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Pro-democracy
Information Sources
and Organizations
Below are links to reliable organizations
that support democracy,
the United States Constitution
and the rights and freedom
it provides for all Americans!
(Click on the photo or name for website access)
As the founder of Democracy Docket and Partner at Elias Law Group, Marc Elias is a nationally recognized authority in voting rights, redistricting and law. In 2020, Marc led the historic legal effort to protect voting rights, winning over 60 lawsuits against the GOP’s efforts to suppress the vote. As Republicans continue to mount aggressive challenges to voting, Marc continues to fight back in court and on Twitter. Fighting for democracy by his side is Marc’s Portuguese Water Dog named Bode
Substack is a new (relatively) media app that connects you with the creators, ideas, and communities you care about most. Here, you can discover world-class writing, video, podcasts, from a diverse set of creators who cover politics, pop culture, food, philosophy, tech, travel, and so much more.
John Gardner, a Republican who served in President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Cabinet, founded Common Cause as “a people’s lobby” in 1970. Today, we are 1.5 million members and supporters strong and have active offices in over 25 states. Our long and rich history includes milestones like lowering the national voting age to 18, enacting a ban on “soft money” in political campaigns, and helping to create the Office of Congressional Ethics.
At Common Cause, we know that racial equity and inclusion must be at the core of what we strive to be, as must equity and inclusion for all individuals across identities and differences (ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religious beliefs, tribe, caste, age, class, thinking and communication styles, etc.). These values are essential to the successful execution of our mission: creating a truly representative and inclusive government.
The Center for Common Ground is non-partisan, Black and women-led voting rights organization founded in 2018. We work in voter suppression states where more than 20% of voters are voters of color – Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas.
We know that democracy works best when everyone is invited to participate in it. Unfortunately, there is a stark contrast in whose voices get prioritized in elections. At the Center for Common Ground our goal is to ensure every voter knows their voice and their votes matter.
Collaborating with local partners, we strive to mobilize ALL voters of color, both those who consistently participate in elections and those who have yet to exercise their right to vote.​
CEPA’s mission is to ensure a strong and democratic transatlantic alliance for future generations.​
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The Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, public policy institution headquartered in Washington, DC with hubs in London and Brussels, focused on strengthening the transatlantic alliance through cutting-edge research, analysis, and programs. CEPA provides innovative insight on trends affecting democracy, security, and defense to government officials and agencies; helps transatlantic businesses navigate changing strategic landscapes; and builds networks of future leaders versed in Atlanticism.
Protect Democracy is a cross-ideological nonprofit group dedicated to defeating the authoritarian threat, building more resilient democratic institutions, and protecting our freedom and liberal democracy. Our experts and advocates use litigation, legislative and communications strategies, technology, research, and analysis to stand up for free and fair elections, the rule of law, fact-based debate, and a better democracy for future generations.
Center for American Progress
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Our mission
The Center for American Progress is an independent, nonpartisan policy institute that is dedicated to improving the lives of all Americans through bold, progressive ideas, as well as strong leadership and concerted action. Our aim is not just to change the conversation, but to change the country.
Our values
As progressives, we believe America should be a land of boundless opportunity, where people can climb the ladder of economic mobility. We believe we owe it to future generations to protect the planet and promote peace and shared global prosperity. And we believe an effective government can earn the trust of the American people, champion the common good over narrow self-interest, and harness the strength of our diversity.
Our approach
We develop new policy ideas, challenge the media to cover the issues that truly matter, and shape the national debate. With policy teams from a number of disciplines and major issue areas, CAP applies creative approaches to develop ideas for policymakers that lead to real change. Our extensive communication and outreach efforts allow us to adapt to a rapidly changing media landscape and move our ideas aggressively in the national policy debate.
Brennan Center for Justice
The Brennan Center for Justice works to build an America that is democratic, just, and free — for all.
The Brennan Center for Justice is an independent, nonpartisan law and policy organization that works to reform, revitalize, and when necessary, defend our country’s systems of democracy and justice.
Today, we are in a great fight for the future of constitutional democracy in the United States. We are committed to the rule of law. We work to craft and advance a transformative reform agenda — solutions that aim to make American democracy work for all.
