Starts With Us

Based on decades of research from Columbia University Professor and Starts With Us Expert-in-Residence Peter T. Coleman, Ph.D., the Finding The Way Out Challenge is designed to help shape new habits and norms for political tolerance and courageous compassion. Think of it as a personalized boot camp for building a healthier national culture and repairing broken relationships across differences.

Latest Articles

  • How a politically diverse group of ordinary Wisconsin citizens turned a kitchen-table idea into the law of the land — and made their state the 49th to guarantee a full year of postpartum Medicaid coverage. When Governor Tony Evers stepped to the podium at a Wisconsin children’s hospital last Wednesday to sign legislation extending postpartum… The post ​​Builders Like You Just Scored a Huge Legislative Victory for New Moms appeared first on Builders.
  • Gallup Poll Finds New High of 45% in U.S. Identify as Political Independents — Here’s What That Means for the Future of Politics American politics can feel like a constant tug-of-war. Red versus blue. Left versus right. Us versus them. The rope has been pulled so hard for so long that a record number of… The post Nearly Half of Americans Now Identify as Political Independents appeared first on Builders.
  • The Lone Star State Has Allocated $20 Billion to Solving Its Water Crisis. Some Experts Warn It’s Not Nearly Enough. Texas is a state built on growth. More people, more businesses, more cities rising from open land. For generations that growth felt almost limitless. But one resource may ultimately decide how far that growth can… The post Is Texas Running Out of Water? appeared first on Builders.
  • How to stay grounded in reality — and humanity When the Iran War broke out, the public conversation escalated almost as quickly as the conflict itself. Within minutes, timelines filled with hot takes, sweeping claims, and people suddenly confident they solved Middle Eastern geopolitics between lunch and their third cup of coffee.  But the Iran… The post What We Keep Getting Wrong About the Iran War appeared first on Builders.
  • My name is Lucy, and I’ve been living in Israel for the past four and a half years. I work as a full-time scriptwriter for Builders of the Middle East, where I write content that amplifies the voices of real people across the region, especially those living in some of its most complex and conflicted… The post Humanity Is the One Thing War Can’t Take: Life in Israel During the Iran War appeared first on Builders.

Crossing Party Lines

Our story begins in 2016 with two groups starting independently of one another — on opposite coasts of the United States. Coincidentally, both founders chose the same name, “Crossing Party Lines.” Their shared vision led them to create a volunteer platform to unite Americans through warm and engaging conversations. Prompted by a time of unprecedented political polarization, these two visionaries, their energetic team of volunteers, and over 3,000 CPL members are uniting America one conversation at a time. Donations to Crossing Party Lines, Inc. are 501(c)3) tax-deductible. 

Latest Articles

  • by Lisa K Swallow
    Social media doesn’t have to be a source of stress, division, or misinformation — but only if we curate it intentionally. By following voices that promote clarity, compassion, and critical thinking, your feed can become a space for growth, not outrage. In this post, we’re sharing 5 Instagram accounts that will help you scroll smarter and engage with more purpose online. The post Curate a Better Feed: 5 Instagram Accounts That Help You Think Clearly in a Noisy World first appeared on Crossing Party Lines.
  • by Gabriela Morales
    As we approach the Fourth of July, we’re called to reflect not just on freedom and independence, but on how we live those values every day. In a nation built on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, how often do we pause to ask ourselves: What do these ideals mean to me? Our new Executive Director invites us to consider our privileges, responsibilities, and the legacy we’re shaping for future generations. The post Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness…. first appeared on Crossing Party Lines.
  • by Gabriela Morales
    I recently joined 500+ orgs in the Listen First Coalition’s mission to heal divides through deep listening. With @CrossingPartyLines, I’m learning how empathy, training, and community help us disagree better and grow together. 💬 #ListenFirst #CrossingPartyLines The post New Job, New Understandings first appeared on Crossing Party Lines.
  • by Lisa K Swallow
    At Crossing Party Lines (CPL), we believe that respectful dialogue across political differences is essential to a healthy democracy. But as polarization deepens and democratic trust erodes, we’ve realized something important: We can’t do this work alone. The post How We Can Heal America Together first appeared on Crossing Party Lines.
  • by Lisa K Swallow
    Just as Crossing Party Lines believes seeing issues from multiple perspectives is a gift that is necessary for a strong democracy, we also see reducing toxic polarization and political violence as a challenge we must address from as many angles as possible.  That's why we are so proud to be part of the Oregon Jewish Community's (OJCF) Impact Together Program. The post Let’s Make an Impact Together! first appeared on Crossing Party Lines.

Braver Angels

Braver Angels is leading the nation’s largest cross-partisan, volunteer-led movement to bridge the political divide. Through community gatherings, real debates, and grassroots leaders working together, we’re offering America what it needs to overcome the bitterness of our partisan divide. Donations to Braver Angels are 501(c)3 tax deductible

