Building Civic Power And Free Societies
Civic space—the heart of democracy—is under attack.
Grassroots activists and organizers make our world better. But across the globe, they face increased threats and restrictions to their work: activists are arrested, organizers are spied on, and protest is being outlawed.
Since 2015, we have led a global effort to help activists push back against the hostile governments and corporations restricting their work and defend the right to stand up, speak out, and create change.
Our Hopeful Vision
We believe in a future based on humanity and human rights—not fear or anger. Learn how together, through the power of collective action, we can achieve free and open societies for all.
Our Approach
Disrupting the disruptors
Governments and corporations exploit cutting-edge technology to surveil, harass, and intimidate activists. We support innovative new ideas for holding them accountable.
Reforming broken systems
Hostile regimes pass repressive laws and abuse national security to criminalize progressive movements. We give activists and organizers the support they need to push back.
Transforming public opinion
Authoritarians and anti-rights groups use toxic narratives to sow division, fear, and mistrust. We help activists tell a better story about a hopeful future that puts community first.
Learn More About Building Civic Power
Read our strategy paper, Creating an Enabling Environment for Human Rights Defenders: Learning and Future Directions, to learn how five years of supporting frontline activists through unprecedented attacks on civil society and a historic pandemic has informed our approach to defending and expanding civic space.
Do you support a free and open society?
Donations help activists push back against repression, surveillance, and censorship.
Or learn about more ways to get involved.