Who This Is For

Any US resident — citizen or non-citizen — who wants to understand their constitutional rights, protect themselves and their community, and participate in civic life. No prior knowledge required.

Time commitment: This path can be completed in stages. Start with the Emergency Reference below, then work through the sequence at your own pace.

Learning Sequence

Step 1: Know Your Constitutional Rights

Read: knowledgebase/amendments.md

The constitutional framework that protects you — Fourth Amendment (searches), Fifth Amendment (silence), Sixth Amendment (attorney), First Amendment (speech, assembly, religion), and how these rights apply in practice today.

Step 2: Rights Apply Regardless of Immigration Status

Read: knowledgebase/immigration-rights-regardless-of-status.md

Constitutional rights apply to all persons in the United States — not just citizens. If you or someone in your community is an immigrant, this document explains what rights apply in every encounter with law enforcement.

Step 3: Know Your Voting Rights

Read: Your state file in knowledgebase/voting/[your-state].md

State-by-state voter registration deadlines, ID requirements, absentee ballot rules, and what to do if your rights are violated.

Step 4: Protect Your Digital Life

Read: knowledgebase/learning-paths/new-content/digital-security-for-citizens.md

Practical, non-technical guidance on encrypting your messages (Signal), protecting your phone at a border crossing or police encounter, and keeping your organizing communications private.

Step 5: If You Are Arrested or Detained

Read: knowledgebase/learning-paths/new-content/arrested-detained-citizens-guide.md

What to say, what not to say, and what to do at every stage — from a voluntary stop through arrest, booking, and bail. Includes the NLG hotline, legal observer programs, and how to document violations.

Step 6: Find Legal Help

Read: knowledgebase/immigration-legal-resources-directory.md (immigration) Read: knowledgebase/learning-paths/new-content/finding-legal-representation-guide.md (general)

How to find free or low-cost legal representation for protest arrests, civil rights violations, SLAPP suits, or federal investigations.

Key Organizations

Where to Go Next

When you’re ready to do more than protect yourself:

• Citizen Activist Playbook — take action for the first time
• Organizing a Peaceful Protest — if you want to demonstrate
• Keeping Communication Secure — deeper digital security
• If You Are Arrested or Detained — full use-case guide