Get to know the ACLU of Ohio team by checking out our Employee Spotlight blogs! You may know that Jeff is a vegetarian, drummer, and craft beer connoisseur, but today we found out some new fun facts. Read on for more information.
- Q: What is your full name?
- A: Jeffrey Miller
- Q: What pronouns do you use?
- A: He/Him/His
- Q: What is your title and which department do you work in?
- A: Technology Director, also serving as Interim Development Director while we undergo a search for a permanent director.
- Q: Did you have any past positions at the ACLU of Ohio?
- A: I started as a part-time Internet Operations Associate - I was tasked with updating the website.
- Q: Which office do you work in?
- A: Cleveland AND Columbus!
- Q: When did you start working at the ACLU of Ohio?
- A: February 6, 2006 - I just celebrated my 12th anniversary at the ACLU of Ohio.
- Q: What projects are you currently working on?
- A: In conjunction with our national office we are migrating to a new database which will greatly enhance our work with supporters and activists across Ohio and the country. If this sounds nerdy, it is. This new database is especially valuable given the substantial increase in activism that we've seen for the last 15 months. Also, I am engaging in technology improvements that make it easier for staff to work remotely. Finally, we are working to increase presence in Columbus with our new office, new events, and additional staff and outreach to supporters in Central Ohio.
- Q: What issue area are you most passionate about?
- A: The First Amendment (Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion, Freedom of Association, and Freedom to Petition) has always been a major focus for me. It allows a person to advocate for not only themselves, but also for others. But, there are large groups of people in this country who do not have the luxury to engage in advocacy; they're just trying to get by. We have a history of systemic racism and inequality in the US, and this is probably nowhere more evident than in our justice system where we are now engaged in the criminalization of poverty. The targeting of communities, arrests, selective prosecution, bail, disparate sentencing, and collateral sanctions are all things that put people at a disadvantage. For that reason, issues of racial justice and criminal justice are a high priority for me.
- Q: What is your favorite ACLU memory?
- A: Unexpected conversations that I have with people about civil liberties that are usually prompted by their comment about the ACLU pin on my coat.
- Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go?
- A: I think I need to get out more because I do not have an answer to that question. We would like to take a slow trip around the United States and see what's out there. I'd like to make it to every continent, but right now I've only traveled to 2 of them!
- Q: Where do you get your news?
- A: Well, I said l work in Cleveland AND Columbus right, so NPR, I drive a lot. Also, Twitter sources that I trust. I also read the Washington Post, The New York Times, and the Wooster Daily Record. When viewing, I tune into various TV networks so I can hear the spin.
- Q: What is the last movie you saw in the theaters?
- A: I cannot remember.
- Q: What TV show would you say is the best of all time?
- A: PBS Masterpiece Theater, we've watched it for 30 years and I'm a sucker for the period stuff.
- Q: What are you currently reading.
- A: I have a bad habit of starting books and not finishing them, but I recently picked up Reckless Daughter: A Portrait of Joni Mitchell.
- Q: Do you have any pets?
- A: Yes! We have a puppy, a Scottish Terrier named Maxine. She is 7 months old.
- Q: What are you most excited about in 2018? Work, otherwise, or both!
- A: Veronica and I will celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary this year. We are partners in every way, and are extremely supportive of each other's work and interests. I'm also excited to celebrate our Granddaughter Harlow's 1st birthday in July! I'm excited to continue this work with a group of talented and committed activists who inspire me every day.
