Constitutional Rights Education for Every Citizen
Educating, Equipping, and Empowering Citizens Through Constitutional Principles, Civic Responsibility, and Lawful Process.
ACLA exists to educate and equip Americans with a practical understanding of their rights, responsibilities, and role within our constitutional republic.
In the words of Tony Pellegrino:
"I've stood up on the inside, and I've never sat down."
That's the transformation we hope every student experiences.
The American Common Law Academy emerged from years of witnessing the quiet heartbreak of individuals who found themselves facing insurmountable legal, civic, and personal obstacles with nowhere else to turn. Our story is rooted in a compassionate response to real people navigating complex systems without adequate guidance or understanding.
Our Story
Story after story attested that without mentorship and community support, many felt they wouldn't have made it through. What began as practical assistance has grown into a broader mission focused on constitutional literacy and citizen empowerment. ACLA exists to provide the heart and the heart-driven education necessary for every American to walk through lawful processes with responsibility and confidence.
Our Mission
The mission of the American Common Law Academy (ACLA) is to enlighten, empower, and equip individuals with the knowledge, principles, and practical tools necessary to confidently exercise their God-given freedoms across every area of life.
Through constitutional education, civic engagement, lawful process, and practical instruction, ACLA helps citizens better understand their rights, responsibilities, and role within a free society.
Our curriculum is designed to transform individuals from passive observers into informed participants capable of preserving liberty, promoting accountability, and strengthening self-governance within their communities.
We believe that true liberty is not merely understood but lived. Through education, diligence, personal responsibility, and constitutional literacy, individuals can develop the confidence necessary to navigate challenges, advocate effectively, and participate meaningfully in civic life.
ACLA exists to inspire and develop informed citizens who are prepared to uphold constitutional principles, preserve freedom, and contribute positively to future generations.
Our Founding Principles
Educate
Providing practical constitutional and civic education.
Equip
Providing tools, resources, and training that encourage informed action.
Empower
Helping individuals develop confidence, competence, and civic responsibility.
Stewardship
Promoting personal responsibility and self-governance.
Faith
Recognizing the importance of moral character, personal integrity, and God-given dignity.
Our Educational Focus
Constitutional Foundations
Religious Liberty
Affidavit and Documentation Preparation
Legislative Accountability
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Bill of Rights Education
Lawful Process
Civic Engagement
Pro Se Litigation Education
Community Leadership
Leadership & Board
Tony Pellegrino
Founder and Executive Director
Tony Pellegrino is a nationally recognized constitutional speaker, political strategist, educator, and advocate for individual rights. Known for his direct and practical teaching style, Tony educates citizens on the application of constitutional principles in governance, civic engagement, and lawful process. Through education, consulting, litigation-support strategy, and public speaking, he continues to help individuals better understand their rights, responsibilities, and role in preserving constitutional liberty.
Lee Rice
Co-Founder and Director of Public Outreach
Lee Rice is a co-founder dedicated to public engagement, community outreach, relationship development, and expanding access to constitutional education. Lee brings a wealth of experience in building meaningful connections and fostering civic awareness through dedicated outreach initiatives.
Dr. Christine Rice Slocumb
Director of Pastoral Care and Member Support
Dr. Christine Rice Slocumb is an author, speaker, ordained pastor, grief counselor, chaplain, ministry leader, and educator who has spent decades helping individuals navigate life's challenges with wisdom, compassion, and faith. She is the creator of Grieve. Heal. Live Well. and Artmustherapy and has served churches, ministries, and organizations nationally and internationally. She brings a unique perspective that supports the personal, spiritual, and emotional development of ACLA members and participants.
Samuel Nduko, CPA
Board Member and Strategic Advisor
Samuel Nduko is a Certified Public Accountant with over a decade of experience in public accounting and private industry. He has served in senior audit and internal audit roles at firms and corporations including Eide Bailly LLP, Harris CPAs, Boise Cascade, Golden Angel Assisted Living, and Micron Technology. Samuel is known for his strong technical expertise in financial reporting, risk management, and compliance, as well as his commitment to teamwork, mentorship, and empowering others to grow.
Building A Generation Of Informed Citizens
ACLA seeks to cultivate informed, engaged, and responsible citizens who understand constitutional principles, value liberty, and actively contribute to their communities. Through consistent education and communal support, we aim to forge a future where self-governance is the hallmark of the American experience.
Institutional Accountability
ACLA provides constitutional education, legal information, pro se strategy support, and advocacy training, but does not provide legal representation. Leaders and board members act as educators and strategists for informed civic participation.