Latest Articles

  • by astillman@gmail.com
    As a member of Braver Angels , I appreciate a good, fair debate. Bill Branyon won that one, Carl. Better luck next time. — Fred Racey Asheville. 13 … The post Letter: Word choice crashes argument – Mountain Xpress appeared first on Braver Angels.
  • by astillman@gmail.com
    This program is sponsored by Friends of the Library. The next Braver Angels Gathering will be on Wednesday, March 25 at 6 p.m. at the Ely Senior … The post Community calendar – The Ely Echo appeared first on Braver Angels.
  • by astillman@gmail.com
    That crisis birthed Braver Angels after the 2016 election, responding to decades of brewing toxicity. A volunteer-led, cross-partisan movement, it … The post Party politics drive partial government shutdown | Opinion letters – The News-Press appeared first on Braver Angels.
  • by astillman@gmail.com
    College students from the University of Mary Washington and Germanna Community College came together last week to participate in a Braver Angels … The post 'Braver Angels' Debate at UMW Encourages Dialogue, Embraces Differences – News appeared first on Braver Angels.
  • by astillman@gmail.com
    “Skills for Disagreeing Better,” hosted by St. Croix Valley Braver Angels , Hudson Daybreak Rotary, Rotary Club of Hudson, the Golden Rule … The post In politically divided western Wisconsin, a class on disagreeing better – Hudson Star Observer appeared first on Braver Angels.
  • by astillman@gmail.com
    From: Robert Tereba. Winona. On February 19, I attended a Braver Angels event in Winona where conservatives, liberals, and independents shared … The post We are not enemies but friends | Opinion | winonapost.com appeared first on Braver Angels.
  • by astillman@gmail.com
    … Braver Angels moderator bringing conservatives and progressives together across Fayette County Determination: Christi Opiela (Hallettsville) … The post LWV honors Cuero resident Dr. Mary Fanett Wheeler – DeWitt County Today appeared first on Braver Angels.

Living Room Conversations

LRC connects people across divides – politics, age, gender, race, nationality, and more – through guided conversations proven to build understanding and transform communities. 

IPV is just getting started with Living Room Conversations. If you are interested in joining us for a conversation, please get in touch. Donations to Living Room Conversations are 501(c)3) tax-deductible.  

No Kings

For the latest information about No Kings events, go to this website: https://www.nokings.org

About No Kings

In June, we did what many claimed was impossible: peacefully mobilized millions of people to take to the streets and declare with one voice — America has No Kings. And it mattered. The world saw the power of the people. President Trump’s birthday parade was drowned out by protests in every state and across the globe. His attempt to turn June 14 into a coronation collapsed, and the story became the strength of a movement rising against his authoritarian power grabs.

Four months later, that movement roared back even stronger. On October 18, over seven million Americans joined 2,700+ events in all 50 states — a nationwide uprising 14 times larger than both of Trump’s inaugurations combined. What began in June as a single day of defiance has become a sustained national resistance to tyranny, spreading from small towns to city centers and across every community determined to defend democracy.

Now, President Trump has doubled down. His administration is sending masked agents into our streets, terrorizing our communities. They are targeting immigrant families, profiling, arresting, and detaining people without warrants. Threatening to overtake elections. Gutting healthcare, environmental protections, and education when families need them most. Rigging maps to silence voters. Ignoring mass shootings at our schools and in our communities. Driving up the cost of living while handing out massive giveaways to billionaire allies, as families struggle.

The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings — and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty.

Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger. “No Kings” is more than just a slogan; it is the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, shouted by millions, carried on posters and chants, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together.

Because this country does not belong to kings, dictators, or tyrants. It belongs to We the People — the people who care, who show up, and who fight for dignity, a life we can afford, and real opportunity. No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings.

No King YouTube Channel

505001

50501 is a peaceful movement. Violence of any kind will not be tolerated.

50501 is a national movement made up of everyday Americans
who stand for democracy, and who stand against the authoritarian
actions of the Trump Administration. The name 50501 stands for
50 States, 50 Protests, 1 Movement.

The 50501 movement is a grassroots effort, meaning it’s
powered by everyday people, not by politicians or political parties.
Most of the work happens at the local level, where volunteers
in local city or state groups organize protests, advertise events,
and handle logistics. These local groups are the lifeblood of the
movement and exist both online and in-person.
In addition to local level organizing, national coordination
between 50501 groups allows us to establish cohesive messaging,
decide dates of action, and share resources. This coordination is
decentralized, therefore, 50501 has no true leadership

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Indivisible Mid-Peninsula

Be a part of the movement to restore democracy in our country
Community Organized Activism

Indivisible Mid-Peninsula is the local branch of Indivisible, encompassing the area between Menlo Park and Belmont on the San Francisco Peninsula. We welcome members from other areas as well! Our mission is to:

  • Find ways to resist and slow the MAGA agenda
  • encourage and exert pressure on our local, state, and national elected officials to promote social justice and resist Trumpism
  • Unify and support communities under threat
  • Build a powerful grassroots movement to achieve electoral victories in 2026 and beyond

Our goal is to create a community in which pro-democracy advocates find opportunities to engage and have an impact at whatever level works for them. We’re committed to taking action that will lead to a more perfect union, where “justice for all” is more than a platitude.

We meet as a community on the 4th Wednesday of the month to learn ways to be effective in supporting those targeted by Trump’s policies and determine the most impactful actions we can take in our fight for democracy. 

