First Amendment topicsAbout the First Amendment
About
 
Related links


Related sites are solely responsible for their information and views.

FIRST AMENDMENT & FREE EXPRESSION

  • American Association of University Professors
    Defends academic freedom and tenure, among other college and university issues.
  • American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression
    Founded by American Booksellers Association in 1990, ABFFE is the booksellers' voice in the fight against censorship.
  • American Civil Liberties Union
    Nationwide, nonpartisan organization dedicated to defending and preserving the Bill of Rights for all individuals through litigation, legislation and public education.
  • American Library Association Office for Intellectual Freedom
    Charged with implementing ALA policies on intellectual freedom as embodied in the Library Bill of Rights, the association's basic policy on free access to libraries and library materials. The goal of the office is to educate librarians and the general public about the nature and importance of intellectual freedom in libraries.
  • Beacon for Freedom of Expression
    International database on censorship of books and newspapers, as well as on literature on freedom of expression, produced by the former Norwegian Forum for Freedom of Expression. Funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Culture and Church Affairs.
  • Brechner Center for Freedom of Information
    "Answers queries about media law from journalists, attorneys, and other members of the public." Explains issues, reacts to developments, assists research on "libel, privacy, prior restraints, freedom of information, Florida's Government in the Sunshine Laws, access to courts and other First Amendment issues."
  • California First Amendment Coalition
    Nonprofit public-benefit corporation working to preserve and improve compliance with state and federal laws affording citizens access to public information, including the protection of newsgathering by journalists. CFAC also supports freedom of expression, assembly and petition on matters of public concern.
  • Center for Arts and Culture
    Independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank that "aims to broaden and deepen the national conversation on culture and cultural policies." Commissions research, holds public roundtables, and publishes new voices and perspectives on arts and culture. Topics include law, globalization, access, preservation, community, investment, education.
  • Chilling Effects Clearinghouse
    "Do you know your online rights? Have you received a letter asking you to remove information from a Web site or to stop engaging in an activity? Are you concerned about liability for information that someone else posted to your online forum?" Joint project of Electronic Frontier Foundation, Harvard, Stanford, Berkeley, University of San Francisco, and University of Maine law school clinics. Seeks to help online users and Web site operators protect their rights.
  • Coalition of Journalists for Open Government
    Provides information on FOI efforts, "transparency in government" issues.
  • Electronic Frontier Foundation
    "Protecting rights and promoting freedom in the electronic frontier."
  • Ellen K. Solender Institute in Free Speech and Mass Media Law
    At Underwood Law Library, Dedman School of Law, Southern Methodist University.
  • Environmental Defender Law Center
    "Nonprofit organization that enlists top American law firms to work pro bono in defending against SLAPP suits in the U.S. that involve environmental issues."
  • Explore Freedom
    Information and links about the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, First Amendment.
  • Fair Use Network
    Information and resources to help artists, scholars, activists and others discern their rights to fair use of others' material under copyright and trademark law.
  • Feminists for Free Expression
    "A group of diverse feminists working to preserve the individual's right to see, hear, and produce materials of her choice without the intervention of the government 'for her own good.' "
  • The File Room
    Catalogued interactive archive of censorship cases, provided by the National Coalition Against Censorship as "a major up-to-the-minute information resource on worldwide attempts to suppress expression."
  • First Amendment Cyber-Tribune
    FACT is one of the pioneer First Amendment sites in the nation. A "resource for anyone wanting to learn about the First Amendment," providing "information on all the liberties guaranteed by the amendment."
  • First Amendment Law Review
    Student-edited legal journal at the University of North Carolina School of Law that publishes scholarly work and promotes discussion of First Amendment issues.
  • First Amendment Project
    "Nonprofit, public-interest law firm and advocacy organization dedicated to protecting and promoting freedom of information, expression, and petition." Provides advice, educational materials, and legal representation to activists, journalists and artists.
  • Florida First Amendment Foundation
    Nonprofit organization founded by the Florida Press Association, the Florida Society of Newspaper Editors and the Florida Association of Broadcasters "to ensure that public commitment and progress in the areas of free speech, free press, and open government do not become checked and diluted during Florida’s changing times."
  • Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE)
    Seeks to "defend and sustain individual rights," including speech and religious liberty, at American colleges and universities.
  • Freedom Channel
    Offers views from presidential and congressional candidates on a range of issues in the form of 90-second videos.
  • Freedom to Read Foundation
