Democratic Organizations
Organizations we admire for their sustained impact and leadership in strengthening democracy
ABOUT
Common Cause is a pro-democracy organization, protecting voters, reducing money’s influence in politics, increasing government transparency, and working to end gerrymandering. Over half a century, Common Cause has amassed 28 state offices and over 1 1/2 million members. Through grassroots efforts, it fights against anti-democratic policies and for greater citizen participation and government accountability.
FEATURED ISSUES
Money in politics
Voter suppression
Fair redistricting
Ethics & accountability
Here is how you can take action
Learn how to contact your representatives, track their legislative activity, committee roles, and campaign contributions.
ABOUT
Demand Progress fights for transparency, oversight, and effective leadership in government, particularly with regards to digital rights. It has fought overreaching executive and congressional power and alerted the public to the dangers of internet surveillance. Since its founding in 2010, Demand Progress has generated a million-and-a-half affiliated activists and met with over a thousand representatives. On its platform, Demand Progress offers many ways for citizens to make positive change, from signing petitions to joining in collective actions.
FEATURED ISSUES
Internet freedom & surveillance
Militarism
Government accountability
Checks on power
Here is how you can take action
Join the Demand Progress email list to stay informed on new campaigns and actions near you.
ABOUT
Democracy Forward focuses on the power of the law. It supports everyday Americans facing unlawful, anti-democratic actions--offering free legal representation to hold anti-democratic actors accountable. Founded in response to anti-democratic threats during the 2016 election, Democracy Forward litigated unlawful policies, abuses of power, and corrupt committees during Trump’s first term. Today, it continues to elevate disempowered voices and challenge regressive policies and actions under the Trump administration. Using its three-pillar strategy—defend, disrupt, and build—Democracy Forward confronts threats to democracy through the court, serving more than 520 clients across 38 states to ensure the health of American democracy.
FEATURED ISSUES
Free legal representation
Litigation of anti-democratic actors
Here is how you can take action
Gather co-workers, neighbors, or community members to discuss advancing democracy. Enjoy a Dinner for Democracy or Coffee for Change using Democracy Forward's prompts and tips.
Join scholars, policymakers, advocates, and community change-makers for an annual conference, discussing the future of democracy and actions we can take.
Purchase t-shirts, bags, mugs, and more to help fund the non-profit. Special merchandise categories include Dinner for Democracy and Civil Service Strong.
ABOUT
Protect Democracy focuses on strengthening laws and institutions, protecting personal freedoms, and building a network of advocates. Protect Democracy works to educate, defend, and build on American democratic institutions. It fights authoritarian threats using a variety of tools: legal strategies, strengthening laws, publishing research, mobilizing citizens, and building technology to support election officials throughout the country. It recommends nearly 30 actions for anyone who wants to take action, along with experts to talk to, and plenty of other resources. In addition, the cross-ideological, social-benefit organization uses its network of advocates, policy experts, and lawyers to fight against undemocratic government action.
FEATURED ISSUES
Money in politics
Voter suppression
Fair redistricting
Ethics & accountability
Here is how you can take action
Consider the 29 action Democracy Playbook. The list offers both short-term and long-term options to make an impact, such as investing in local news, learning more about your state, or helping your network vote.
If religion matters to you, explore The Faithful Fight toolkits. Learn how religious communities and leaders are taking action to combat authoritaianism across denominations.
Subscribe to Protect Democracy's newsletter, If You Can Keep It, which details current issues concerning authoritarianism and democracy in the U.S.
ABOUT
Democracy 2025 brings strategists, policy experts, advocates, and lawyers to create a legal strategy that fights attacks on peoples’ freedoms, rights, and democracy. A coalition of over 500 organizations, its goal is building community and creating a strategy for preserving democracy across the country. Democracy 2025 has taken legal action to combat attacks on education, reproductive rights, and the climate.
FEATURED ISSUES
Reproductive rights
Attacks on civil servants
Education
Climate
Immigration
Here is how you can take action
Stay informed on the latest threats to NGOs by reading memos & blog posts. Additionally, evaluate federal funding risks and sign solidarity letters.
Read memos and watch public webinars of respected organizations. They detail how Trump's Executive Orders threaten immigrants and personal security.
ABOUT
Indivisible is a national organization that focuses on grassroots activism, movement coordination, and resource generation to build an inclusive democracy. It's also home to a “political action committee” (PAC) that supports progressive candidates. With more than a million members, Indivisible works to fight the threat of authoritarianism in the United States through its nationwide local chapters and advocacy. To achieve its mission, Indivisible emphasizes support for local and state elections and fighting for progressive policies nationally. Its website offers plenty of ways to get involved.
FEATURED ISSUES
Civic education
Anti-corruption
Anti-racism
Here is how you can take action
Read or skim through Indivisble's Practical Guide to Democracy on the Brink. Learn about strategies for everyday Americans to fight against the current threats to democracy.
Explore the resources page for specific calls you can make or emails you can send in relation to an issue you are passionate about such as foreign conflicts, federal budget cuts, and proposed bills.
Become a member of your local Indivisible group and find or register events nearby. If there are none, lead and register your own group with the help of the Group Support Hub and its abundance of resources.