talk to Aurea Bolaños Perea, strategic communications Director for the Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights (COLOR). Aurea tells us about the state of reproductive rights in Colorado, as well as an upcoming ballot measure aimed at expanding abortion access in our state. Learn more about Coloradans for Protecting Reproductive Freedom: https://coloradansforreproductivefreedom.com Learn more about COLOR: https://www.colorlatina.org Photo credit: Evan Semón

Episode 3 - Biometric Data Privacy Mar 11, 2024

In this episode, two ACLU of Colorado staff members, Anaya and Laura, explain what biometrics are and why it's important for individuals to have biometric data privacy. Learn more about biometric data and what ACLU of Colorado is doing to protect it: https://www.aclu-co.org/en/bipa

Episode 2 - Sean Marshall and Kristen Nelson Feb 16, 2024

The United States has the highest incarceration rate of any country in the world. On average, the U.S. sends people to prison more often, and for longer periods of time, than any other developed country. On this episode, we hear the story of Sean Marshall, a Coloradan who was sentenced in 2008 to 45 years in prison, for committing a series of armed robberies with a BB gun. Sean shares his journey from hopelessness to redemption. He talks about how he found hope through art, how he was able to provide inspiration and hope to others in similar situations as his, and finally how he attained clemency. In 2022, Sean was able to re-enter society and rejoin his family. You can learn more about Sean and his story on his website: https://emarshallsmith.wixsite.com/iamsean Sean has published two books, which he talks about in this episode. They are tellings of his life and journey through the criminal legal system: https://emarshallsmith.wixsite.com/iamsean/publications Sean’s artistic work can be found on his Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/artistseanjmarshall/ Finally, in this episode we also hear from Kristen Nelson, who helped Sean build his case for clemency. Kristen is a criminal defense attorney, and executive director of the Spero Justice Center, an organization fighting to bring hope to people who are incarcerated in Colorado. You can learn more about the Spero Justice Center on their website: https://www.sperojustice.org

Episode 1 - Deborah Richardson Jan 08, 2024

In this episode, ACLU of Colorado Executive Director, Deborah Richardson talks about her introduction to civil rights and the decades-long fight she has been a part of in pursuit of justice. Deborah discusses her outlook on civil rights in Colorado and what the ACLU of Colorado has been doing to protect and expand them.

Welcome to Of the People Jan 08, 2024

Welcome to Of the People by ACLU of Colorado

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