    Promotes and defends right to read; fosters libraries as institutions wherein every individual's First Amendment freedoms are fulfilled; supports right of libraries to include in their collections and make available any work that they may legally acquire.
  • Free Expression Network Clearinghouse
    Guide to free speech and the First Amendment, including censorship issues.
  • Free Expression Policy Project
    FEPP, a think tank on artistic and intellectual freedom, produces reports, commentaries, fact sheets and friend-of-the-court briefs, and seeks solutions to the concerns that drive censorship campaigns. Web site features report, "Media Literacy: An Alternative to Censorship."
  • Georgia First Amendment Foundation
    "Advances the cause of open government and freedom of information through education and advocacy."
  • Illinois First Amendment Center — "Voices for the First"
    Includes First Amendment curriculum, written by 16 Illinois teachers, that can be ordered free from the site. Other free items available: radio spots, TV spots, First Amendment posters.
  • Index on Censorship
    London-based journal that publishes articles on free-expression issues and that logs free-expression abuses worldwide.
  • Intellectual Freedom Round Table
    Provides a forum for discussion of activities, programs and problems in intellectual freedom of libraries and librarians; serves as a channel of communications on intellectual freedom matters; promotes a greater opportunity for involvement among the members of the ALA in defense of intellectual freedom; promotes a greater feeling of responsibility in the implementation of ALA policies on intellectual freedom.
  • International Freedom of Expression eXchange (IFEX)
    Global network of free-expression organizations; site offers "one of the most comprehensive online archives on free-expression violations."
  • Internet Freedom Resources
    Anti-censorship links: "Defending the rights of Net users; breaking tomorrow's stories today." Sponsors the Internet Freedom Journalism Awards.
  • J-Ideas
    Fosters First Amendment and civic awareness in public and private high schools by focusing on the development of high school journalism.
  • Marshall-Brennan Fellowship Program
    Nonprofit group at Washington College of Law promoting constitutional literacy among young people. Hosts high school-level National Constitutional Law Moot Court Competition.
  • Media Coalition
    "Defends the First Amendment right to produce and sell books, magazines, recordings, videotapes and video games; and defends the American public's First Amendment right to have access to the broadest possible range of opinion and entertainment."
  • Media Institute
    "Nonprofit research foundation specializing in communications policy and the First Amendment."
  • Media Law Resource Center
    Formerly the Libel Defense Resource Center. Nonprofit information clearinghouse originally organized by a number of news media organizations to monitor developments and promote First Amendment rights in the libel, privacy and related legal fields.
  • National Coalition Against Censorship
    NCAC is an alliance of 48 national nonprofit organizations, including religious, professional, artistic, labor and civil rights groups, committed to defending freedom of thought, inquiry and expression.
  • National Freedom of Information Coalition
    Group of state First Amendment and FOI organizations.
  • OpenTheGovernment.org
    "Americans for less secrecy and more democracy." Produces a Secrecy Report Card.
  • Peacefire
    "Youth alliance against Internet censorship."
  • PEN American Center
    Professional association of 2,600 literary writers defends free speech for writers in the United States and around the world.
  • PEN USA
    Free-speech page: "Because freedom to write is fundamental."
  • Pennsylvania Center for the First Amendment
    Founded in 1992 at Penn State. Provides educational programs, sponsors speakers, publishes books and articles and serves as a media resource on a range of First Amendment issues.
  • People for the American Way
    "Organizes and mobilizes Americans to fight for fairness, justice, civil rights and the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution."
  • Pittsburgh Post-Gazette First Amendment site
    Developed through a Pew Center for Civic Journalism grant, the site is a resource for community members, journalists, students.
  • Stand and Be Counted
    Anti-censorship site "working on helping people start campaigns against censorship."
  • Sunshine Week
    Site devoted to helping "newspapers, magazines, broadcasters, Web sites and others continue a dialogue about the importance of open government to the public" — not just during Sunshine Week, in March each year, but all year.
  • Teach the First Amendment
    Published by the Knight Foundation, this is a helpful resource for those seeking to inform others about the basics of the First Amendment.
  • Tennessee Coalition for Open Government
    "To preserve and improve access to public information."
  • Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Freedom of Expression
    "Devoted solely to the defense of free expression in all its forms."
  • Tully Center for Free Speech
    Through education, resources and research, the Tully Center for Free Speech at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University aims to educate university students and the public about the value of free speech and about media-law issues.
  • U.S. Politics Online
    Discussion forums on political issues, current events.
  • YALSA — Young Adult Library Services Association
    Affiliated with the American Library Association, YALSA seeks to "advocate, promote and strengthen service to young adults as part of the continuum of total library service, and to support those who provide service to this population."

