The Change Engine
Know Your Rights
You have rights — as a renter, a worker, and a person. This path teaches you what they are and how to use them. With real-life examples, short videos, and links to free legal help in Houston.
Beginner 180 min 5 modules
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Modules
5 modules1
The very purpose of a Bill of Rights was to withdraw certain subjects from the vicissitudes of political controversy, to place them beyond the reach of majorities and officials.
— Justice Robert H. Jackson, West Virginia v. Barnette (1943)
Your Constitutional Rights in Plain Language
An accessible introduction to the rights guaranteed by the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Breaks down the first ten amendments into everyday language so every resident understands the protections they already have — regardless of background or status.
iCivics — The Bill of Rights Explained Schoolhouse Rock — The Preamble (We the People...) ACLU — Know Your Rights HubFeeling Good — Nina Simone
30 min explainer
Objectives: Identify key rights in the Bill of Rights, Understand these rights belong to every person on U.S. soil, Recognize when a right is being violated, Know the language to name your rights
2
You have power. The Constitution is not just a document for lawyers — it is your shield. Knowing your rights is the first step to protecting them.
Your Rights During Police Encounters
Practical, empowering guidance on how to exercise your constitutional rights during interactions with law enforcement — traffic stops, street encounters, home visits, and arrests. Focuses on staying safe while knowing your protections.
Flex Your Rights — 10 Rules for Dealing with Police ACLU — Stopped by Police ACLU — Know Your Rights: Stopped by Police (full guide)Alright — Kendrick Lamar
40 min practical
Objectives: Know what to say and do during a traffic stop or street stop, Understand your right to remain silent and refuse searches, Learn the difference between a detention and an arrest, Know how to file a complaint
3
A house is not just walls and a roof. It is the foundation of stability, dignity, and possibility. You have the right to safe housing — and the law is on your side.
Tenant and Housing Rights in Texas
What every Houston renter needs to know about their legal protections. Covers lease basics, the right to repairs, eviction procedures, housing discrimination protections, and where to get free legal help in Houston.
Texas Law Help — Tenant Rights Training (EN/ES/ASL) Lone Star Legal Aid — Eviction Answer & Appeal Texas Attorney General — Renter's RightsOpen Letter (to a Landlord) — Living Colour
35 min practical
Objectives: Understand your right to habitable housing in Texas, Know the legal eviction process, Recognize housing discrimination and how to report it, Identify free legal resources in Houston
4
The rights of every worker — your right to fair pay, to a safe workplace, to speak up without fear — are not gifts from your employer. They are protections guaranteed by law.
Workers' Rights — Know Your Power on the Job
An introduction to the federal and Texas employment laws that protect every worker. Covers minimum wage, overtime, workplace safety, discrimination protections, the right to organize, and what to do if your rights are violated.
U.S. Department of Labor — Know Your Rights Videos United for Human Rights — Workers' Rights (short film) NOLO — Your Rights Against Workplace DiscriminationA Change Is Gonna Come — Sam Cooke
35 min explainer
Objectives: Know your rights to fair wages and safe conditions, Understand protections against workplace discrimination, Learn how to file a wage claim in Texas, Identify Houston worker resources
5
Regardless of your immigration status, you have guaranteed rights under the Constitution. You have the right to remain silent. You have the right to speak with a lawyer. These rights belong to you.
— ACLU
Immigration Rights Basics — You Have Rights
Every person in the United States has constitutional protections, regardless of immigration status. This module covers your rights during encounters with ICE, at home, in the community, and if detained. Includes Houston/Texas-specific resources.
ACLU — We Have Rights (multilingual video series) United We Dream — Texas: Know Your Rights ACLU — Know Your Rights: Immigrants' RightsGet Up, Stand Up — Bob Marley
40 min practical
Objectives: Understand that constitutional rights apply to everyone on U.S. soil, Know what to do if ICE comes to your door, Learn how to prepare a family safety plan, Identify local legal resources
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