The New York Civil Liberties Union has launched an advocacy department to lead public advocacy campaigns to defend and promote civil rights and civil liberties throughout the state.

The department seeks to influence public policy through grassroots organizing, public education, coalition building, online activism and direct lobbying of lawmakers. It will work with the NYCLU’s chapters and regional offices to implement statewide campaigns aimed at positioning lawmakers to reject attacks on civil liberties.

“We do not confine our work to courtrooms,” said Donna Lieberman, executive director of the NYCLU. “To effectively protect civil rights and civil liberties, we must engage people in their communities, inform them of the issues and teach them how to make a difference. I’m confident our new advocacy department can meet this challenge.”

Udi Ofer, legislative counsel, takes on the role of advocacy director. He will work with NYCLU Legislative Director Robert Perry and other senior staff to formulate campaign priorities and devise advocacy strategies.

Ari Rosmarin, statewide campaigns coordinator, is responsible for implementing statewide advocacy campaigns and working with regional offices to organize local advocacy committees and a statewide advocacy committee. Rosmarin, an experienced organizer, will support and train regional staff and volunteers in advocacy techniques, organizing strategies and program issues.

Chloe Dugger will coordinate the NYCLU’s campaign on the School to Prison Pipeline, a series of local, state and federal education and public safety policies that combine to push students out of school and into the criminal justice system.

Organizer Erica Braudy will help build coalitions with grassroots groups and advocacy organizations and mobilize NYCLU members and supporters. She will assist in managing online advocacy programs and developing public education materials.

Campus Organizer Kiran Savage-Sangwan will continue to mobilize college students across the state to join the fight to protect civil rights and civil liberties.