Newsfeed

  • Former California State Senator Joe Simitian shares his 13 tips for successful advocacy. The world is a busy place, so knowing what you want to communicate and how to best get your ideas or messages implemented are crucial for success. These tips can be used not only in politics, but in everyday interactions at work and with family. Former Senator Simitian is a longtime California leader, policy maker and champion of community-powered democracy. He's served in the CA State Senate and the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors among many other endeavors. He's known for his deep listening, pragmatic policy […]
  • In this episode, Pao Ortega, a reset mind, body, and energy coach, shares her journey from overcoming depression to helping others reclaim their energy and emotional freedom. She introduces her 123 Pao Formula, which emphasizes the importance of mindset, movement, and nutrition in achieving well-being. The conversation explores practical tools for managing stress and anxiety, the science behind breathwork, and the significance of creating effective routines for a balanced life. Pao emphasizes that healing is possible and encourages listeners to take charge of their mental health through self-care and community support.
  • In this episode we talk with Susan Austin and Maren Stever from Indivisible Mid-Peninsula about the pillars of authoritarianism and how to protect democracy by taking action to topple those pillars. They discuss the One Million Rising initiative, which aims to mobilize communities against authoritarianism. Topics include the importance of sustained action, the authoritarian playbook, and how individuals can contribute to a collective resistance. The conversation emphasizes the need for community support, the significance of the 3.5% rule in mobilizing the population, and practical strategies for grassroots activism. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage […]
  • In this episode of the Courage is Contagious podcast, host Carla Pursnani discusses the concept of the courage gap as introduced by Margie Warrell in her book, 'The Courage Gap.' She outlines five powerful steps to take courageous action, emphasizing the importance of focusing on what one wants rather than what one fears, re-scripting mental narratives, and embracing discomfort. Carla shares relatable examples to illustrate how individuals can transform fear into courage and highlights that courage is a skill that can be developed through practice. The episode concludes with a challenge for listeners to take small steps towards courage in […]
  • In this episode of the Courage is Contagious podcast, host Carla engages with community leaders Deb and Michelle to discuss the critical implications of Prop 50, a ballot initiative aimed at countering Republican redistricting efforts in California. The conversation explores the necessity of Prop 50, its key features, and the potential consequences of its rejection. The guests emphasize the importance of community engagement, voter participation, and the role of independent redistricting commissions in preserving democracy. They also address criticisms of Prop 50 and advocate for a fair voting system that empowers citizens. "It levels the playing field." "The vote is […]

Podcasts

  • Former California State Senator Joe Simitian shares his 13 tips for successful advocacy. The world is a busy place, so knowing what you want to communicate and how to best get your ideas or messages implemented are crucial for success. These tips can be used not only in politics, but in everyday interactions at work […]
  • In this episode Carla and retired lawyer and current voting rights activist Diane Savage discuss the complexities of voter suppression in the U.S., focusing on the implications of a smokescreen act, the SAVE Act. They discuss how the proposed measures would disproportionately affect marginalized communities, the challenges faced in voter registration, and the importance of […]
  • In this episode of the Courage is Courageous podcast, host Carla Pursnani and Senior Civil Rights attorney Jessica Plitt talk about the critical role of the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) in education, particularly for students with disabilities. They highlight the impact of recent cuts to the OCR, which have severely limited its ability to […]
  • In this episode host Carla Pursnani engages in a profound conversation about democracy, civic responsibility, and the American dream with an anonymous guest who shares her personal journey as an immigrant. Our guest has chosen anonymity due to the ongoing hostilities immigrants are facing in 2025 America. The discussion highlights the importance of civic engagement, […]
  • In this episode, host Carla Pursnani talks with Kim Gandy, MD, PhD. Kim is a physician, scientist, entrepreneur, and advocate for academic integrity. She’s the Founder and CEO of Play-it-Health. She received her MD from Northwestern University – The Feinberg School of Medicine and her PhD in immunology from Stanford University. Please donate to help […]
  • In this episode, Carla and Jacki Yahn talk with author Elizabeth Chur as she discusses her journey into activism and the importance of engaging in political conversations. Elizabeth emphasizes the joy of talking politics with strangers and the critical role of listening in fostering democracy. Through personal anecdotes and insights from her book, she highlights […]
  • In this episode of the Courage is Contagious podcast, host Carla engages with community leaders Deb and Michelle to discuss the critical implications of Prop 50, a ballot initiative aimed at countering Republican redistricting efforts in California. The conversation explores the necessity of Prop 50, its key features, and the potential consequences of its rejection. […]
  • In this episode of the Courage is Contagious podcast, host Carla Pursnani discusses the concept of the courage gap as introduced by Margie Warrell in her book, 'The Courage Gap.' She outlines five powerful steps to take courageous action, emphasizing the importance of focusing on what one wants rather than what one fears, re-scripting mental […]
  • In this episode we talk with Susan Austin and Maren Stever from Indivisible Mid-Peninsula about the pillars of authoritarianism and how to protect democracy by taking action to topple those pillars. They discuss the One Million Rising initiative, which aims to mobilize communities against authoritarianism. Topics include the importance of sustained action, the authoritarian playbook, […]
  • In this episode, Pao Ortega, a reset mind, body, and energy coach, shares her journey from overcoming depression to helping others reclaim their energy and emotional freedom. She introduces her 123 Pao Formula, which emphasizes the importance of mindset, movement, and nutrition in achieving well-being. The conversation explores practical tools for managing stress and anxiety, […]

Indivisible Palo Alto Plus

Defend Democracy. Build Community. Have Fun.

Indivisible Palo Alto Plus (IPA+) is a diverse, action-oriented community that works to defend democracy across the San Francisco Peninsula and beyond. We combine grassroots activism with joy, bringing together people of varied backgrounds and perspectives to stand against authoritarianism and to protect democratic values. We are committed to making positive change—one action, and one connection, at a time.

Because tyrants hate it when we’re having fun, IPA+ meetings always incorporate playful activities that help us laugh and connect with each other. We believe that fun, joy, and laughter are essential to nourishing our spirits so that we can do the hard work of activism.

IPA+ is a recognized part of the Indivisible movement. We work with the national Indivisible organization and with other local Indivisible groups.

Newsfeed

AllSides

AllSides helps you get the full picture.

