When democracy and your civil rights are under attack, it’s easy to feel powerless, especially when the Trump regime is moving at an alarming speed. But across the United States — and around the world — there are countless advocacy groups, watchdogs, and grassroots movements who are fighting back every single day.
They are challenging the Republican authoritarian policies in court, defending everyone’s civil rights, doing everything they can to try and protect elections that are under assault, and mobilizing people like you in the streets.
So you don’t have to start from scratch to be part of the resistance that is growing. These organizations already have the infrastructure, expertise, and momentum to push back against Trump, the GOP, and Christian nationalist movements.
What they need is public support, from donations and volunteering to amplifying their work online. They require active participation from everyday people like you.
In this guide I’ve pulled together the most important organizations that are resisting authoritarianism today. I’ve organized them by theme so that you can quickly find groups that align with your values and what you want to focus your time and energy on. Whether you’re passionate about civil rights, voting access, veterans’ voices, women’s rights, democracy, defending press freedom or fighting against the biggest domestic threat to Americans: Christian Nationalism, there are oranisations that you can support and get involved with.
I see alarming parallels between today’s U.S. and the rise of fascist regimes in 20th-century Europe. It’s not an exaggeration—it’s a wake-up call. Retired generals see echoes of 1930s Germany in Trump’s rhetoric.
Grassroots Resistance & Direct Action
“What we are seeing is a parallel to the 1930s in Nazi Germany.”
Retired General Barry McCaffrey
When democracy, people’s rights, and freedoms are under threat, grassroots movements are often the first line of defense. From local protests to national organizing, these groups turn individual outrage into collective power. They keep pressure on leaders, mobilize mass movements, and remind authoritarian politicians that the people will not be silenced. Follow them for protests, marches, and local activist networks.
Indivisible
What they do: A nationwide grassroots network mobilizing local groups to resist authoritarianism, Trumpism, MAGA, and Christian Nationalist policies through local activism and organizing. They’re all about mobilizing everyday Americans to call Congress, rally, and protect democracy.
Why it matters: They turn frustration into coordinated pressure on Congress and state legislatures.
Recent wins & actions: Reactivated over 1,200 chapters since Trump’s 2025 return to power; led “No Kings” protests in 2,000+ communities; Wisconsin Supreme Court race win against MAGA extremism.
How to help: Join a local chapter, volunteer, amplify campaigns, and donate to sustain organizing.
Next No Kings Protest: Oct 18, 2025
Find out more about Indivisible:
The General Strike
- What they do: Organize nationwide general strikes, economic boycotts, and coordinated days of action to resist authoritarian rule and policies.
- Why it matters: Strikes and boycotts hit authoritarian regimes where it hurts — their financial backers and corporate allies. GeneralStrikeUS empowers people to use collective economic power as a tool for democracy.
- How to help: Join strike actions, spread the word on social media, and follow their calls to boycott companies funding MAGA and far-right politicians.
Find out more about the general strike:
The People’s March
- What they do: The People’s March is a coalition-led activist event that brought together tens of thousands of Americans across the country and globally on January 18, 2025—just before Trump’s second inauguration. Organized by groups like Women’s March, Abortion Rights Now, ACLU, Planned Parenthood, Sierra Club, and the National Women’s Law Center, it created a unified day of joyful resistance across issues like reproductive rights, racial justice, LGBTQ+ equality, immigration, climate action, economic justice, and anti-militarism.
- Why it matters: It was a powerful demonstration that progressive movements remain alive, mobilized, and connected across issues—even after election fatigue set in. The march mirrored the original 2017 Women’s March in demographics and energy, reinforcing that intersectional resistance to authoritarianism is growing, not shrinking.
- How to help:
- Use The People’s Toolkit from their site to find issue-specific demands and actions rooted in frontline struggles, then share or act on them right now.
- If you missed the march, join solidarity or training events now—Mobilize showed hundreds of local actions (e.g., Madison, WI) still happening post-march.
- Host or attend local actions, use the People’s Toolkit to organize or frame your efforts, and keep the energy alive by building sustained community power.
Find out more about THE PEOPLE’S MARCH:
May Day Strong
- What they do: A network built around May Day and other labor actions, uniting workers, unions, and activists in collective resistance against authoritarian policies.
