Your Voice, Your Rights: A Journey Through America's Social Justice Movements

Democracy is not a spectator sport. In order to keep your rights and make sure they align with contemporary values–YOUR values–it is crucial that everyone does their part! Rights are not guaranteed. They can disappear or be modified so much that they do not benefit the people they were originally designed for.

We’ll talk about how you can make your voice heard, but first let’s look at some of the most widely-known, and sometimes controversial, movements that have been active in the last 300 years. 

Social Justice Movements

14th Amendment

The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, is crucial for civil rights in the United States. It:

• Grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S.

• Provides equal protection under the law

• Prohibits states from denying life, liberty, or property without due process

This amendment has been the foundation for many civil rights advancements, including desegregation, marriage equality, and voting rights.

Abolitionist Movement (Late 18th - Mid 19th Century)

• Ended slavery

• Impact: Foundational for civil rights, but racial inequality persists

Women's Rights Movement (Mid 19th Century - Present)

• Gained voting rights, workplace equality, reduce dependence on men

• Impact: Ongoing fight for gender equality in all areas of life

Civil Rights Movement (1954-1968)

• Ended legal segregation, secured voting rights

• Impact: Improved racial equality, but systemic racism remains a challenge

LGBTQ+ Rights Movement (1960s - Present)

• Achieved marriage equality, anti-discrimination protections, safety

• Impact: Continuing struggle for full acceptance and rights

Disability Rights Movement (1960s - Present)

• Secured legal protections and accessibility requirements

• Impact: Ongoing work for true inclusion in society

Environmental Justice Movement (1970s - Present)

• Addresses environmental inequalities affecting marginalized communities

• Impact: Growing importance as climate change intensifies

Roe v. Wade (1973-2022)

• Legalized abortion nationwide, then overturned

• Impact: Ongoing battles over reproductive rights and women’s safety

No-Fault Divorce

• Made divorce easier and reduced domestic violence 

• Impact: Changing family structures, debates on marriage stability

Access to Birth Control

• Improved family planning options and women’s healthcare

• Impact: Continued debates over reproductive rights and healthcare

Misconceptions and Reality

Many people believe:

• Rights once gained are permanent

• Progress is always forward-moving

• Laws can't be changed or reinterpreted

In reality:

• Rights can be challenged or overturned

• Progress can face setbacks

• Laws and their interpretations can change

Support Continued Progress

The 14th Amendment's protections are not self-executing. Its power depends on:

• How it's interpreted by courts

• How it's enforced by the government

• Public understanding and support

By staying engaged and active, current generations can help ensure that hard-won rights are protected and expanded for future generations

3 SIMPLE actions we can all take

1. Register to vote (takes 5 minutes online)

2. Follow 2-3 civil rights organizations on social media

3. Have ONE conversation this week about civic engagement

What’s the Bottom Line?

Every major right you enjoy today—voting, workplace protections, personal autonomy—was won by people who were told they couldn't make a difference

Be the person who proves cynicism wrong. Your voice matters. Your vote counts. Your engagement changes everything.

Go to our app to get engaged, share your opinions (kindly), join the Leaderboard, have access to links that support SIMPLE information and communication to your Representatives