Nearly 1,500 members of the ACLU converged on the nation's capital for the organization's first-ever membership conference, a national rallying cry against the government's determination to cut back on civil liberties in the name of national security. Among the highlights of the four-day gathering:

• Keynote addresses by Executive Director Anthony Romero and President Nadine Strossen.
• Speeches by leaders of ACLU affiliates nationwide and members of Congress.
• Presentation by actor Dennis Haysbert and comedian Dave Chappelle of the first-ever ACLU Muhammad Ali Champion of Liberty Award to the legendary boxer himself, as the first recipient, at a special dinner ceremony.