AllSides is the standard for information integrity. By revealing bias and providing perspectives from all sides, we help people better understand the world — and each other.

We believe information integrity requires:

  • Revealing and combating bias to avoid information manipulation and blindspots.
  • A breadth of perspectives to combat groupthink and false narratives.
  • Effective dialogue and deliberation to make the best decisions and implement them effectively with buy-in.

Information integrity is not only needed in news, but also in AI, businesses, schools, government, and throughout our daily lives.

AllSides’ information integrity technologies and services help people and organizations get out of manipulative, one-sided, and biased information systems wherever they might be — in technology, news, companies, government, classrooms and beyond — so we can all see the full picture, think for ourselves and make the best decisions.

With the information ecosystem being rewired at a rapid pace, we dedicate ourselves to trustworthy information by using an explicitly multipartisan, diverse team and providing the systems and technology to deliver information from a variety of different sources so people can think critically and act confidently.

HOPE

Harnessing Our Power to End (HOPE) Political Violence

Recommended by Bob B.

Here is the link to a 2024 data-driven guide for communities across the United States on how to organize to counter political violence and intimidation. Minneapolis has been using these techniques among others that were developed in 2020 in response to George Floyd’s murder to show how to build a “mutual aid culture” of caring and courage. There are lots of practical suggestions with context that Indivisible chapters and others can use.

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

Harnessing Our Power to End (HOPE) Political Violence is a guide for communities across the United States to organize to counter political violence.

It’s for people who recognize the dire stakes that political violence creates, and who want to work together nonviolently to protect our communities and uphold democracy.

The vast majority of people in the US – in cities and small towns, across party lines, and from all walks of life – oppose political violence. Together, we need to push back against those who want to silence our voices, who try to deny us our rights, and who aim to bully their way into political influence through intimidation and violence.

Courier Newsroom

COURIER is a pro-democracy news network that builds a more informed, engaged, and representative America by reaching audiences where they are online with factual, values-driven news and analysis.

COURIER’s local newsrooms provide Americans with news centered on the people and policies affecting their lives. Our reporting is primarily produced for the social media platforms and online channels our audiences spend their time on, with an emphasis on video, graphics, and skimmable newsletters to inform and engage our audiences in the ways they consume information today.

Grand Bargain Project

Recommended by: Bob B. – “A nonprofit working to create large collaborative projects to promote consensus policies frameworks with details that could be enacted by Congress on the basis of broad acceptance within the country from Democrats, Republicans, and Independents.”

In a recent YouGov poll, 83% of citizens wanted lawmakers from both parties to make our package of 39 life-enhancing reforms “a priority.”​

These reforms would significantly advance citizens’ long-thwarted aspirations for:

  1. Greater economic opportunity and growth

  2. Schools that enable kids to reach their potential

  3. Effective & affordable healthcare

  4. Curbing the national debt

  5. Reliable, clean & affordable energy

  6. Fairer, simpler tax code

  7. Congress organized to resolve our differences

7 icons.png

Among the reforms that voters across the spectrum support, all but two have been around for years.

Congress has enacted NONE

The reason: Lawmakers win reelection over 90% of the time by blaming the other party for our critical problems and offering sound bites as remedies.

To overcome these dysfunctions, the Grand Bargain includes three reforms that would reward lawmakers who make major progress on our long-term ills — while those who stood in the way would be likely to lose their seats.

Hear Vinay Orekondy from the Grand Bargain Project talk passionately about our project at EarthX 2025 as part of a Rotaract Club spotlight.

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Builders

Rise Above US vs Them. Be a Builder

Recommended by: Bob B. – “Builders Movement, was launched by Starts With Us, and supported by Kind founder, Daniel Lubetsky.”

Our mission is to overcome “us vs. them” thinking and solve problems together. We equip people to uncover hidden common ground and build on it – with lasting solutions that reflect the will of the people.

Find Common Ground and Build Real Solutions Together

If enough people adopt a Builders Mindset, we can replace our toxic “us vs. them” culture with one of curiosity, compassion, courage, and creative innovation.

It won’t be easy. The incentives in our media, social algorithms, and politics reward and amplify the conflict entrepreneurs working overtime to divide, diminish, and destroy.

Our approach is to reach and teach people at scale with powerful content, equip them with new skills and innovative tools, and mobilize the growing Builders movement with grassroots civic programs to hold political leaders accountable for being Builders.

Practicing the 4Cs Daily

The Builders mindset is rooted in the 4Cs: curiosity, compassion, courage, and creativity. By adopting these values as daily habits, we promote flexible thinking, constructive problem solving, and respecting the dignity of all people.

It’s time to take action. Join us. Be a Builder.


