ACLU Foundation Turns to Youth

Rock entrepreneur Danny Goldberg has been named chairman of the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Southern California, the organization confirmed Tuesday.

He replaces Laurie Ostrow, 70, who retired recently as chairman of the foundation, the legal and educational arm of the ACLU.

The appointment, which will be announced officially today, makes Goldberg, 36, the youngest chairman in the foundation’s 20-year history. It signals a generational shift in the organization’s focus, ACLU officials said.

“The ACLU traditionally has focused on legislation and litigation,” ACLU Executive Director Ramona Ripston said in an interview. “It’s time we began to win the hearts and minds of the people. We need to reach younger people and Danny is better than anyone we know in communicating with them.”

Recording Interests

Goldberg is president of Gold Mountain Records and manages singers Bonnie Raitt and Belinda Carlysle, among others. He also heads Gold Castle Records, which features popular folk artists from the 1960s, such as Joan Baez and Peter, Paul and Mary.

Goldberg co-produced the “No Nukes” concert and documentary film for Musicians United for Safe Energy in 1980.

In 1985, he spearheaded the formation of the Musical Majority, a coalition of musicians and industry executives opposed to the Parents Music Resource Center’s drive to rate record albums. He also produced the nationwide “Rock Against Drugs” TV spots.

Last month, Goldberg organized a series of benefit concerts for Countdown ‘87, a coalition of religious and political groups opposed to congressional funding of the Nicaraguan contras , and he hosted a brunch meeting between Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres and key members of the music industry.

Feels Enthusiastic

In an interview, Goldberg described himself as “enthusiastic” about his new appointment and was pragmatic about the ACLU’s motivation in appointing him.

“I think (ACLU officials) were very concerned about bringing in a new generation to the organization, and I’m probably 20 to 30 years younger than the average board member,” Goldberg said of his selection.

“Generationally, there are a lot of people under 40 who should be natural contributors, supporters and allies who just haven’t been reached. I think in that area, my ability to communicate ideas through music, video and other media should be useful.”

Political fund-raiser Stanley Sheinbaum, chairman emeritus of the foundation, nominated Goldberg for the chairmanship, an office Sheinbaum held for 10 years during the 1970s.

Youth More Politicized

“There’s increasing politicization of today’s youth that differs from the one-issue (Vietnam War) mentality of the ‘60s,” Sheinbaum said in an interview. “What you find now is a lot of younger people who are interested in a whole range of things. That’s an appropriate moment for a person like Danny to come along. He is politically sensitive to all the things the ACLU stands for--not in just an intellectual manner, but in his gut.”

Goldberg said that his agenda will include a strong education program designed to reach a younger audience.

“I think a real problem with the ACLU is that most people don’t know what it does--other than committed ACLU activists,” he said. “I think the average progressive, liberal or progressive activist has no idea of its activities. I didn’t even realize the scope of its involvement until I saw the docket of cases.

“I think the ACLU is like the Fire Department--you never think about it until your house is on fire. When you realize you can’t put it out, you thank God it exists. Well, when your rights are being infringed, who else can you call?”