Defending Democracy is a nonpartisan grassroots organization focusing on educating the public about threats to democratic government. Our mission is to create opportunities for collective actions for supporting and preserving democracy and rule of law, and in doing so, invoke a collective sense of “making a difference”.

Defending Democracy advocates for policies and actions that strengthen democracy and its institutions through:  education, mobilization, and outreach. 

NEWSLETTERS

Click above to read our most recent issue, Issue #6. New in this issue: “Signs of Hope for Democracy.” We lift-up actions that are giving us hope and prompting us to act against authoritarianism, as well as explore personal and institutional actions of resistance and resilience. The interview, “Why I became a young activist,” is a moving account from a local student. Please share this page with others,

Issue #5:

This issue is devoted to environmental policy under the Trump administration and its implications for environmental degradation locally, nationally and internationally.

Issue #4:

Why vote – is democracy is always on the ballot?
What does stupidity in the Republican government look like?
How do we do beyond resistance in reducing the polarization in our current rural/urban politics?

Issue #3:

Why and how do authoritarian governments redefine a nation’s culture to fit their ideology?
Are we normalizing corruption in our government?
What are the consequences for public schools as a result of “big bad” bill passed by Congress?

Issue #2:

What is meant by a “liberal democracy” as opposed to a “illiberal democracy”?
Where can I find good information on corruption in the current government?
What local organizations can I join to help defend democracy?

Issue #1:

What is the organization Defending Democracy about and what are its origins?
Why should citizens engage in efforts to save democracy?
What is hyper-normalization and why is it SO critical to fighting authoritarianism?

If you are interested in preserving and supporting our democracy now and in the future, please click the button to join our mailing list for reach out to the Defending Democracy leadership group with any questions.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT: LEVELS OF PARTICIPATION

Civic engagement isn’t one-size-fits-all. We all start at different points and can keep growing in ways that fit our interests, time, and courage. We offer a framework that outlines twelve levels of engagement; from small, daily actions to sustained leadership. Take a look at the document linked below and ask yourself, Where am I now, and what’s one small step forward? Wherever you are, you’re part of the movement for democracy and justice. Click here for a document to help guide you.

FOOD ASSISTANCE 

In the New River Valley, we are fortunate to have many organizations and individuals providing food assistance to our neighbors. But the need is great. Increases in food prices coupled with reductions in government support have
greatly increased both the need and the pressure on local and national food assistance organizations to serve the individuals and families in need.

To help provide food assistance to our neighbors, an excellent local resource is the Community Foundation of the New River Valley. The NRV Thrive initiative works across the NRV with organizations and community members to collectively
increase access to affordable, nutritious food. One of the Foundation’s biggest projects is the NRV Food Assistance Directory. You may access the Foundation’s Food Assistance Directory at:

cfnrv.org/thrive

Please consider what you can do to support these organizations by taking two simple steps:
1. Review the directory of NRV organizations providing food assistance.
2. Contact the food assistance organization of your choosing and ask how best you can help – by making a financial donation or by donating food.

HISTORY OF DEFENDING DEMOCRACY AT UU

After a series of classes on democracy, authoritarianism, and fascism, a group of UUC congregants were moved by to ask the UUC Board for the congregation to take a public stand on preserving and supporting our democracy. Congregants were polled on whether they supported the statement – “Through our words and actions, the UUC NRV strongly endorses the preservation and strengthening of our democracy, locally, and nationally.” The vote was nearly unanimous.