ACLU Washington logoBecause Freedom Can't Protect Itselfbanner photo
Sign up for the ACLU email activist network
corner image

How to Get Legal Help from the ACLU

Submit a request for help Online

To Contact Us by Phone

Volunteer counselors answer calls on the ACLU Intake and Referral Line during varying times within our business day. Please call 206.624.2180 to talk to a counselor or to find out when the line is open. If we are not available, you will receive a message outlining our current hours for the intake line. Please note that we do not accept voicemail messages.

The counselor may be able to provide general information over the phone. Depending on the issues you raise, the counselor may ask you to send additional information. If the ACLU cannot help you, the counselor will try to refer you to an organization that can.

To Contact Us by Mail

Use the guidelines below to write the ACLU at the following address:

American Civil Liberties Union of Washington
P.O. Box 4115
Seattle, WA 98194-1799

We only respond to letters sent that are written to the ACLU. We do not respond to copies of letters sent to other groups. Response time varies, but typically ranges between three to six weeks.

In order to assist you, the ACLU needs the following information:

  • Your name and, mailing address, telephone and e-mail address (if available)
  • If you are writing on behalf of another person, please provide the person's name. Also state your relationship to the person and provide any contact information you have for the person.
  • Are you presently represented by an attorney in the matter you are writing about?
  • Briefly describe the problem or issue about which you are contacting the ACLU. Please include any relevant dates and give the names of individuals or organizations involved in the matter.
  • Do you have any documentation of this matter? If so, please describe it. If there are relevant documents, please attach copies (not originals) to your letter
  • Have you taken any steps to resolve this issue (for instance: filed a grievance, contacted another agency or organization, or gone through an appeals process)?
  • If yes, where and what did you file, and what was the result?
  • What would you like the ACLU to do concerning this matter?
  • Your gender and race [optional, for statistical purposes only]

The ACLU of Washington Foundation maintains the confidentiality of all information we receive. We may wish to share this information with other legal organizations while investigating complaints, but we will always seek your permission before doing so.

Submit a request for help Online