News Feed

  • How a politically diverse group of ordinary Wisconsin citizens turned a kitchen-table idea into the law of the land — and made their state the 49th to guarantee a full year of postpartum Medicaid coverage. When Governor Tony Evers stepped to the podium at a Wisconsin children’s hospital last Wednesday to sign legislation extending postpartum… The post ​​Builders Like You Just Scored a Huge Legislative Victory for New Moms appeared first on Builders.
  • Gallup Poll Finds New High of 45% in U.S. Identify as Political Independents — Here’s What That Means for the Future of Politics American politics can feel like a constant tug-of-war. Red versus blue. Left versus right. Us versus them. The rope has been pulled so hard for so long that a record number of… The post Nearly Half of Americans Now Identify as Political Independents appeared first on Builders.
  • The Lone Star State Has Allocated $20 Billion to Solving Its Water Crisis. Some Experts Warn It’s Not Nearly Enough. Texas is a state built on growth. More people, more businesses, more cities rising from open land. For generations that growth felt almost limitless. But one resource may ultimately decide how far that growth can… The post Is Texas Running Out of Water? appeared first on Builders.
  • How to stay grounded in reality — and humanity When the Iran War broke out, the public conversation escalated almost as quickly as the conflict itself. Within minutes, timelines filled with hot takes, sweeping claims, and people suddenly confident they solved Middle Eastern geopolitics between lunch and their third cup of coffee.  But the Iran… The post What We Keep Getting Wrong About the Iran War appeared first on Builders.
  • My name is Lucy, and I’ve been living in Israel for the past four and a half years. I work as a full-time scriptwriter for Builders of the Middle East, where I write content that amplifies the voices of real people across the region, especially those living in some of its most complex and conflicted… The post Humanity Is the One Thing War Can’t Take: Life in Israel During the Iran War appeared first on Builders.
  • Primaries used to be the sad side salad of American democracy — technically part of the meal, but largely ignored. Now everyone wants a bite. And that shift could change everything about who ends up on your November ballot. Election season kicked off this week with the Texas, North Carolina, and Arkansas Primary Elections on… The post The Tides Are Turning This Election Season appeared first on Builders.
  • Following the mass shooting in Downtown Austin this morning and the outbreak of war in the Middle East, Builders Movement is postponing its Texas Independence Day event scheduled for tomorrow, March 2, at the State Capitol until further notice. Monday’s event was intended to celebrate independence and civic participation ahead of Tuesday’s Primary Election. Out… The post Our Capitol Event on 3/2 Has Been Postponed Until Further Notice appeared first on Builders.
  • By Sharon McMahon I am a person who has read the Minnesota state constitution for fun. I realize this makes me unusual. But when I ask most people what they could do this week to strengthen American democracy, they either go big — vote, protest, run for office — or they go nowhere, because nothing… The post What If It’s Simpler Than You Think? appeared first on Builders.
  • Every election cycle, a fresh wave of misinformation sweeps through Texas — on social media, in group chats, and sometimes even on the news. These myths don’t just spread confusion. They actively discourage people from voting. As we approach the Texas primary election on March 3, let’s set the record straight on six of the… The post 6 Texas Voting Myths, Debunked appeared first on Builders.
  • The first question every voter should ask when evaluating a candidate By Brian Hamilton My dad never graduated from high school. He used to tell me: “Brian, talking ain’t doing.” Despite not having the fancy degrees that many of us hold, my father instinctively knew the importance of action. One of our better presidents, Teddy… The post Have They Ever Built Anything? appeared first on Builders.
  • We’re Launching a Get-Out-The-Vote Campaign Inspired by Texas’s Strangest and Most Beloved Mascot: The Armadillo In Texas, we have a state mammal that tells the whole story. When threatened, the armadillo rolls up into a tight little ball. Head down. Feet tucked in. Wait it out. It’s exactly what too many Texans do every primary… The post Don’t Roll Over, Texas appeared first on Builders.
  • Voting based on who will actually govern effectively is hard. It requires asking questions that go deeper than party labels, campaign slogans, and who “won” the last debate. If you’re tired of representatives who perform for their base instead of solving problems, here are five questions to ask before you cast your vote. These aren’t… The post 5 Questions to Ask Before You Vote appeared first on Builders.

Words that Win – The 3V Messaging Framework

VALUES, VILLAINS, and VISION

Communications consultant Anat Shenker-Osorio developed the 3V messaging framework. Effective 3V messages: 

  1. lead with shared values, 
  2. name the villains and their motives for opposing those values,
  3. present your vision for a better future. 

As linguist George Lakoff says, “People vote based on values, connection, authenticity, trust and identity” – not lists of policies and facts.

BAC’s 3V Messaging Library

The Bay Area Coalition offers 3V statements on the critical issues of our time.

Feel Good Action

Using the power of social networks and digital media, we motivate individual and collective action to advance resilient communities, just societies, and a healthy planet.

95% of young people are on social media. 

Relationships, ideas, and images of our lives are shaped and shared on social media every day. In partnership with Feel Good Action, influencers are leading their followers to ACT.

The Art & Science of Persuasion Playbook

A Message from Galvanize Action about a huge block of persuadable voters!

“White women are the largest voting bloc in this country and will be for decades to come. They account for 38% of the national vote share and 43% of the vote share across Galvanize Action’s priority states. Within this voting bloc, we’ve identified 44,093,812 moderate women who are not ideologically entrenched, meaning they are open to new ideas and perspectives and movable on key issues such as reproductive freedom, healthcare, gender equity, climate, and the economy.”

Galvanize Action has a fabulous interactive messaging worksheet we can all use!

Galvanize Action says, “We’ll share with you exactly how to create a message that meets people at their values and how to turn those into an effective ad. Our interactive worksheet will guide you through the process with prompts about your target audience and the issue you want to move them on. You’ll walk away with customized advice!”

More in Common US

Recommended by: Bob B.

More in Common was established with the mission of tackling the ‘us-versus-them’ divisions that pose a generational threat to the United States. We have published over 30 reports since launching in the US in 2018, with a foundational study that helped shape the emerging field of efforts to tackle polarization in America. Hidden Tribes:  A Study of America’s Polarized Landscape showed that rather than being evenly divided, most Americans belonged to an ‘Exhausted Majority’. America’s Exhausted Majority is tired of tribalism, fed up with the country’s polarization, and more flexible and less ideological than the strident voices who dominate public debates.