- Why it matters: Workers have historically been at the forefront of democratic struggles. May Day Strong mobilizes people at the intersection of labor rights and democracy defense.
- How to help: Join a May Day action, connect with local labor groups, and support fundraising for strike funds.
Find out more about MAYDAY STRONG:
Mobilize
- What they do: A digital hub connecting volunteers to progressive campaigns, advocacy groups, and local activism events.
- Why it matters: Mobilize makes it easy for anyone — no matter where they live — to plug into grassroots organizing, phone banking, and protest logistics.
- How to help: Sign up on Mobilize to find volunteer opportunities, share local events with your community, and commit to regular actions.
Find out more about MOBILIZE:
Waging Non-Violence
- What they do: A journalism and resource hub documenting nonviolent resistance movements around the world, including grassroots efforts in the U.S.
- Why it matters: By amplifying stories of nonviolent resistance, they inspire activists and provide strategies proven to counter authoritarianism without escalating violence.
- How to help: Read and share their articles, use their guides to inform local organizing, and donate to sustain independent reporting.
Find out more about WAGING NON VIOLENCE:
The Court changes rules arbitrarily to benefit Trump — a game of Calvinball.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson
Legal Battles And Civil Liberties
Authoritarian regimes thrive when constitutional rights go unchallenged. These legal organizations defend freedom in the courts — suing to stop unconstitutional laws, protecting free speech, and holding powerful figures accountable. Their work ensures that justice and the rule of law remain stronger than any one political figure.
The most pressing civil liberties issues include: Abortion, Immigration Rights, Racial Justice, Transgender Rights and Voting Rights.
ACLU
- What they do: Defend constitutional rights through litigation.
- Why it matters: They’ve been on the frontlines against Trump’s Muslim bans, abortion bans, and anti-protest laws.
- Recent wins & actions: Blocked Trump’s attempt to use the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelans; suing multiple states over abortion bans; fighting censorship laws targeting schools.
- How to help: Donate to their litigation fund, sign petitions, and share legal updates.
Find out more about ACLU:
Protect Democracy
- What they do: Nonpartisan lawyers fighting authoritarian overreach in courts.
- Why it matters: They defend guardrails like emergency powers limits and a professional civil service.
- Recent wins & actions: Filed suits against Trump’s abuse of emergency powers and the gutting of civil service; blocked misuse of national security powers for political ends.
- How to help: Subscribe to briefings, support their legal fund, and amplify updates.
Find out more about Protect Democracy:
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW)
- What they do: Expose corruption and file accountability lawsuits.
- Why it matters: Trumpism thrives on secrecy; CREW forces transparency.
- Recent wins & actions: Won lawsuit forcing OMB to restore federal spending data online; exposed conflicts of interest in Trump’s Cabinet.
- How to help: Donate, share reports, and use their FOIA findings in public discourse.
Find out more about crew:
Retired Judge J. Michael Luttig has described the current Supreme Court as facilitating the end of the rule of law by siding with Trump through emergency rulings “without briefing, without argument, without deliberation.” The result? “A fundamental distortion of the American legal system.”
Alliance for Justice (AFJ)
- What they do: AFJ is a progressive legal advocacy organization that works to defend a fair, independent judiciary. They train and educate nonprofits on how to advocate for judicial reform, monitor federal and state judicial appointments, support diverse and fair-minded nominees, and help advocacy groups navigate the complexities of court power. Their Bolder Advocacy program helps nonprofits and foundations engage in public policy without fear of losing tax status; their Justice Program focuses on ensuring constitutional values are upheld in courts and access to justice isn’t restricted.
- Why it matters:
Because the courts are one of the places Trump / Christian nationalist / far-right power seeks to entrench itself permanently. If the judiciary is packed, biased, or unaccountable, many gains (on abortion, civil rights, worker protections, etc.) can be reversed by court rulings. AFJ’s work matters because it helps protect rights from being undone by the judiciary and prevents a slide into authoritarian legalism, where laws degrade but no one can challenge them in court. - How to help: Share their reports and analyses on judicial nominations to keep the public informed, Use their resources (toolkits, alerts) to engage your networks, demand fair judicial confirmations, and call out dangerous nominees, Donate
Find out more about ALLIANCE FOR JUSTICE:
Trump is “propel[l]ing the US into authoritarianism” with extraordinary speed—akin to a dictatorship taking shape before our eyes.
