get help. justice & advocacy
option 1: protect your rights.
Have you experienced discrimination, retaliation, or a violation of your rights? Whether it happened in the workplace, at school, during a police encounter, or while seeking public services—we’re here to help. The Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM) provides community-based advocacy support through a range of rights-based topics. Get help by phone or web support.
What we offer:
Know Your Rights: Information about your civil and constitutional rights.
File A Complaint: We can guide you through filing an official complaint with the appropriate agency.
Advocacy Support: Share your story with us, and we’ll help amplify your voice in the fight for justice.
Peaceful Protests: We organize peaceful protests to demand policy changes and raise public awareness around issues that matter.
Court Coaching: Clear guidance on court procedures, timelines, and what to expect, so you can navigate court confidently.
Legal Research & Open Records Requests: Our team offers research services and can assist in submitting open records requests to uncover critical information.
Legal Referrals & Resources: Access referrals to legal professionals and “Know Your Rights” resources.
Option 2: FREEDOM & HOUSING SUPPORT
The AADM Freedom Fund offers critical funds for financial support to individuals struggling with legal fines and fees or housing stability ultimately fostering pathways toward stability and freedom.
Expenses we currently cover includes:
bail, probation fees
court-ordered classes
rehabilitation costs
driver’s license reinstatement fees, transitional housing support (hotel vouchers), and eviction prevention. .
Poverty should not prevent individuals from attaining their freedom or stability.
By addressing these barriers, the Freedom Fund helps to restore dignity, empower individuals, and promote a path toward justice, financial stability, and hope for a better future.
Our goal is to help you overcome legal and financial obstacles—creating a path toward healing, stability, and long-term justice.
Our mission is to empower individuals with the tools and support they need to stand up against discrimination. To help you protect your human (or) civil rights.
GET HELP.
To get support, complete the Justice Support Intake Form. Together, we can continue to push for justice and create meaningful change in our community.
Please read carefully before submitting your request.
Once submitted, you may text us at 1-800-922-3607 to notify us of your submission.
Intake Review
Due to limited staff, no responses will be provided before 24 hours from submission.
Requests are reviewed and a representative will contact you by phone or email within 24-48 hours
Distribution of Funds
If your request is approved, FUNDS are distributed on Fridays only.
Note: Please plan accordingly and allow time for review and processing.
Note: The AADM is not a legal firm and will not provide legal advice. We offer advocacy support for persons experiencing discrimination in Athens-Clarke County and the immediate surrounding area, including Barrow, Jackson, Madison, Oconee, and Oglethorpe counties. Unfortunately, we cannot handle complaints outside of this area.
* In filling out this form, you are opting-in to receiving text messages and phone calls from the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. To opt-out, you may reply “STOP” at any time. For more information, please read our Privacy Agreement.
The AADM Justice and Accountability Committee is committed to promoting equal justice, ensuring police accountability, and advancing racial equity in local government. Through advocating for fair policies, increasing transparency, educating the community, and holding institutions accountable, we strive to create a more just and equitable society for all.
Justice & Accountability Committee
Objectives:
Policy Advocacy: Promote and support reforms that eliminate discriminatory practices, reduce incarceration rates, and ensure fairness in law enforcement and judicial proceedings.
Community Engagement: Empower local communities through education, workshops, and public forums to advocate for their rights and hold officials accountable.
Data & Research: Collect and analyze data on policing, sentencing disparities, and community impacts to inform policy recommendations and advocacy strategies.
Providing Know Your Rights training and news to keep the community informed and up to date on policy changes and more.
Key Initiatives:
Hosting town halls and policy discussions to engage with elected officials and law enforcement.
Supporting community-led campaigns to demand justice in cases of discrimination and police misconduct
Collaborating with legal experts to propose legislative reforms at local and state levels.
Annual report: Our team conducts thorough research and tracks police complaints to compile detailed annual reports on policing in Athens, Georgia. These reports provide transparency, highlight areas for reform, and serve as a critical tool for advocating justice and fostering community trust in law enforcement.
Impact:
The Justice and Accountability Committee serves as a crucial force in ensuring that marginalized communities have a voice and a pathway to justice. Through advocacy, education, and strategic action, JAC helps to create lasting changes.
We welcome passionate individuals who are committed to justice reform, community organizing, and holding institutions accountable.