Defend Democracy Tour

Throughout the spring of 2026, ACLU NorCal executive director Abdi Soltani is touring Northern California to highlight and celebrate the ways people are stepping up to defend democracy in its hour of need. We invite ACLU members, partners, and friends to join us at an event near you.

Register for upcoming events

Tour stops will be added to this page on a rolling basis as they are scheduled. If you don't see an event near you listed, check back later or sign up to get updates by email. Tickets are free to community members who wish to participate.

What to expect at a Defend Democracy event

ACLU NorCal executive director Abdi Soltani will host each briefing and reception. ACLU staff, board members, and volunteers will provide updates on the ACLU’s cases and campaigns challenging the Trump administration's authoritarian policies. You'll learn about our plans for the 2026 election, find out how you can get involved in work to defend and strengthen our democracy, and meet ACLU supporters from your community.

What is this tour all about?

In the face of the Trump administration's unprecedented assaults on the Constitution and people’s rights, we are witnessing remarkable acts of courage and resistance from people who refuse to give up on our democracy. Americans are recommitting to government “of the people, by the people, for the people” through actions big and small: speaking out in defiance of censorship and retribution; joining mutual-aid networks to monitor neighborhoods for immigration enforcement activity; peacefully mobilizing in mass protests against the president’s abuses of power; and casting ballots in elections across the country in November 2025.

As we travel and meet ACLU supporters throughout Northern and Central California, we want to know: What does democracy mean to you? How is the Trump administration's agenda impacting your community? What gives you hope?

We are organizing this tour to thank you, build community, share updates on the ACLU’s work nationwide and locally, and gear up for the work ahead in 2026.

Americans are meeting fear with courage, threats with action, and division with unity. The ACLU will never give up on our rights, and we draw strength from knowing that we stand together in this fight.