Democracy Watchdogs
Corruption and authoritarianism thrive in the shadows. Democracy watchdogs shine a light on abuse of power, expose unethical practices, and defend democratic institutions. They hold leaders accountable and ensure that the public knows the truth about what’s happening inside government.
Ordinary people like you can sue the Government. It’s required to follow laws and the Constitution just like everyone else.
Democracy Forward
- What they do: Litigate against unlawful executive actions, authoritarian policy overreach, and government corruption.
- Why it matters: They’ve filed numerous lawsuits challenging Trump-era and GOP abuses, protecting federal workers, and defending public institutions.
- How to help: Support their legal fund, share their reports, and amplify updates on cases that set precedent against authoritarian policies.
Find out more about democracy forward:
Freedom House
- What they do: A nonpartisan NGO that tracks global freedom, democracy, and authoritarianism all over the World, including in the United States.
- Why it matters: Their annual Freedom in the World report is one of the most widely cited benchmarks showing how U.S. democracy is backsliding under Trumpism.
- How to help: Use their data in discussions about authoritarianism, support their global democracy programs, and share their reports.
Find out more about freedom house:
Elections And Voting Rights
Free and fair elections are the foundation of democracy. Yet voter suppression, gerrymandering, and broken voting systems continue to undermine trust in the process. These organizations protect ballot access, fight back against election manipulation, and work to ensure that every vote is truly counted.
Democracy Docket
- What they do: A legal advocacy group founded by Marc Elias that tracks and litigates against voter suppression laws across the country.
- Why it matters: They provide real-time updates on lawsuits affecting voting rights and are one of the most effective legal teams fighting GOP-led voter suppression in courts.
- How to help: Subscribe to their newsletters, share lawsuit updates, and donate to support ongoing legal battles.
Find out more about democracy docket:
SMART Elections
- What they do: Advocate for election security, transparent voting technology, and independent audits.
- Why it matters: They have tirelessly analyzed all of the data of the 2024 election and found numerous issues with it, including statistical anomalies, Russian tails, and signs of manual tampering with voting data. They have initiated their legal efforts with Rockfort County, where they are suing over voting machine tampering and algorithmic fraud. A judge has agreed that there is enough evidence for the case to move forward. The case has been set for September.
- How to help: Subscribe to their channels, share their content, support the legal fund, follow their court updates, and use their guides to pressure election boards.
Find out more about smart elections:
Fair Fight Action
- What they do: Founded by Stacey Abrams, Fair Fight combats voter suppression and works to expand access to fair elections.
- Why it matters: They’ve helped millions of Americans register to vote and defended mail-in ballot access during the 2020 and 2024 elections.
- How to help: Donate to sustain grassroots voter protection programs, join local chapters, and share their voter education resources.
Find out more about Fair Fight Action:
“The tactics of undermining truth are the hallmark of authoritarianism, and we’ve seen this movie before in Nazi Germany.”
Al Gore
Civil Rights And Social Justice
The fight for democracy is inseparable from the fight for equality. Marginalized communities are often the first to be targeted by authoritarian policies, which is why these organizations work tirelessly to defend civil rights, racial justice, and LGBTQ+ equality. Their efforts protect those most at risk and strengthen democracy for everyone.
NAACP Legal Defense Fund
- What they do: The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund is the nation’s first and foremost civil rights law firm, focused on racial justice, voting rights, economic justice, and equal access to education. They use litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education to advance equality under the law.
- Why it matters: Trump-aligned politicians have accelerated voter suppression laws, attacks on diversity initiatives, and systemic racial discrimination. The LDF has been at the forefront of challenging these measures in court, protecting Black communities and defending democracy as a whole.
- How to help: Donate to fund ongoing litigation, share their case updates, and use their resources to educate yourself and your community about racial justice and civil rights.
Find out more about the naacp legal defense fund:
Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC)
- What they do: The SPLC monitors and exposes hate groups, white supremacists, and extremist movements across the United States. They also fight for civil rights through litigation, advocacy, and educational initiatives like their Learning for Justice program.
