How to Protect Civil Rights

Civil rights are the personal rights and privileges bestowed to citizens by a national government. In the United States, civil rights include the freedoms contained in the First Amendment of the Constitution. There is protect against discrimination based on ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation. Enforcing civil rights can be challenging, but well worth the effort to maintain equality for all citizens.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Observe civil rights as an individual. Set an example for others by treating everyone you encounter fairly and respectfully. Respect people's rights to free speech and peaceful assembly.
2. Publicly challenge people you witness violating civil rights. When you observe discrimination, address it immediately. Ask the person why they think it is acceptable to violate someone's Constitutional rights. Document the incident and report it to the proper authorities.
3. Report institutional violations of civil rights to the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights. Through the OCR's website. File a formal complaint against the person or organization that discriminated against you or someone else.
4. Exercise your right to vote in local, state and national elections. Research candidates' voting records with respect to civil rights issues. Consider casting a vote for those who have strongly advocated for civil rights throughout their political careers.
5. Mobilize your community to join you in the effort to protect civil rights. Host a meeting and invite people you believe are interested in preserving people's rights. Encourage your group to network with other local organizations to strengthen your numbers and voice.
6. Host a forum to education people in your community about current civil rights issues. Circulate a petition demanding that your local government pass a resolution supporting civil rights, then forward it to representatives when the majority of your community has signed it.