"I feel compelled to write..."

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October 15, 2006

Dear Board Members,

Although I recently signed a group letter to you, I feel compelled to write personally because of my rather unique perspective on ACLU leadership. I have worked almost continuously for the ACLU since 1964 and have had close personal relationships with the four men who served as Executive Director during the past 42 years.

From 1964 to 1968, I served as Chief Staff Counsel of the Lawyers Constitutional Defense Committee, the first special project created by the National ACLU office under the leadership of Jack Pemberton. After four years in Mississippi, and with a brief “vacation” teaching at Harvard, I helped found the National Prison Project with the support of Aryeh Neier, continuing there until early 1996. Of course, from the late 1970’s I reported to Ira Glasser. Thereafter, and to the present, I serve as a consultant to the National Legal Department and, since its creation, the Affiliate Support Department (ASD) as well. Beginning in 2001, Anthony Romero has set the standard for leadership of the ACLU. All four of these men have been close personal friends.

Each of the four made unique contributions to the growth of the ACLU. Jack urged us to broaden our horizons by leading us into the civil rights movement and the struggle for racial equality. Aryeh helped develop the “enclave theory” by creating the special public education and litigation projects that would focus on protecting the rights and civil liberties of specific groups of victims. Ira continued that ambitious programmatic work and created an important administrative support system that insured the continuation of substantive work. Anthony came on the scene at a time when the country was in crisis and the threats to our civil liberties were most dangerous.

You are all familiar with the vital leadership role that Anthony has demonstrated during the past difficult five years. The dramatic increase in membership and resources he has helped achieve have been and continue to be crucial at this time of serious threats to our nation’s civil liberties. For me, however, the marvelous growth in the health and strength of the affiliates has been most important. Yesterday, I received a message from Jack Van Valkenburg, Director of the Idaho affiliate, that read in part: “Big news! Today I finally hired a staff attorney for the Idaho affiliate. Very Exciting.” I believe that means that every affiliate, with the possible exception of the Dakotas, now has a staff lawyer. For years, some of us who work regularly with the affiliates and who regard them as the great strength of the organization, argued for more national support to affiliates. We especially urged Ira to have National assist every affiliate in developing a legal staff. It never received an enthusiastic response.

Anthony came on board and created the Affiliate Support Department (ASD) in the national office. In my frequent visits to affiliates, I hear nothing but warm praise and enthusiasm for the ASD and the National office. The National Legal Department’s Human Rights Working Group has done a marvelous job of involving affiliates in their work, thereby creating a real sense of partnership between the state and national offices. On almost every affiliate visit, I find that Anthony has just been there or is expected the following week. I sometimes think that there must be "3 Anthony’s". I could continue with many examples of how Anthony has created a sense of "family" among the affiliates.

I am proud to continue to be a part of this marvelous family and I trust that you will provide us with your usual support.

Sincerely,

Alvin J. Bronstein

 

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