- Why it matters: Under Trump, extremist groups and Christian nationalist organizations have gained visibility and influence. The SPLC’s Hatewatch and Intelligence Project are crucial for tracking, naming, and countering these movements — shining a spotlight on dangers many politicians ignore.
- How to help: Share their Hatewatch reports, support their education initiatives, and donate to sustain investigative research into extremism.
Find out more about the splc:
Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
- What they do: The Human Rights Campaign is the largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization in the U.S., advocating for equality through lobbying, litigation, and public education. They also track and fight discriminatory bills at the state and federal levels.
- Why it matters: Christian nationalist politicians have launched hundreds of anti-LBGTQ+ bills in recent years — targeting marriage rights, healthcare access, and even the right to exist safely in public spaces. HRC is one of the leading forces fighting back against this wave of discrimination.
- How to help: Join as a member, donate to sustain legal and lobbying work, volunteer locally, and use their state-by-state equality maps to stay informed and mobilize others.
Find out more about the hrc:
Veterans and National Security Voices
Veterans and national security leaders bring unique credibility to the struggle against authoritarianism. These organizations use their expertise to counter extremism, defend democratic alliances, and expose how far-right movements exploit military symbols for political gain. They remind the nation that real patriotism means protecting democracy.
VoteVets
- What they do: The largest progressive veterans’ organization in the U.S., VoteVets uses public campaigns, electoral endorsements, and policy advocacy to elevate veterans’ voices on national security, democracy, and accountability to push back against far-right political violence, election lies, and military politicization.
- Why it matters: Veterans are widely respected and often seen as symbols of integrity. VoteVets counters the narrative that authoritarianism is patriotic. Their campaigns make clear that genuine patriotism means defending democracy—not authoritarianism. They are very effectively exposing how Trump and his allies are trying to use veterans and the military as political props.
- How to help: Share their campaigns, sign petitions, join their movement as a volunteer or supporter, and donate to veteran outreach.
Find out more about the Vote Vets:
Task Force Butler Institute
- What they do: Veteran-led nonprofit using open-source intelligence to identify domestic extremists and assist law enforcement and legal cases. They are experts in Christian Nationalism, Extremism, and Fascism, and provide excellent educational resources on their social channels and website.
- Why it matters: They’re going after white supremacist groups with lawsuits and public exposure — doing the work the government often won’t. This is the only non-profit actively fighting white supremacists on the ground.
- How to help: Subscribe to their channels, share their content, follow their investigations, support fundraising for lawsuits, and share findings.
Find out more about Task Force Butler Institute:
Veterans Fighting Fascism
- What they do: A veteran-led nonprofit working to counter domestic extremism and fascism through research, monitoring, and operations. They collaborate with civil society groups and pro-democracy institutions to expose extremist activity—online and in person—and help protect communities most targeted by hate.
- Why it matters: As Christian nationalist and extremist groups gain momentum, veterans—trusted voices in our society—are taking the frontline to expose hate, provide accountability, and deter escalating violence. Their investigations, such as Project Husky and Project Blacklisted, have documented extremist networks and equipped communities to act.
- How to help:
- Donate to support their investigative and community-protective operations.
- Share their findings and reports with local journalists, activists, and legal organizations.
- Join their educational initiatives—such as their Antifascist Book Club—to stay informed and mobilize others.
Find out more about veterans fighting fascism:
Common Defense
- What they do: The largest grassroots membership organization of progressive veterans who are fighting against the rising tide of racism, hate, violence and authoritarian power in America. They train veterans to organize and build progressive democratic movements rooted in equity and justice.
- Why it matters: When extremism surges, veterans bring unmatched credibility. Veterans organizing in their own communities are powerful messengers for democracy and justice.
- How to help: Join or donate to expand their growing grassroots network, Host or attend training sessions and outreach events in your area.
Find out more about common defense:
Unite For Veterans
- What they do: A veteran-led advocacy group supporting democracy, community service, and countering extremist recruitment targeting veterans.
- Why it matters: Veterans are often exploited by far-right and Christian nationalist groups. Unite4Veterans counters that narrative and provides positive outlets for service.
- How to help: Support their community initiatives, share their resources with veterans in your life, and donate to help veteran outreach programs.
