Happy New Year! Our deepest appreciation goes to those whose membership and support makes our work in the state of Wyoming possible; the American Civil Liberties Union of Wyoming Chapter thanks you.

In 2009, the Wyoming ACLU has:
• Increased lobbying efforts at the Wyoming State Legislature
• Promoted safe and humane conditions in Wyoming’s prisons and jails
• Produced a student rights’ manual
• Created a blog for legislative updates at www.acluwyomingchapter.blogspot.com
• Conducted outreach to Wyoming communities through schools and libraries
• Co-sponsored reproductive justice workshop, supported women’s reproductive choices
• Advocated for medical privacy of students and employees; privacy of consumers and citizens
• Prepared a comprehensive juvenile detention report which includes progressive policy recommendations for improving Wyoming’s juvenile justice system
• Provided legal assistance and information to Wyoming citizens facing challenges to their civil liberties

In the aftermath of the Maryland “spying on peace groups” scandal, many ACLU members are likely wondering “What kind of files does the government have on me?” Our new “File Your Own FOIA” website will provide them with the tools you need to answer this question. 

Our user-friendly website provides individuals with information about the right to access their government files, and walks you through the FOIA request process step-by-step -- making it as easy as possible to uncover whatever data the government has on their protest or First Amendment activities. As filing FOIAs can be a confusing process for non-lawyers, our site provides helpful information on what data to include in a FOIA request, where to send the request, how to apply for expedited processing, and how to request fee waivers – as well as sample FOIA request letters, checklists, and a Frequently Asked Questions section. Learn more at www.whatisfoia.org.