ACLU Next Generation Society

Welcome to Week 3 of the 2026 Next Gen Membership Drive. This week we are highlighting the ’s work to protect youth and families in the face of efforts to dismantle critical access to the Head Start program that often provides stability and support.

For nearly 60 years, Head Start has helped millions of children and families access early childhood education, health screenings, nutritious meals, and family support services. Efforts to dismantle or weaken this vital program put vulnerable children and working families at risk. Protecting equal opportunity means standing up when essential programs are at risk. Join the ACLU and help defend the rights and resources families count on.

Today marks the kickoff of the ACLU’s 2026 Next Generation Society Membership Drive! Now is the moment to either purchase or renew your Next Gen membership and be part of a community committed to defending civil liberties and supporting the ACLU’s work across Illinois and beyond.

Here in Illinois, we are challenging the inhumane and unconstitutional conditions at the Broadview ICE Facility and enforcing the ACLU’s consent decree with the Department of Homeland Security to stop federal officials from making warrantless arrests of immigrants. The Constitution guarantees due process, equal protection, and freedom from unlawful searches and seizures—rights that apply to everyone in this country, regardless of immigration status. When these protections are ignored, the rule of law is weakened for all of us. Stand with the ACLU as we work to hold the government accountable, protect fundamental constitutional rights, and demand humane treatment. Learn more, share this message, and support the fight for justice.

We’re thrilled to welcome Mykela Collins as our featured speaker for this year’s Next Generation Society Fall Fundraiser!

A former Head Start parent turned advocate, Mykela knows firsthand what’s at stake when those in power try to strip away programs that lift up working families. Her story is a reminder that protecting opportunity for every child means standing up and speaking out when our communities are under attack.

The ACLU and ACLU of Illinois are proud to represent the Illinois Head Start Association in our lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s unlawful efforts to dismantle this essential program that provides early education, health, nutritional, and social services to millions of children and families across the country.

We can’t wait for guests to hear Mykela’s story and her reflections on why protecting programs like Head Start matters now more than ever.