Religious-liberty groups

  • American Center for Law & Justice
    "An international public interest law firm that focuses on pro-family, pro-life, and pro-liberty issues."
  • Americans United for Separation of Church and State
    Watchdog group that works "to protect the constitutional principle of church-state separation, a vital cornerstone of religious liberty."
  • Becket Fund for Religious Liberty
    "A bipartisan and ecumenical, public-interest law firm that protects the free expression of all religious traditions."
  • Bible Literacy Project
    Nonpartisan, nonprofit effort "to encourage and facilitate the academic study of the Bible in public schools."
  • Christian Coalition
    "Largest and most active conservative grassroots political organization in America ... offers people of faith the vehicle to be actively involved in shaping their government."
  • Christian Legal Society
    Non-denominational national network of attorneys, judges, law students, professors and lay people, with local attorney chapters and law-student chapters, that "helps lawyers to integrate their faith in Christ with their professional responsibilities."
  • Council for America's First Freedom
    Mission: "to increase understanding and respect for religious freedom in diverse communities worldwide, through education about this core human value: the freedom of thought, conscience and belief."
  • Interfaith Alliance
    Nonpartisan group with a mission to "promote democratic values, defend religious liberty, challenge hatred and religious bigotry, and reinvigorate informed civic participation."
  • Liberty Counsel
    "A nonprofit religious civil liberties education and legal defense organization dedicated to preserve religious freedom."
  • Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life
    "Seeks to promote a deeper understanding of issues at the intersection of religion and public affairs."
  • ReligiousForums.com
    A forum for religious discussion and debate.
  • Religious Freedom with Raptors
    Provides overview of issues involving federal wildlife laws that interfere with religious liberties of those who use eagle feathers in ceremonies, and efforts to change those laws.
  • Rutherford Institute
    "An international legal and educational organization dedicated to preserving human rights and defending civil liberties."
  • Thomas More Law Center
    A not-for-profit public interest law firm whose purpose is to provide legal representation without charge to defend and protect Christians and their religious beliefs. The center often handles cases regarding religious freedom, family values and the sanctity of life.
  • "The Working Group on Human Needs and Faith-Based and Community Initiatives"
    Coordinated by Search for Common Ground USA. Has released a new report, "Finding Common Ground." (Note: The First Amendment Center's program and report are also called Finding Common Ground.)

Law, legal research, civic sites

  • CitizenJoe.org
    Nonprofit site "created by a team of liberals, moderates, conservatives" offering "a clear, unbiased window onto the policies and votes being debated" in Washington, D.C. Provides "fact-based issue guides and up-to-date information on major bills being voted on in Congress" to foster open dialogue through accurate information.
  • DirectoryLawyer.com
    Lawyer directory for most states, plus lawyers by specialty, other resources and information.
  • FindLaw
    Comprehensive archive of court cases, legal codes, statutes and other legal resources.
  • FirstGov.gov
    "The U.S. government's official Web portal."
  • JURIST: The Legal Education Network
    Directed by Bernard J. Hibbitts, University of Pittsburgh School of Law professor, in consultation with an international advisory board.
  • LawInfo.com
    "Find attorneys, lawyers and law firms with our attorney search." Also offers other legal resources.
  • SpecificLawyer.com
    Links to lawyers' directory resources and information Web sites.
  • U.S. Constitution
    Provided by GPO Access, a service of the U.S. Government Printing Office.