The Brennan Center has built a distinct model to advance legal and policy change:
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We’re a think tank, conducting rigorous research to identify problems and craft transformative solutions.
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We’re an advocacy group, fighting in court and working with elected officials to advance legislation.
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We’re a cutting-edge communications hub, shaping opinion by taking our message directly to the press and public.
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Timothy David Snyder is an American historian specializing in the history of Central and Eastern Europe, the Soviet Union, and the Holocaust. He holds the inaugural Chair in Modern European History, supported by the Temerty Endowment for Ukrainian Studies, at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto. He has authored several influential books, including "Bloodlands" and "On Tyranny," and has held prominent academic positions, including at Yale University and the University of Toronto.
Steven Beschloss is an award-winning writer, journalist, editor, filmmaker and professor. He writes and publishes America, America, a popular Substack newsletter on politics and society, democracy and justice.
His articles and essays have been published by The New Yorker, The Washington Post, The New York Times, The New Republic, Smithsonian, The Economist Intelligence Unit and many others.
Books by Beschloss include Adrift and The Gunman and His Mother: Lee Harvey Oswald, Marguerite Oswald and The Making of an Assassin.
His films, as both writer and producer, include the noir thriller Paris and The Miracle, a fictional documentary about an American TV journalist in Russia.
Beschloss is an adjunct professor at New York University’s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute, previously served as a professor of practice at Arizona State University and is a founding director of the Narrative Storytelling Initiative.
Maximizing grassroots impact with smart actions - Swing Left helps win elections for Democrats by making it as easy as possible for anyone to have maximum impact on the elections that determine the balance of power in our country.
Diversity, equity, and inclusivity
We work towards fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture and a greater sense of belonging. We recognize that this work does not have a finish line and requires daily, active effort across our community, from the individual team member and volunteer to the organization itself.
We help people make better decisions about how to spend limited time, effort, and resources to help Democrats win. We prioritize impact today and impact tomorrow, ensuring that our team, community, and campaigns have the internal and external resources they need to succeed, now and sustainably over the long haul.
Action by action, day by day, group by group, Indivisibles are remaking our democracy.
Brought together by a practical guide to resist the Trump agenda, Indivisible is a movement of thousands of group leaders and more than a million members taking regular, iterative, and increasingly complex actions to resist the GOPs agenda, elect local champions, and fight for progressive policies.
They make calls. They show up. They speak with their neighbors. They organize. And through that work, they’ve built hundreds of mini-movements in support of their local values. And now, after practice, training, and repetition, they’ve built lasting power on their home turf and a massive, collective political muscle ready to be exercised each and every day in every corner of the country.
Our Vision
A real democracy -- of, by, and for the people.
PROGRESSIVE
PRO-DEMOCRACY
ORGANIZATIONS
MASTER LIST
Click on the organization name to go it's website.
500 Leading U.S. Progressive Organizations
​CLICK ABOVE FOR FULL 500 LIST
Collected here are names and brief descriptions of approximately 500 leading organizations in the United States working for progressive change on a national level, grouped into categories that roughly describe the main focus of their work, with links to their websites. Use the links below to locate organizations by category or use the search box to find organizations by name.
QUICK PARTIAL LIST OF POPULAR ORGANIZATIONS BELOW
1. Progressive Political Parties
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Works for job creation, equal pay, education, health care, and clean energy.
A progressive political organization that sponsors candidates in 16 states and fights nationwide for an economy that works for all and a democracy in which every voice matters.
Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)
The largest socialist organization in the United States, and the principal U.S. affiliate of the Socialist International, committed not only to extending political democracy but to demanding democratic empowerment in the economy, in gender relations, and in culture. They believe that working people should run both the economy and society democratically to meet human needs, not to make profits for a few.
Green Party of the United States
A federation of state Green Parties committed to environmentalism, non-violence, social justice and grassroots organizing.
A political party of, by, and for working people, founded in June 1996 by delegates from hundreds of local and international unions as well as individual activists. It strives to establish a radical democracy that places people’s lives under their own control — a non-racist, classless, feminist, socialist society in which people cooperate at work, at home, and in the community.