We work with leaders across the ideological spectrum to strengthen American democracy, solve problems, and better navigate the dynamics of a polarized society. The common thread through our ever-increasing range of projects and partnerships is a simple truth: what we as Americans have in common is greater than our differences. Through both our research insights and on-the-ground projects, we’re building evidence-based solutions to bring this truth to life.

More in Common is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization. We receive funding from foundations, organizations and individuals who share a commitment to building communities and societies that are more resilient to the forces of social fracturing and polarization. Philanthropies that support More in Common’s work fund projects across a wide range of issue areas.

See also:

Indivisible San Mateo

Who We Are

A group of residents from San Mateo and neighboring communities who oppose Trump and his authoritarian policies. We are a peaceful people gathered for a common purpose of protecting our democracy, our Constitution, and our rule-of-law.

What We Do

Schedule and participate in actions such as protests, bannering over freeways, door-to-door canvassing, phone banking, and much more!

Indivisible SF

Since January 2017, more than 4,000 San Franciscans have united as Indivisible SF to march in the Women’s Marches, protest the Muslim Ban, meet regularly with our Members of Congress, and make thousands of phone calls to their offices to pressure them to do everything in their power to counter the policies and politics of Trumpism. There is much work in progress and many actions to come. 

Members of Indivisible SF are defined by our action and find solidarity in our shared opposition to Trump and Trumpism. Each of us explicitly reserves our individual stances on specific issues for other forums as we believe resisting Trump is more important than any single issue. We adhere to a Code of Conduct that welcomes and respects everybody.

Members of Indivisible SF come from all kinds of backgrounds and political persuasions. Some of us are first-time activists and others have been at this for decades. We are citizens and non-citizens. Most importantly, we are all patriots that want the best for our country and are willing to work for it. 

Democracy Forward

Democracy Forward uses the law to build collective power and advance a bold, vibrant democracy for all people.

Democracy Forward is a national legal organization that advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy and public education, and regulatory engagement.

In towns and cities across America, we provide legal representation and expert counsel to the people and communities who make up the very fabric of American democracy — free of charge.


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Coastside United Indivisible

Everyone can do something to resist the Trump regime. Every act of resistance will combine with every other act of resistance to let them know we will not be quiet as they try to dismantle democratic institutions, erase our history, and destroy our rights.
We will not obey in advance!

Coastside United for Action was established after the Nov 2016 Presidential election. We have worked with groups such as Indivisible, Sister District, Activate America, and Reclaim Our Vote. In 2018, we registered as a Sister District affiliate, and each year we sponsor two Sister District candidates through fundraising, phone banking, and postcarding.

In 2022, we formally affiliated with Indivisible. We have an active postcard group and have written over 160,000 postcards and letters since 2017.

It’s Blue Turn

We are a group of dedicated volunteers who’ve been meeting since 2016 to advance our democracy through civic action and resistance. We’ve already reached a million voters through letters, postcards, calls, and texts and are continuing to resist Trump’s destruction of America through driving electoral change, protecting voting rights, fighting disinformation, building pro-democracy infrastructure in rural districts, creating art against the power grab, and more. We welcome newbies and introverts, and anyone within driving distance of Mountain View, CA (we have members from Gilroy to Napa)! We host weekly and monthly events, we take direct action at protests and rallies, we chat, eat and watch debates, we celebrate wins and discuss the best way forward. As one of the oldest Indivisible groups on the Peninsula, we hold the most in-person events. Join us to build a better future!

VoteRiders

VoteRiders is a non-partisan, non-profit organization with a mission to ensure that all citizens are able to exercise their freedom to vote. VoteRiders informs and helps citizens to secure their voter ID as well as inspires and supports organizations, local volunteers, and communities to sustain voter ID education and assistance efforts.

Lawfare

Lawfare is a non-profit multimedia publication dedicated to “Hard National Security Choices.” We provide non-partisan, timely analysis of thorny legal and policy issues through our written, audio, and other content—all of which you can find here. We strive to achieve academic-level depth with magazine-level readability at the pace of news. We aim to improve the discourse on the law and policy of national security with a relentless focus on substantive issues that matter—in a fashion that is useful to policymakers and practitioners, but also accessible to anyone who wants to access it. Our areas of coverage range from national security law, threats to democracy, cybersecurity, executive powers, content moderation, domestic extremism, and foreign policy, among many others.


Lawfare Daily Playlist

Convergence Learning Lab for government

Recommended by: Bob B. – “Convergence Center for Policy Resolution, provides services and training for those wishing to transform conflict into collaboration.”

In a country marred by deep conflict, city, county, and state officials face mounting pressure to engage diverse stakeholders in resolving contentious and complex public policy issues. The Convergence Learning Lab’s training and consultation services empower leaders with the necessary skills to bridge these divides resulting in more productive public meetings, more constructive community engagement, and, ultimately, better outcomes for constituents.

Lab services are built on our unique, evidence-based collaborative problem-solving methodology which has been used to successfully address seemingly intractable political, social, organizational, and community-based issues.

Our process has proven consistently successful at producing the kinds of results that drive impact.

Convergence’s success offers a beacon of hope for the majorities of Americans frustrated by divisiveness that change is not only possible, but that we have the tools and the knowledge to bridge even the starkest divides with consistency. In addition, our success highlights the rich set of tools, practices, and resources that others can use to achieve similar successes.

