Important Organizations.
Michigan Library Association.
The Michigan Library Association (MLA) actively advocates and educates in defense of intellectual freedom – the rights of library users to read, seek information, and speak freely as guaranteed by the First Amendment. Intellectual freedom is a core value of the library profession and a basic right in our democratic society.
Library Cooperatives of Michigan.
Michigan library cooperatives were created to provide member libraries with access to resource sharing, training, communications, and library development. The Library Cooperatives of Michigan is a state-wide innovator, consisting of the 11 regional library cooperatives, working in concert with each other and partner organizations to advocate for and facilitate access to resources, programs and services for libraries.
PEN
America.
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. They champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Their mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible.
American Library Association.
Founded in 1876, the American Library Association (ALA) provides leadership for the improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all. ALA affirms the rights of individuals to form their own opinions about resources they choose to read, view, listen to, or otherwise access.
National Coalition Against Censorship.
Every generation of Americans faces new and significant challenges to free expression. For almost 50 years, NCAC has acted as a first responder to protect this freedom, which is both a fundamental human right and a keystone of democracy in the ever-changing American nation. They promote freedom of thought and inquiry and oppose censorship.
Freedom to Read Foundation.
Founded in 1969, the Freedom to Read Foundation supports its members' interest in having adequate means to support and defend librarians whose positions are jeopardized because of their resistance to abridgments of the First Amendment and to set legal precedent for the freedom to read on behalf of all the people.
EveryLibrary.
EveryLibrary is the nation's first and only political action committee for libraries and organized as a 501(c)4. New threats to librarians and their defense of free speech come in the wake of educators across the country being forced to defend the use of books that object to racism in their classrooms in the face of politically inspired complaints.
Michigan Association of School Librarians.
The Michigan Association of School Librarians (MASL) is a chapter of the American Association of School Librarians and shares the core values of learning: innovation, equity, diversity, inclusion, intellectual freedom, and collaboration. MAME promotes and implements learning standards and provides professional development and advocacy to increase student achievement for all students.
Library of
Michigan.
The Library of Michigan guarantees the people of Michigan and their government one perpetual institution to collect, preserve and provide access to the story of the State and to support libraries in their role as essential community anchors.
Michigan Education Association.
The Michigan Education Association (MEA) is the largest public employee union in the state. MEA advocates for the interests of teachers and places a high priority on maintaining and improving our public education system.
Freedom Forum
Institute.
The Freedom Forum’s mission is to foster First Amendment freedoms for all. They work to raise awareness of First Amendment freedoms through education, advocacy and action, sharing the stories of Americans who have exercised their rights to ignite change.
Equality
Michigan.
Equality Michigan (EQMI) provides education, victim services, and outreach that empowers LGBTQ+ neighbors throughout the state to live in safe communities, take care of families, and create positive impact by improving the social, cultural, and economic lives and wellbeing of individuals in Michigan.
American Civil Liberty Union (ACLU).
The Michigan chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) was established in 1959 to protect the guarantees of the Bill of Rights, including freedom of expression. The ACLU represents all Americans regardless of class, race, political affiliation, or any other personal characteristic and has allied with a wide range of organizations across the political spectrum to defend our rights.
PFLAG.
PFLAG was the first organization for LGBTQ+ people, their parents and families, and allies. PFLAG prioritizes supporting families and promoting safe communities for all people. There are over 400 PFLAG chapters including several in both Michigan peninsulas.
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) originated in 1909 to eradicate race-based prejudice in the United States and ensure equal opportunities in education, employment, and the legal system for all people regardless of their race.
Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning.
The nonpartisan, nonprofit Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) promotes evidenced-based social and emotional learning (SEL) methods at all educational levels. The goal of SEL is to improve educational equity, build school-family-community partnerships, and support the holistic development of young people and adults.
Freemuse.
Freemuse is an independent international non-governmental organisation advocating for freedom of artistic expression and cultural diversity. Freemuse has United Nations Special Consultative Status to the Economic and Social Council (UN-ECOSOC) and Consultative Status with UNESCO.
Advisory Committee on Freedom to Access to Information and Freedom of Expression (FAIFE).
The Advisory Committee on Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression (FAIFE) is at the heart of IFLA’s efforts to raise awareness around the close link between librarianship and intellectual freedom. They collect, prepare and circulate materials that help libraries and library organizations advocate and take action to promote and defend intellectual freedom, and they monitor intellectual freedom developments and issues in the library field.
GLSEN.
GLSEN was founded by a group of teachers in 1990 to create affirming learning environments for LGBTQ+ youth. GLSEN conducts original research and advocates for effective policies that protect all students, including those with marginalized identities, from bullying and harassment.
Black Lives Matter.
Black Lives Matter (BLM) Michigan grew out of the Lansing chapter of the national movement. BLM Michigan provides support and educational opportunities to Black Michiganders as well as allies of all races.
American Society of Journalists and Authors.
Founded in 1948, ASJA (the American Society of Journalists and Authors) is the nation’s largest professional organization of independent nonfiction writers. From the start, ASJA has been a leading voice for the First Amendment. Along with contributing to and promoting Banned Books Week, ASJA has taken legal action to prevent censorship and support the careers of freelance writers.
Red Wine & Blue.
Since 2016, women across the suburbs have been gathering— first to lament, but then to figure out how to change the world together. The “Book Ban Busters” are building on this sisterhood, and creating new momentum— with digital content, media, and tools that empower unique voices and networks. Their work includes resources such as a parent playbook, training sessions, reporting bans, and hosting events in your local community.
Authors Guild.
The Authors Guild is the nation’s oldest and largest professional organization of writers. Members include novelists in all genres and categories, nonfiction writers, journalists, historians, poets, and translators. The Guild welcomes traditionally published authors as well as self-published, independent authors. The Guild defends and promotes the rights of all authors to write without interference or threat, and to receive fair compensation for that work.
GLAAD.
GLAAD is a non-governmental media monitoring organization, founded as a protest against defamatory coverage of LGBTQ+ people. GLAAD promotes positive portrayals of LGBTQ+ people in media, journalism, and popular culture.
Michigan Education Justice Coalition.
The Michigan Education Justice Coalition is a statewide coalition calling for full and equitable funding of our schools so that no matter the zip code, our children have what they need to learn and dream big.
First Amendment Museum.
The mission of the First Amendment Museum is to inspire us to “Live Our Freedoms” by understanding and using our First Amendment rights to advance democracy so that all reap the benefits. Although physically located in Maine, the museum provides information via the internet for Americans across the nation.
Defense of Democracy.
Defense of Democracy is a nonpartisan group that advocates for legislators, educators, and administrators who will work to maintain communities as well as a public education system that supports and enhances our shared experiences regardless of religious beliefs, cultural background, or sexual orientation.
Let America Read.
Let America Read is a joint effort between the Creative Artists Agency and Campaign for Our Shared Future that aims to increase awareness about the rise in book bans nationally. The initiative is being promoted by numerous celebrities.
Detroit Area Youth Uniting Michigan.
Detroit Area Youth Uniting Michigan (DAYUM) has been pushing districts in Michigan to adopt the Online Learning Bill of Rights since September 2020. DAYUM was founded after the 2018 March for Our Lives and has since led a variety of protests and campaigns in Detroit, as well as state wide.