NCARL– the National Committee Against Repressive Legislation – was founded in 1960. It is a not for profit advocacy organization dedicated to defending the right of political dissent. In an effort to do that, we write a monthly letter, stimulate and cooperate in coalition work, do speaking tours and engagements, lobby, and work closely with the media helping them develop expertise and present the issues. Our long historical record helps us share history, and share lessons that are helpful in daily work.

We publish a monthly newsletter to activists – the NCARL Letter. It summarizes current government policies of concern – which include First Amendment, due process, surveillance, targeting by membership, ethnicity issues. Further it recommends possible actions, resources, and experts on the topics. The letter is available electronically and by mail and is free. We welcome donations and sustainers. E-mail us at info@ncarl.org or write or call to become a subscriber.

Because we began our organizational life in the J. Edgar Hoover/Joe McCarthy era, we understand from a half century perspective that government officials tend toward distrust of dissent, that almost always the feds have difficulty distinguishing violent criminal activity from political belief and association – tending to demonize, investigate and criminalize them all. Every major political movement in the U.S. has been harassed, intimidated, investigated, and in some cases neutralized by government efforts. We bring this understanding to present day movements, and in particular to immigrant communities who are new to dissent issues in the U.S.

NCARL has worked to educate people about some of the worst excesses of law and policy aimed at stopping terrorism which, we argue, are largely ineffective and simultaneously a huge step back on First Amendment and due process areas. We helped organize the first national conference of advocates for local bill of rights resolutions – Grassroots America Defends the Bill of Rights – October 18-19, 2003.