  1. We select issues that are ripe and amenable for Convergence and stakeholder-participants to collaboratively “unstick,” and frame a discussion-onramp to the issue that is both crucial and disarming.
  2. We convene diverse tables of participant leaders and doers, many of whom oppose each other so stridently they never thought they could talk to one another.
  3. We facilitate participants to build trust, find common ground. Participants abide by a set of ground rules including honoring all points of view, respecting the confidentiality of the conversation, and listening carefully when others speak.
  4. We generate consensus solutions collaboratively among dialogue participants through establishing guiding principles that create a framework for the policy discussions to come. Once stakeholders are aligned on a bigger vision, they are ready to work together to produce new ideas and solutions.
  5. We deliver societal impact and on-the-ground implementation of the solutions. By design, a Convergence project strives to engage stakeholders to take action on their ideas after the dialogue stage is completed, or in some instances, even while the dialogue is going on. Convergence itself does not formally endorse stakeholders’ proposals – it remains policy neutral – but often plays a stewarding role to maximize the impact stakeholders can achieve.

 

National Coalition For Dialogue & Deliberation

Bringing people together across divides to tackle today’s toughest challenges

Recommended by: Bob B. – “(NCDD), a nonprofit membership organization that maintains a database of collaborative organizations around the world.”

What We’re All About

The National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD) is a network of innovators who bring people together across divides to discuss, decide, and take action together effectively on today’s toughest issues. NCDD serves as a gathering place, a resource center, a news source, and a facilitative leader for this vital community of practice.

Dialogue and deliberation are innovative processes that help people come together across differences to tackle our most challenging problems. In a time when we are increasingly told how divided we are in so many ways in our nation and in our world, teaching, spreading, and supporting the skills of dialogue and deliberation are vital.

The NCDD website is a clearinghouse for literally thousands of resources and best practices, and our highly participatory national and regional conferences have brought together more nearly 3,000 practitioners, community leaders, public administrators, researchers, activists, teachers and students since 2002. We keep in touch monthly with 28,000 people involved in public engagement and conflict resolution work.

Above all, NCDD provides opportunities for members of the broadly-defined dialogue and deliberation (“D&D”) community to share knowledge, inspire one another, build collaborative relationships, and have a greater collective impact.

Below you’ll find our contact info, mission, details about our membership, and more. You can also read the full story of NCDD’s beginnings and learn about the NCDD team. And, of course, if this resonates with you, please consider becoming a member or making a donation to NCDD!

Why did the Coalition form?

NCDD exists to support the growing “dialogue and deliberation community” — a broadly-defined community of practice involving practitioners, scholars, activists, public officials, nonprofit leaders, process geeks, students, and others who engage and mobilize people to come together and strengthen understanding of each other and issues in ways that supports community-building and collaborative problem-solving.NCDD was formed in 2002 in response to a clear need for an infrastructure for learning and collaboration among those who approach D&D from a variety of disciplines, including public policy, social work, communication, education, social justice, social activism, and organizational development. The Coalition was a result of the first National Conference on Dialogue & Deliberation, held near Washington, DC in October 2002.

NCDD is an educational organization and a Community of Practice. Communities of practice are formed by people who engage in a process of collective learning in a shared domain or topic area.  In other words, communities of practice are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly.

Our members make up the core of our community of practice. As of January 2021, the Coalition’s membership has grown to include 700 organizations and individuals. Our website visitors, social media group members, conference attendees, and over

28,000 newsletter subscribers are also part of this ever-growing community of practice.
https://www.ncdd.org/

MS Now

MS NOW is the go-to destination for domestic and international breaking news, and best-in-class opinion journalism.

YouTube Channel

Brennan Center for Justice

Inspired by Justice William J. Brennan Jr.’s devotion to core democratic freedoms, the Brennan Center for Justice works to strengthen democracy, end mass incarceration, and protect liberty and security.

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.

Nonviolence International

Recommended by: Bob B.

Vision – Nonviolence International seeks a world of justice, peace, and environmental sanity where the worth and dignity of all people is fully realized and conflicts are resolved without resorting to violence.

Mission – Nonviolence International advocates for active nonviolence and supports creative, constructive nonviolent campaigns worldwide. We are a backbone organization of the nonviolent movement, providing fiscal sponsorship to partners all over the globe. We tell the transformative stories of dynamic emerging nonviolent movements that give us hope in difficult times and are reshaping what we view as possible. By telling these inspirational stories and supporting these movements, we help to create a peaceful and just future.

Resources

  • Nonviolent Tactics
  • NVI Books
  • Training
  • Webinars
  • Media Interviews
  • Treaty List by State
  • Alternative Community Security

Organizational Information – Nonviolence International (NVI) was founded by Palestinian activist Mubarak Awad in 1989. NVI is a 501(c)(3) organization registered in Washington, DC, USA. NVI is also a non-governmental organization in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

Public Citizen

Corporations have their lobbyists in Washington, D.C. The people need advocates too.

Public Citizen is a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization that champions the public interest in the halls of power. We defend democracy, resist corporate power, and fight to ensure that government works for the people – not big corporations. Founded in 1971, we now have 1 million members and supporters throughout the country.

With rare exceptions, we don’t participate in partisan political activities or endorse any candidates for elected office. We take no government or corporate money, which allows us to remain fiercely independent and call out bad actors – no matter who they are or how much money and power they have.


