“BORDC is political organizing at its best. It gives ordinary people concrete ways to get involved in the struggle for justice in the wake of 9/11. It deserves our support.” – David Cole, Georgetown University Law Center Professor and Legal Affairs Correspondent for The Nation magazine.
The Bill of Rights Defense Committee promotes, organizes, and supports a diverse national grassroots movement to restore and protect civil rights and liberties guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. As government secrecy, expanding executive power, and official disregard for civil liberties continue to undermine the rule of law, the Bill of Rights Defense Committee works to empower individuals across the ideological and political spectrum and coordinate their efforts to restore fundamental liberties. Issues addressed by BORDC include official secrecy, domestic surveillance, arbitrary detention, torture, and executive accountability.
The Bill of Rights Defense Committee (BORDC) first became known for organizing communities across the country to pass local resolutions opposing the USA PATRIOT Act. Between 2001 and 2007, more than 400 cities, towns, and counties along with eight states , passed resolutions. In 2008, BORDC launched a new initiative called the People’s Campaign for the Constitution (PCC). The PCC organizes community coalitions to act locally to defend constitutionally guaranteed liberties undermined by laws and policies adopted as part of the “war on terror.”
The People’s Campaign for the Constitution has also built affinity groups offering interested individuals opportunities to leverage their training toward helping build the national movement to restore constitutional rights and the rule of law. Groups of legal professionals and K-12 educators are already active, and groups for health professionals, interfaith religious leaders, students, and speakers of English as a second language are in formation.
Our Founders had a vision of the United States of America. Learn more about BORDC’s work to uphold that vision at the BORDC website or the People’s Campaign blog for more information regarding their most recent accomplishments and to get involved by giving your time or donating.