Journalism-related organizations, publications

  • Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
  • Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
  • American Journalism Review
    "News and columns from American Journalism Review magazine and other online features."
  • American Press Institute
    Offers newsroom training and other journalism professional development programs, including First Amendment seminars with the First Amendment Center.
  • American Society of Newspaper Editors
    Offers information on ASNE events, newspaper projects, issues and ideas.
  • Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
  • Associated Press Managing Editors
    Association of U.S. and Canadian editors whose newspapers are members of the Associated Press; offers APME projects, conference information.
  • The dartboard: Religion, media people and issues John Dart's Religion Newswriters Association blog; discussions on news coverage of religion led by religion news writer and former First Amendment Center scholar John Dart.
  • Dart Center for Journalism & Trauma
    "Organization formed to help news people who experience trauma." Hosted by University of Washington School of Communications.
  • Editor & Publisher Interactive
    Web site of Editor & Publisher, a major periodical covering newspapers.
  • FACSNET
    Foundation for American Communications, a nonprofit organization providing education on specialized topics for professional journalists.
  • International Women’s Media Foundation
    Offers "a connection to international journalists, the latest news about women journalists and practical online training resources," including: free, interactive, online training modules to enhance journalism skills; searchable international network of journalists; reports; news about female journalists, and other resources.
  • Investigative Reporters and Editors
    Provides educational services to reporters, editors and others interested in investigative journalism.
  • Journalism Education Association
    Helps students, advisers and administrators know more about scholastic (high school) press law and ethics. Includes section where groups can exchange ideas and post material censored by their schools. JEA Press Rights affiliate site offers latest information about student press rights.
  • Journalism.org
    "Research, resources and ideas to improve journalism." Web site of the Project for Excellence in Journalism, a program of the Pew Charitable Trusts.
  • JournalismTraining.org
    Training Web site created by the Society of Professional Journalists for the Council of National Journalism Organizations. Offers a searchable database of professional-development opportunities (seminars, conferences, workshops) for journalists.
  • Knight Foundation
    A national foundation with local roots, the Knight Foundation seeks opportunities that can transform both communities and journalism, and help them reach their highest potential. Knight has invested in 26 communities across the United States through its Community Partners Program; it also has gained recognition for its Journalism Initiatives and National Venture Fund.
  • www.mediainfocenter.org
    “Your one-stop site for media,” developed and managed by the Media Management Center at Northwestern University.
  • National Conference of Editorial Writers
    Site is "a service to members of the National Conference of Editorial Writers and to nonmember writers and editors of opinion material for the print and broadcast media. Some sections are open only to NCEW members."
  • National Federation of Press Women
    "Fostering professional development and protection of the First Amendment for more than 60 years."
  • National Press Foundation
    "Issue-oriented professional development for the working journalist," featuring information about conferences and briefings.
  • NewsLink
    Links to newspapers, broadcasters and magazines.
  • Online News Association
    Promoting editorial integrity, independence, excellence and freedom of access for online journalists.
  • Organization of News Ombudsmen
    Nonprofit corporation with an international membership that organizes annual conferences for discussion of news practices and a wide range of issues connected with ombudsman work.
  • Poynter Online
    The Poynter Institute — "Everything you need to be a better journalist."
  • Radio-Television News Directors Association
    "World's largest professional organization devoted exclusively to electronic journalism." RTNDA represents local and network news executives in broadcasting, cable and other electronic media.
  • Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
    A nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free legal help to journalists and news organizations since 1970.
  • Society for Collegiate Journalists
    Membership service organization encouraging establishment of collegiate news bureaus, college publications, new communications media, and collegiate radio and TV stations.
  • Society for News Design
    International, nonprofit professional organization with more than 2,500 members, including editors, designers, graphic artists, publishers, illustrators, art directors, photographers, advertising artists, Web site designers, students and faculty. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in journalism and design.
  • Society of Professional Journalists
    "Dedicated to the perpetuation of a free press as the cornerstone of our nation and our liberty."
  • Student Press Law Center
    Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing legal help and information to the student media and journalism educators.
  • Television News Center
    Public nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that trains TV journalists.
  • Ytribune.com
    "Young news for young people — Ytribune.com offers news for young people about the world and our culture."



print this   Print


Last system update: Sunday, February 4, 2007 | 11:18:26
 SEARCH  MORE
About this site
About the First Amendment
About the First Amendment Center
RSS/podcasts
First Amendment programs
State of the First Amendment
reports

Flag-desecration report
Supreme Court
Experts
Columnists
First Amendment publications
Glossary
Freedom Sings™
Events
First Amendment
Schools

Congressional Research Service reports
Guest editorials
FOI material
The First Amendment
Library

Lesson plans
freedomforum.org
Newseum
Contact us
Privacy statement
Related links