“Congress shall make no law respecting…the right of the people peaceably to assemble…” – U.S. Constitution, First Amendment
This being the week of celebrations for American Independence in the United States, discussion of the “freedom to assemble” seems fitting. In addition to protecting the “freedom of speech”, the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects our rights to “peaceably assemble.”
People in the United States are protected and able to hold peaceable assemblies (meetings/gatherings) because of this amendment to the Constitution. The freedom to meet or assemble is important for daily workplaces and daily community activities. The freedom to gather is critical to the exchange of ideas – whether we agree with the ideas expressed or not.
Without the freedom to assemble, planning meetings of nearly every kind would be difficult to hold. Without the freedom to assemble, networking meetings, trade association meetings, conferences, tradeshows, and community events would not happen. Without the freedom to gather or meet, civic organizations and religious organizations would not be able to hold activities or services; would not be able to serve the community.
Because of the freedom to assemble, we can have meetings and events any time, any day for any “peaceable” purpose. Because of our protected freedoms, we can meet to discuss any topic, to explore any possibilities, to brainstorm potentials in any direction.
The freedom to assemble gives us the freedom to express ideas with which others may, or may not, agree. Gathering for nearly any purpose without a permit or a license is possible because of the First Amendment. Meeting inside, or outside, of a workplace is protected too. School and business assemblies can happen to rally emotions and share information. Religious groups and ethnic festivals can gather because of our Constitutional protections.
This week, celebrate all freedoms, including the Freedom to Assemble.
Workplace: Managing the moments of our day-to-day business lives takes work. Together, let’s explore what issues and activities affect us every day (or some days) that we go to work. – Jana