At CCR, we analyze our litigation work through the lens of its value to the human rights and social justice struggles of which we are a part. It is our dedication to these movements that has led us to complement our legal work with robust advocacy and communications work, and a conscious effort to support grassroots organizations that work with directly-impacted communities.

Our cases, our advocacy work, and our communications work are all part of larger struggles and the Center deeply values the relationships we have with our clients and community partners in this work. With partners and in coalitions, we develop joint advocacy and public education campaigns, help shape policy and legislation, advocate before the U.N. and other international human rights bodies, document human rights violations, and strategize communications plans. In these collaborative efforts we work consciously to foreground the voices of clients and grassroots partners. We frame this work as “movement support,” and consider it central to our mission.

CCR also organizes events to support and build on our work, and we engage supporters to take action – from letters to lawmakers and letters to the editor to demonstrations, social media campaigns and “pack the court” support for our clients.

Another dimension of our work beyond the courtroom in thought leadership. CCR staff regularly speak at conferences, on panels, and at other public events; and write dozens of op eds, blogs and law review articles every year. Our presence on the opinion pages is part of a strong communications program, which also includes thousands of news articles annually, a vigorous social media presence and regular email updates to all of our supporters.