Today, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico and the Why Marriage Matters New Mexico campaign announced that Albuquerque native and star of TV’s “Modern Family” Jesse Tyler Ferguson will visit his home state to support local efforts to win the freedom to marry for same-sex couples. Ferguson and his spouse, Justin Mikita, will unveil their new collaboration with Taos Pueblo native and “Project Runway” finalist Patricia Michaels, who has designed a stunning New Mexico-themed bowtie for Ferguson and Mikita’s Tie The Knot Foundation.

Using a fun play on words, Tie The Knot was founded to raise awareness and advocate on behalf of marriage equality in the United States through art, fashion and entertainment. Combining elements of humor, style and individuality—Tie The Knot releases a limited edition collection of neckwear each season. Tie The Knot was founded to benefit foundations that support marriage equality.

“I am excited to return to my home state to support all the fantastic work being done to win the freedom to marry in New Mexico,” said Jesse Tyler Ferguson. “In July, after the Supreme Court overturned Prop 8 in California, my husband Justin Mikita and I tied the knot. Having our relationship recognized and respected means a lot to us, and we want the same for loving, committed couples in New Mexico.”

The Patricia Michaels bowtie will benefit the Why Marriage Matters New Mexico campaign. This public education project is designed to increase support for the freedom to marry for same-sex couples in the state. Ferguson is also a celebrity ambassador for the ACLU’s national Out for Freedom campaign.

“In his role as a gay dad in 'Modern Family', Jesse Tyler Ferguson has shown millions of Americans that same-sex couples and their families are similar to other families,” said ACLU-NM Executive Director Peter Simonson. “We are honored that he has chosen to partner with the Why Marriage Matters New Mexico campaign and talented New Mexican artist Patricia Michaels to help promote respect and recognition of same-sex couples’ relationships in his home state.”

WHAT: Jesse Tyler Ferguson speaks about the fight for marriage equality in New Mexico. The event is in support of Why Marriage Matters New Mexico (www.whymarriagemattersnm.org).
WHEN: Thursday, September 26^th, at 7 p.m 
WHERE: South Broadway Cultural Center, 1025 Broadway Blvd SE
HOW MUCH: Free!

For more information on the fight for equal marriage rights, Tie The Knot will keep an active blog with up-to-date news and developments throughout the country on their website www.tietheknot.org. You can also follow Tie The Knot on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.

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American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico Foundation

Position Announcement: Administrative Assistant (part time)

 
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), a national public interest organization, is the leading defender of civil liberties guaranteed by our nation’s Bill of Rights.  The ACLU of New Mexico, a private, non-profit organization, is the state’s guardian of freedom that works to promote and defend civil liberties in New Mexico.  To achieve our mission, we manage legal, legislative and public education programs on a broad range of constitutional issues including discrimination, free speech, religious freedom, reproductive rights, GLBT rights, and privacy.  The ACLU of New Mexico has offices in Albuquerque and Las Cruces.  It has 5,700 members and an annual budget of $1.5 million.  Our staff includes seventeen employees.  To learn more about the work of the ACLU and the civil liberties principles we uphold, please visit www.aclu-nm.org.
 
The ACLU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals.
 
Position Overview
The Administrative Assistant for ACLU-NM’s Regional Center for Border Rights (RCBR), provides administrative support to RCBR staff and helps facilitate smooth operations of the office. Based in Las Cruces and reporting to the RCBR Director, the assistant will be responsible for ensuring the smooth daily operations of the RCBR office, this includes providing administrative support, maintaining office equipment, handling correspondence and complaint intake, and translating documents from English to Spanish. This is a part-time, 20 hours a week, position.
 
Under the direction of the RCBR director, the principal job responsibilities of the Administrative Assistant include, but are not limited to:
 
Office Operations

• Ensure an organized and efficient office environment.
• Work with Albuquerque staff on financial administration for the RCBR, which includes procurement of bids for services, processing employee expense reimbursements and credit card payments, and to ensure timely payment as well as renewal of service contracts.
• Maintain and organize inventory of office supplies and educational materials.
• Ensure office equipment is maintained and working properly including computers, computer network, internet service, printers, copier and phone system. Manage equipment inventory list and facilitate the disposal of surplus equipment.
• Organize and maintain office-wide filing and record-keeping systems, including electronic files. Ensure compliance with records retention and confidentiality guidelines.
• Provide general office support, i.e., pick up and distribute mail, order postage stamps, mail packages/letters; order business cards and office and cleaning supplies; route incoming calls, record up-to-date voice mail messages, and  receive  office visitors
• Work with landlord to ensure regular maintenance and special repairs of facilities

 
 
Administrative Support

• Listen to and respond to voice mails to seek clarification; mail complaint intake forms;
• Provide administrative support to RCBR staff for program activities, such as making travel and meeting arrangements for RCBR staff, including lodging, flight and car rental arrangements.
• Translate documents from English to Spanish and vice-a-versa.
• Respond to requests in Spanish that RCBR receives through web site, and update information about the RCBR on the ACLU-NM web site  in English and Spanish
• Assist with compiling information for grant and board reports
• Assist with meeting logistics, take minutes at RCBR meetings maintain office calendar of events.
• Input cases into online documentation system.
• Help with RCBR new employee orientation including providing policies and forms.
• Provide other administrative support as assigned.

