SAN DIEGO — The American Civil Liberties Union of San Diego & Imperial Counties (ACLU-SDIC) has unveiled two dynamic civic engagement initiatives designed to empower residents with the knowledge, confidence and practical tools needed to interact effectively with their local elected officials. These campaigns mark an important step toward strengthening community participation and ensuring that the voices of everyday people remain central to decision-making processes that shape the region’s future.
To make civic education more accessible, the ACLU-SDIC has launched Meet Your School Board Members and Meet Your Board of Supervisors, two comprehensive multimedia campaigns crafted for broad public use. By integrating dedicated website pages, social media videos, visually engaging graphics and detailed toolkits, the campaigns aim to guide residents through the fundamental structures of local governance. Moreover, these resources offer step-by-step instructions on preparing for and conducting meetings with elected leaders, including sample agendas and key talking points. Through this thoughtful approach, the ACLU-SDIC seeks to transform civic knowledge into confident, meaningful action.
Transitioning to the importance of public involvement, Branden C. Sigua, Senior Policy Advocate for the ACLU-SDIC, underscored the critical role constituents play in shaping policy decisions. He emphasized that the San Diego County Board of Supervisors manages a budget exceeding $8 billion, while the Imperial County Board of Supervisors oversees more than $750 million. According to Sigua, every dollar flowing through these budgets originates from taxpayers and community members who rely on elected officials to act responsibly and transparently. He highlighted that supervisors do not operate in isolation; rather, they are accountable to the people they represent. Therefore, he encouraged residents to speak directly with their supervisors and share personal experiences that illuminate how various issues affect daily life. In his view, this engagement is a cornerstone of a government that genuinely serves its community.
Further reinforcing the importance of civic participation, Anjleena Kour Sahni, Racial and Economic Justice Policy Advocate for the ACLU-SDIC, called attention to the powerful influence school boards hold over local education systems. She emphasized that every student deserves an environment where safety, belonging and opportunities for success are guaranteed. School boards, she explained, have the authority to support this vision—or hinder it. Yet, many community members underestimate their impact or overlook the significance of school board decisions. Sahni encouraged the public to recognize how transformative it can be when residents understand their influence and when values-driven individuals are elected to these roles. Her message serves as a reminder that strong communities begin with engaged, informed advocates who champion equitable education.
As part of this effort, Crystal Quezada, Imperial Valley Regional Director for the ACLU-SDIC, highlighted the organization’s commitment to making public officials more approachable and accessible. She noted that civic engagement extends far beyond casting a ballot. Rather, it includes attending public meetings, submitting thoughtful comments and ensuring elected representatives understand their constituents’ priorities. Quezada stressed that officials are elected to reflect community values, and the campaigns are designed to help residents confidently share those values and actively participate in local governance. By doing so, she hopes communities in both counties will experience deeper connection, accountability and mutual respect between residents and leaders.
Through these newly launched campaigns, the ACLU-SDIC invites people across San Diego and Imperial counties to take an active role in shaping their governments. By combining education, empowerment and easy-to-use digital tools, the organization is making civic involvement more welcoming, more accessible and more effective. These campaigns ultimately aim to build stronger, more informed communities where residents are equipped to advocate for meaningful change.
Individuals ready to explore the resources or begin their civic engagement journey may access the toolkits through the following links: Meet Your School Board Members (bit.ly/MYSBM), Meet Your Board of Supervisors – San Diego County (bit.ly/MYBOS-SD), and Meet Your Board of Supervisors – Imperial County (bit.ly/MYBOS-IC). By engaging with these materials, community members can take a confident step toward participating in the democratic process, connecting with elected officials and championing the issues that matter most to them.