1.2. Progressive State and Local Legislation Groups
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Ballot Initiative Strategy Center (BISC)
Brings together state and national groups committed to strategic grassroots ballot initiative campaigns in order to strengthen progressive politics and policies across the states and build an effective response to the right-wing’s damaging initiative strategy.
State Innovation Exchange (SIX)
A national resource and strategy center that supports 1,500 state legislators in advancing and defending progressive policies across the country.
Works with state partners to promote progressive ideas and causes through creative earned media strategies, targeted email campaigns, and cutting-edge new media.
1.3. Progressive Lobbying and Electoral Action Groups
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Also see Community Organizing Groups
An on-line organization that works to realize the progressive vision of our country’s founders by providing a way for its busy but concerned 3.3 million members across America to find their political voice in a system dominated by big money and big media.
A network of 5,800 local groups in every Congressional District that lobby for progressive change.
A news organization with over 18 million readers, a community of 3 million people, and an activist hub working for electoral and policy change.
Built upon the success of Bernie Sanders’ presidential 2016 campaign, it organizes grassroots action to elect progressive candidates to political office, from school boards to congressional seats.
Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL)
A Quaker lobby that works with people from many different races, religions, and cultures to advocate social and economic justice, peace, and good government.
Congressional Progressive Caucus Center
Brings together progressive members of Congress, community leaders, organizers, advocates, unions, and policy experts to advance racial, economic, and gender justice as well as peace, energy independence, environmental sustainability, and human rights.
A multidisciplinary group of experts using state-of-the-art techniques in data science (polling, voter analysis) to support progressive activists and causes.
1.4. Progressive Democratic Party Election Groups
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Progressive Change Campaign Committee (PCCC)
Endorses bold progressive candidates, helps them run efficient and effective campaigns, raises money for them, and gives volunteers the opportunity to help these campaigns succeed.
Progressive Democrats of America (PDA)
A large group of progressive grassroots activists from across the country who want to support other activists locally and carry the progressive agenda from the American grassroots to Congress to guide the development of progressive legislation, fight for its passage into law, and support the realization of progressive policies at the state and local levels.
A political action committee inspired by the presidential campaign of Howard Dean, and now dedicated to supporting fiscally responsible, socially progressive candidates at all levels of government — from school board to the presidency.
Progressive Turnout Project (PTP)
Dedicated to mobilizing Democratic Party voters and defending democracy.
Aims to build enduring progressive power in state legislatures across the country, to improve people’s lives and support Democrats by filling critical gaps at every point in the political life cycle.
Public Leadership Institute / Progressive Majority Action Fund
Hosts the largest network of progressive lawmakers at the state and local level, the Progressive Leaders Network.
Works to continuously engage, mobilize, and connect young people across race and place to progressive political campaigns, equipping them with the resources, tools, skills, and network to be effective volunteers, organizers, and community leaders.
Young Democrats of America (YDA)
Mobilizes young people under the age of 36 to participate in the electoral process, influences the ideals of the Democratic Party, and develops the skills of the youth generation to serve as leaders at the local and national level.
Americans For Democratic Action (ADA)
America’s oldest independent liberal lobbying organization, dedicated to individual liberty and building economic and social justice at home and abroad.
National Committee for an Effective Congress (NCEC)
A political action committee (PAC) supporting progressive candidates who fight for freedom of choice, separation of church and state, gun control, equal rights, and environmental protection.
Recruits, trains, and provides a powerful network for Democratic women running for political office.
‘Early Money is Like Yeast’ (it makes the dough rise), EMILY’s List identifies and supports viable pro-choice Democratic women candidates for key federal, state, and local offices.
1.5. Progressive Voter Engagement Groups
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Using law, public policy and strategic communications, acts in partnership with local communities to build a fair and just multi-racial democracy and to advance universal opportunity, equity, and access.
Provides professional training, management, evaluation, and technical services to support voter mobilization in thousands of low-income and minority communities.
A coalition of many of the largest membership-based groups in the country — representing more than 20 million Americans — who have come together to increase voter registration, education, and participation in electoral politics.
Engages youth in the political process — voter registration drives, get-out-the-vote events, and voter education efforts by incorporating the entertainment community and youth culture into its activities.
Works to turn out young voters (age 18-35) who are less likely to vote or who are not currently registered.