 
Qualifications

• Commitment to ACLU mission; understanding of basic civil liberties issues and current affairs a plus.
• A commitment to diversity; a personal approach that values the individual and respects differences of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability and socio-economic circumstance, and able to work with diverse individuals.
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• At least 3 years of administrative support experience in a professional environment.
• Fluent in English and Spanish, both written and spoken. Translation and editing skills, a plus.
• Proficiency and advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Office. Knowledge of Microsoft Access and/or other database programs. Familiarity with web content software programs a plus.
• Strong office skills that include maintaining organizational systems and practices to support a high-performing office environment. Experience troubleshooting and maintaining office equipment a plus.
• Detail oriented with excellent organization and time management skills.
• A confident and professional work style, with initiative and strong problem solving skills.
• Able to work independently and work well with others. Mature and self-motivated, organized and able to set priorities and handle multiple tasks in a busy work environment.
• Good typing and grammar skills in English and Spanish, as well as professional telephone manner.
• Able to maintain confidentiality of records and information.
• A valid driver’s license and reliable car is necessary for travel in Las Cruces.
• Be available for occasional after-hours and weekend events.

 
Compensation and Benefits
Salary based on experience. Excellent benefits include paid vacation, 401k plan, and generous paid holidays.
 
To Apply
Send a letter of application and resume to: [email protected] or mail to P.O. Box 566, Albuquerque, NM 87103. Applications accepted until position is filled, preference will be given to applications received by October 7, 2013.  Please indicate in your cover letter where you found this job listing.
 

The ACLU of New Mexico comprises two separate corporate entities, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico and the ACLU Foundation of New Mexico; both have the same overall mission, and share office space and employees.

New Mexico Supreme Court Rules that the Guild Cinema’s Erotic Film Festival Did Not Violate City Zoning Law

ALBUQUERQUE, NM—Today, the New Mexico Supreme Court ruled that the by hosting ‘Pornotopia,’ a two-day erotic film festival, Guild Cinema did not violate city zoning laws regarding so-called ‘adult amusement establishments.’ The Supreme Court’s ruling overturns the rulings of two lower courts. Although the ACLU of New Mexico, also brought First Amendment Free Speech claims, the court chose to rule narrowly on the zoning issue and did not reach the constitutional questions raised by the ACLU of New Mexico’s suit.

“We are tremendously pleased that the Supreme Court overturned the lower courts’ ruling against the Guild Cinema today,” said ACLU-NM Executive Director Peter Simonson. “Common sense dictates that hosting one erotic film festival does not make the Guild Cinema an ‘adult amusement establishment,’ any more than a club that plays jazz music one night out of the year is a ‘jazz club.’”

The ACLU of New Mexico originally filed the suit on behalf of the Guild Cinema in 2008, after two zoning enforcement inspectors from the city cited the theater for “operating as an adult amusement establishment” in an area not zoned for adult entertainment. The Guild was convicted of this zoning violation in Albuquerque Metropolitan Court, and the conviction was upheld in State District Court.

Today, the Supreme Court overturned the lower courts’ rulings concluding:

Because the Guild engaged in only occasional showings of adult films, the Guild is not an adult amusement establishment as defined in the Albuquerque Code of Ordinances, and the zoning rules governing adult amusement establishments are inapplicable to it. Wetherefore reverse the Court of Appeals and vacate the Guild’s conviction.

“This is a significant victory for free speech in Albuquerque,” said ACLU-NM Legal Director Laura Schauer Ives. “In essence, the court has said that the city cannot limit speech, even speech it doesn’t like, without actual justification.”

The Nob Hill Business Association described the Guild’s erotic film festival as “a success, not only in driving [customer] traffic to the area, but also in the quality and caliber of those customers.” The Association specifically noted that there were “almost no negative comments” and that it hoped the film festival would continue to present the festival. Several local business owners stated that the festival had positive effects on the neighborhood, including increased sales and broader public awareness of the businesses in the area. The festival did not cause any crime or other negative effects in the neighborhood.

“I am thrilled with today’s Supreme Court ruling,” said Guild Cinema co-owner Keif Henley. “This ruling guarantees that our theater can show an occasional adult-themed film without being charged criminally.”

Read the Supreme Court’s full decision here.

ACLU-NM Legal Director Laura Schauer Ives represented the plaintiff in this case.

 

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