Grassroots organizations know the people, culture, and political environment in their areas. They make lasting connections, build trust, educate, and work alongside community members to achieve real change — in both election and non-election years. By backing these organizations, rather than swooping in with our own messaging and tactics, we can target our time and money effectively.
Concord Indivisible has researched and selected three outstanding groups, in states that will be key to the 2022 midterms, to receive donations from our organization’s funds. All are 501(c)(3) organizations, so donations are tax-deductible — making them excellent for your year-end giving as well. We hope you will join us in contributing what you can to one or all of these top-notch groups.
Voters Not Politicians
— recommended by Julie Hirschler
Michigan-based Voters Not Politicians (VNP) fills a gap in the electoral process by teaching people about voting rights and other aspects of good government. VNP educates individuals and community leaders, particularly people of color — distributing information and building skills through online forums, produced videos, and podcasts. Over 1,000 volunteers supported these programs last year. The VNP Campus Program gives 18- 20-year-old activists the skills and knowledge to work on progressive causes. The VNP Education Fund is sponsoring an independent evaluation of the work of the new Redistricting Commission in Michigan.
Citizen Action of Wisconsin
— recommended by Barbara Head
Citizen Action of Wisconsin is dedicated to economic, racial, and environmental justice that will give everyone in Wisconsin and America an equal opportunity to live a meaningful and fulfilling life. The group believes that community organizing is a critical pathway to unlocking the true potential of democracy and fundamentally transforming society. Focused on key issues such as health care for all, climate justice, and protecting democracy, Citizen Action emphasizes multiracial organizing and deep canvassing to bridge the urban/rural/suburban divide, build statewide interest in progressive Democratic priorities, and flip seats in a Republican-dominated legislature.
North Carolina A. Philip Randolph Educational Fund
— recommended by Judith Herman
Named for A. Philip Randolph and Bayard Rustin, who fostered the modern American civil rights movement, the mission of North Carolina A. Philip Randolph Institute is to improve the quality of life for economically disadvantaged families, largely in rural areas. The Institute provides the resources necessary for improving the standard of living for these families and fostering their self-improvement, self-empowerment, and self-sufficiency. Institute programs include:
- Community Services and Civic Engagement
- Food for the Hungry Emergency Food Pantry
- Training Centers to teach youth leadership, canvassing, letter writing, and the use of new information technology
- Workers Referral and Information Center
- Voter registration, state redistricting efforts, and court cases opposing voter suppression.
The North Carolina A. Philip Randolph Educational Fund, Inc. (NCAPREF) develops and advocates for legislation, regulations, and government programs to support economically disadvantaged families. NCAPREF seeks to continue building an electoral power base within communities of those currently and historically disenfranchised, led by and for under-represented constituencies.