A nonpartisan project of the Student PIRGs (Public Interest Research Groups) that works to register young people and get them to the polls on Election Day.
A coalition of youth turnout advocates, powered by a diverse team of over 3,000 youth organizers, 20,000+ young volunteers, hundreds of partner organizations, and thousands of individual donors from every corner of the country.
Helps to build the foundations of youth civic engagement and voter participation in high schools by supporting student-led, peer-to-peer voter registration and pre-registration efforts in high school communities.
Works to increase youth civic power and youth voting, giving emphasis to Black, Indigenous, and Youth of Color.
Dedicated to increasing the participation and amplifying the voices of unmarried women (women who are single, widowed, divorced or separated), people of color, 18–29 year olds, and other historically underrepresented groups in our democracy. Formerly, Women’s Voices. Women Vote.
Fights to improve our systems of government and to impact public policies through citizen education and advocacy.
By educating and empowering a new generation of Latinx voters, as well as creating a more robust and inclusive democracy, shepherds the Latinx community towards full realization of its political power.
Unites Latino, immigrant, and allied communities to promote social and economic justice through citizenship workshops, voter registration, and voter participation.
Founded by Michelle Obama, brings together individuals, institutions, brands, and organizations to register new voters across the country and advance civic education for the entire family and voters of every age to build an informed and engaged electorate.
Provides a service for progressive donors: an annotated list of the best local voter organizing groups and key national resistance networks.
Works to turn out millions of advocates, constituents, and voters in local and national elections, as well as bring awareness to social and environmental justice issues through peer-to-peer postcard outreach.
1.6. Election Reform Groups
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A coalition of 58 organizations working to enhance voting rights and blunt the huge influence of corporate money flooding our political system.
Works to eliminate the undue influence of big money in American politics, prevent government corruption, empower citizens in the political process, and ensure the integrity and fairness of government decisions and elections by promoting campaign finance reform and other related political reforms.
Informs and engages college students and communities in efforts to strengthen our democracy, focussing on removing private money from politics and other pro-democracy reforms.
Seeks elections that promote voter turnout, fair representation, inclusive policy, and meaningful choices through electoral reforms such as instant runoff voting, proportional voting, direct election of the president, and automatic voter registration.
A national, nonpartisan voting rights and legal support organization whose mission is to remove barriers to registration and voting for traditionally underrepresented constituencies and improve overall election administration through administrative, legal, and legislative reform as well as provide legal and technical assistance to voter mobilization organizations.
Works to make sure that our election systems are reliable and publicly verifiable.
Advocates for a constitutional amendment to limit campaign spending and to repeal the doctrine of corporate personhood.
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1.7. Government Accountability Groups
Works for honest, open, and accountable government, encourages citizen participation in democracy, and fights against corruption in government and big money special interests.
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW)
Sues government officials who sacrifice the common good to special interests.
Tracks money in politics and its effect on elections and public policy. Formerly, the Center for Responsive Politics.
Project On Government Oversight (POGO)
Investigates and exposes cases of waste, fraud, and abuse in federal agencies and exposes the role of special interest money in politics.
Center for Effective Government
Works to build an open, accountable government that invests in the common good, protects people and the environment, and advances the national priorities defined by an active, informed citizenry. Formerly, OMB Watch.
An independent non-governmental research institute and library located at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. that collects and publishes declassified documents acquired through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
Government Accountability Project (GAP)
Promotes government and corporate accountability by advancing occupational free speech, defending whistleblowers, and empowering citizen activists.
National Whistleblowers Center
Works to ensure that disclosures about government or industry actions that violate the law or harm the environment are fully heard, and that the whistleblowers who risk their careers to expose wrongdoing are defended.
Fund for Constitutional Government (FCG)
Works to expose and correct corruption in the federal government and other major national institutions through research and public education.
American Constitution Society for Law and Policy (ACS)
An organization of lawyers, law students, scholars, judges, policymakers, and activists that works to ensure that our country’s founding values of human dignity, individual rights and liberties, genuine equality, and access to justice enjoy their rightful, central place in American law.
Center for Progressive Reform (CPR)
An organization of university-affiliated academics with expertise in the legal, economic, and scientific issues related to regulation of health, safety, and the environment that seeks to inform policy debates, critique anti-regulatory research, enhance public understanding of the issues, and open the regulatory process to public scrutiny.