Newsfeed

  • The Honorable Howard Lutnick Secretary of Commerce U.S. Department of Commerce 1401 Constitution Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20230 Dear Secretary… The post Public Citizen and Democracy Defenders Call Upon Howard Lutnick to Resign as Commerce Secretary appeared first on Public Citizen.
  • Internship, Democracy Campaign – President’s Office Summer 2026 Democracy in the United States is under systematic attack – we are… The post Democracy Campaign Internship – President’s Office appeared first on Public Citizen.
  • Founded in 1971 by Sydney M. Wolfe, M.D. and Ralph Nader, Public Citizen’s Health Research Group (HRG) promotes research-based, system-wide… The post Health Research Group – Library and Information Science Internship appeared first on Public Citizen.
  • Congress Watch, a division of Public Citizen, is seeking new legal interns (or for-credit externs) to work primarily with its… The post Congress Watch Legal Internship appeared first on Public Citizen.
  •   The Honorable Tim Scott, Chair The Honorable Elizabeth Warren, Ranking Member Honorable Members U.S. Senate Banking Committee Washington, D.C.… The post Comment on Senate Crypto Bill appeared first on Public Citizen.
  • Public Citizen is working with an international network of human rights, environmental, indigenous rights and good governance organizations to push… The post Critical Minerals Internship appeared first on Public Citizen.
  • Climate-driven disasters are radically altering a crucial source of financial stability: home insurance. As premiums skyrocket and insurance companies walk… The post Summer 2026: Climate and Insurance Policy Internship appeared first on Public Citizen.
  • March 20, 2025   The Honorable French Hill, Chair The Honorable Maxine Waters, Ranking Member Honorable Members House Financial Services… The post Musk Must Not Escape CFPB Oversight appeared first on Public Citizen.
  • March 11, 2025   The Honorable Tim Scott, Chair The Honorable Elizabeth Warren, Ranking Member Honorable Members Senate Banking Committee… The post Senate Banking Committee: Vote NO on Crypto Stablecoin Bill (GENIUS Act) appeared first on Public Citizen.
  • March 6, 2025 Douglas A. Collins, Acting Director U.S. Office of Government Ethics 250 E Street, SW., Suite 750 Washington,… The post OGE Must Review Whether Trump Soliciting Gifts appeared first on Public Citizen.

Legal Defense Fund

Using the power of law, narrative, research, and people, the Legal Defense Fund (LDF) defends the humanity and advance the rights of Black people in America.
LDF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

February 19, 2025

Today, the Legal Defense Fund (LDF) and Lambda Legal filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of nonprofit advocacy organizations challenging three anti-equity executive orders from President Trump related to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and transgender people.


Newsfeed

  • Read the full statement here.  DeKalb, Georgia – Today, the Georgia State Conference of the NAACP, New Georgia Project, Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda, A. Philip Randolph Institute, Common Cause Georgia, and League of Women Voters of Georgia, represented by Advancement Project, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Southern Poverty Law Center, NAACP […] The post Voting Rights Advocates Move to Intervene in Suit to Protect 5,000 Georgia Voters at Risk of Removal from the November Election Rolls appeared first on Legal Defense Fund.
  • The Legal Defense Fund (LDF) is deeply saddened by the death of William “Bill” Lucy, a visionary leader of the labor movement and champion of civil and human rights. During his tenured commitment to public service, Lucy worked tirelessly to advance economic justice across the globe. Mr. Lucy passed away at 90 years old in […] The post LDF Mourns the Loss of William “Bill” Lucy, Visionary Leader of Labor Movement and Champion of Civil and Human Rights appeared first on Legal Defense Fund.
  • LDF’s President and Director-Counsel Janai Nelson has sent a letter to Missouri’s Governor Parson, urging him to stop the execution of Marcellus “Khalifah” Williams scheduled for September 24, 2024. Last month, the Circuit Court of St. Louis County entered a consent judgment accepting the Alford plea of Mr. Williams and sentencing Mr. Williams to life […] The post LDF President Urges Governor of Missouri to Stop Marcellus “Khalifah” Williams’ Execution appeared first on Legal Defense Fund.
  • Read a PDF of our statement here. Today, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced a five-point plan that includes deploying 1,000 members of the U.S. National Guard and New York State police throughout New York City’s transit system. Hochul’s plan includes legislation that would expand judges’ authority to ban people from the transit system […] The post LDF Condemns Governor Hochul’s Plan to Deploy National Guard, State Police into NYC Transit System appeared first on Legal Defense Fund.
  • post The post test test test appeared first on Legal Defense Fund.
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  • There is no excerpt because this is a protected post. The post Protected: Traffic Stop Results in Humiliation and Thousands of Dollars Billed to Victim appeared first on Legal Defense Fund.
  • Countdown Day 22: The Voting Rights Amendment Act is a critical piece of legislation that was proposed by a bipartisan group of Members of Congress in response to the United States Supreme Court’s devastating decision in Shelby County, Alabama v. Holder. Here is a list of the top ten things you should know about the VRAA: […] The post Shelby First Anniversary Countdown: Day 22 appeared first on Legal Defense Fund.

ACLU

American Civil Liberty Union – Defend the rights of all people nationwide

The ACLU has evolved in the years since from this small group of idealists into the nation’s premier defender of the rights enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. With more than 1.1 million members, 500 staff attorneys, thousands of volunteer attorneys, and offices throughout the nation, the ACLU of today continues to fight government abuse and to vigorously defend individual freedoms, including speech and religion, a woman’s right to choose, the right to due process, citizens’ rights to privacy and much more. The ACLU stands up for these rights even when the cause is unpopular, and sometimes when nobody else will. While not always in agreement with us on every issue, Americans have come to count on the ACLU for its unyielding dedication to principle. The ACLU has become so ingrained in American society that it is hard to imagine an America without it.