Organizing Department Update: Our Latest Victories and an Election Kickoff

In June, I stepped into the role of Organizing Director at ACLU NorCal, and I am excited to help take our organizing work to the next level. Having spent over seven years as an ACLU organizing manager based in Fresno, I look forward to growing our organizing program and expanding our presence across the region—especially ahead of a critical election and at a time when our rights face constant attack. As a queer immigrant, this work is deeply personal to me, and I can't wait to keep organizing alongside our amazing volunteers and staff. Check out my bio here.

I also want to formally introduce the newest member of our team, Sana Sethi (she/her). Since joining us in December, Sana has led our organizing efforts in Vallejo, hosting community meetings focused on independent civilian oversight of the Vallejo Police Department. She is also leading the charge to restart our San Francisco chapter and expand our regional presence. Sana previously served as the Communications & Policy Manager at SF Rising, and we are thrilled by the incredible work she is already doing. Read more about Sana here.

Another successful summer recess is in the books! Throughout July, we coordinated 17 in-district lobby visits with state representatives across Northern California. Dozens of constituents turned out to advocate for vital bills on housing, criminal justice, immigration detention, free speech, and voting rights.

A huge thank you to every volunteer who spoke up—especially our lobby captains! We couldn't have done this without you. Looking ahead, the legislature has until August 31 to pass final bills, and Governor Newsom has until September 30 to sign or veto them.

Sign up to be involved with future legislative actions!

After years of committed advocacy by the ACLU Monterey County Chapter and our community partners, Monterey County has established civilian oversight of the Sheriff's Office. This major victory ensures transparency, holds the Sheriff accountable to the community, and builds trust by creating a clear process to investigate complaints and misconduct.

Live in Monterey County? Sign our petition to urge the county to take further steps to protect immigrant community members.

A Berkeley resident, creative director, and second-generation Thai-American, Melissa Ploysophon wasn't always sure advocacy was for her. Between her career, outdoor adventures with her husband and dog, and raising a toddler, getting involved felt intimidating. Instead, she found a flexible volunteer experience with ACLU NorCal’s Alameda County Chapter that could grow alongside her life.

"It's been a choose-your-own-adventure," Melissa shared. "You make it what you want it to be, and you get out what you put in."

Whether tracking local issues or contributing her skills where needed, Melissa continuously finds meaningful ways to strengthen the civil liberties movement. Becoming a parent gave her advocacy an even deeper purpose: "The world is not just for me—it's for the next generation. I want to protect and preserve as much as I can."

Volunteering also gave Melissa the confidence to engage directly with local government. "Our representatives are here to serve us," she noted. "Realizing I have access to that was easier than I expected."

Melissa’s story is a great reminder that making a difference doesn't require endless free time—just a willingness to take the first step.

Moving forward, I plan to send out these quarterly updates by email to keep you connected to our organizing work, key victories, and upcoming priorities across Northern California. If you want to receive my updates in your inbox, sign up here.

Thanks for everything you do to support civil rights in our communities. I’m excited to keep organizing with you!