Using law, public policy and strategic communications, acts in partnership with local communities to build a fair and just multi-racial democracy and to advance universal opportunity, equity, and access.
Provides professional training, management, evaluation, and technical services to support voter mobilization in thousands of low-income and minority communities.
A coalition of many of the largest membership-based groups in the country — representing more than 20 million Americans — who have come together to increase voter registration, education, and participation in electoral politics.
Engages youth in the political process — voter registration drives, get-out-the-vote events, and voter education efforts by incorporating the entertainment community and youth culture into its activities.
Works to turn out young voters (age 18-35) who are less likely to vote or who are not currently registered.
A nonpartisan project of the Student PIRGs (Public Interest Research Groups) that works to register young people and get them to the polls on Election Day.
A coalition of youth turnout advocates, powered by a diverse team of over 3,000 youth organizers, 20,000+ young volunteers, hundreds of partner organizations, and thousands of individual donors from every corner of the country.
Helps to build the foundations of youth civic engagement and voter participation in high schools by supporting student-led, peer-to-peer voter registration and pre-registration efforts in high school communities.
Works to increase youth civic power and youth voting, giving emphasis to Black, Indigenous, and Youth of Color.
Dedicated to increasing the participation and amplifying the voices of unmarried women (women who are single, widowed, divorced or separated), people of color, 18–29 year olds, and other historically underrepresented groups in our democracy. Formerly, Women’s Voices. Women Vote.
Fights to improve our systems of government and to impact public policies through citizen education and advocacy.
By educating and empowering a new generation of Latinx voters, as well as creating a more robust and inclusive democracy, shepherds the Latinx community towards full realization of its political power.
Unites Latino, immigrant, and allied communities to promote social and economic justice through citizenship workshops, voter registration, and voter participation.
Founded by Michelle Obama, brings together individuals, institutions, brands, and organizations to register new voters across the country and advance civic education for the entire family and voters of every age to build an informed and engaged electorate.
Provides a service for progressive donors: an annotated list of the best local voter organizing groups and key national resistance networks.
Works to turn out millions of advocates, constituents, and voters in local and national elections, as well as bring awareness to social and environmental justice issues through peer-to-peer postcard outreach.
Seeks to protect the democratic character of the internet (Net Neutrality). Through Rootstrikers.org, works to eliminate the corrupting influence of big money in politics and reform the financial system. Also, works to win progressive policy changes for ordinary people through organizing and grassroots lobbying on issues of civil liberties, civil rights, and government reform.
An online initiative dedicated to galvanizing people who are committed to economic fairness, equal rights for all, civil liberties, environmental protection, and defunding endless wars.
An online community of citizens motivated by faith to take action to end poverty and promote economic security for all, promote peace and restore America’s commitment to human rights and diplomacy, prevent the catastrophic effects of climate change, counter hate speech and misinformation in the media pertaining to people of faith, and create welcoming communities where immigrants and people of all faiths are welcome.
Seeks to fix our democracy by getting big money out of politics and protecting the right to vote by electing reform champions, passing meaningful legislative reforms, and elevating these issues in the national conversation. Includes Let America Vote (voting rights) and Fight for Reform (state-level reform).
An online effort to provide its network of 2 million people with the information they need to take timely, impactful action on stopping corruption and increasing voter participation, restoring voting rights, and reducing the influence of big money in politics.
Works to build a progressive movement to restore ideological balance and legitimacy to our nation’s courts by reforming the Supreme Court, expanding the circuit and district courts, and championing new judges with experience as public defenders, civil rights lawyers, legal aid lawyers, and labor lawyers who represent working people.
Serves as an umbrella group that helps foster a broad network of organizations — including civil rights, environmental, women&squo;s rights, consumer advocacy, and health care organizations, and multi-issue think tanks — and build their infrastructure, both in the field and in communications; also conducts research and provides strategic messaging and public relations work.
Fights for bold, progressive solutions to our current crises.
Provides a safety net for new and exciting progressive leaders — at all stages of their journey &mdash helping them run efficient, strategic, grassroots-driven political campaigns while feeling supported throughout the process.
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