Find out more about unite for veterans:
National Security Action
- What they do: A coalition of former national security officials who advocate for protecting U.S. alliances, exposing authoritarian threats, and countering Trump’s foreign policy abuses.
- Why it matters: They bring insider expertise on how authoritarian politics undermine U.S. global leadership and put democracy at risk.
- How to help: Share their policy statements, follow their briefings, and amplify their warnings on the dangers of politicizing national security.
Find out more about national security action:
Media, Truth, and Misinformation
No democracy can survive without a free press and access to the truth. Authoritarians rely on censorship, propaganda, and disinformation to consolidate power. These organizations defend press freedom, fight media monopolies, and challenge the flood of lies coming from both politicians and tech platforms.
Reporters Committee For Freedom Of The Press
- What they do: Provide legal support to journalists and defend press freedom against government attacks.
- Why it matters: Independent journalism is one of the first targets of authoritarian regimes — and the Reporters Committee ensures reporters can continue to investigate corruption without intimidation.
- How to help: Donate to their legal defense fund, share updates when journalists are under threat, and amplify their advocacy for free press.
Find out more about The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press:
Free Press
- What they do: Campaign for media reform, net neutrality, independent journalism, and against media consolidation.
- Why it matters: Media monopolies and right-wing outlets push disinformation. Free Press works to ensure diverse, independent voices are heard.
- How to help: Join campaigns, support media justice initiatives, and donate to sustain advocacy for independent journalism.
Find out more about free press:
Accountable Tech
- What they do: A progressive nonprofit tackling the harms caused by Big Tech, including disinformation, election manipulation, and extremist radicalization.
- Why it matters: Social platforms are a key weapon for MAGA disinformation. Accountable Tech pressures companies and regulators to hold tech accountable.
- How to help: Share their campaigns, sign petitions demanding platform accountability, and support digital democracy work.
Find out more about Accountable Tech:
Christian nationalism is not Christianity. It is a political ideology bent on power, not faith.”
Interfaith Alliance
Faith and Religious Freedom
Christian nationalists are trying to impose their beliefs on the entire country, undermining religious freedom for everyone. These faith-based organizations resist that takeover by promoting true religious liberty and showing that spirituality and democracy can coexist without exclusion or oppression.
Faithful America
- What they do: A Christian grassroots group challenging the hijacking of faith by Christian nationalism.
- Why it matters: They mobilize progressive Christians to show that faith can stand for inclusion, justice, and democracy rather than authoritarian rule.
- Recent wins and actions: Mobilized tens of thousands of Christians to publicly oppose Trump’s Christian nationalist agenda; ran viral petitions against far-right pastors. Some of their successes are listed here.
- How to help: Sign petitions, amplify faith-based campaigns, and donate to support organizing within religious communities.
Find out more about Faithful America:
Interfaith Alliance
- What they do: Promote religious freedom for all faiths (and non-believers) while opposing Christian nationalist efforts to impose a theocracy.
- Why it matters: They build interfaith coalitions to protect the separation of church and state, one of the key democratic foundations under attack.
- Recent wins & actions: Successfully lobbied Congress to block legislation promoting Christian nationalism; organized interfaith coalitions resisting Trump’s theocratic agenda.
- How to help: Join interfaith events, share their educational materials, and donate to support policy advocacy.
Find out more about Interfaith Alliance:
Authoritarianism Thrives In Silence, Apathy – And The Belief That Nothing Can Be Done.
But every organization listed here is proof that people are standing up — in courts, in communities, in classrooms, in churches, and in the streets. Together, they form a powerful resistance to those who would strip away rights and freedoms.
You don’t need to support all of them to make a difference. Start with two or three that resonate with you most. Follow them on social media, sign up for their newsletters, make a small donation, or share their resources with friends. The more people who get involved, the stronger the collective shield against authoritarianism becomes.
Democracy is never guaranteed — but it is always worth fighting for. And with these groups leading the way, you’ll know exactly where to put your energy to help protect it.
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Gemma Lawrence is the creator of This Brits Life. Born and raised in England, she has been living in British Columbia, Canada as a permanent resident since 2016. A solo traveler for the past 9 years, she hopes to inspire and help others to enjoy solo adventures too. As someone who has always struggled with her self-confidence and mental health, she also shares tips and inspirational stories relating to self-love, self-care, and mental health.
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