WE ARE
POPULAR
DEMOCRACY
As the largest progressive network of base-building organizations, Popular Democracy is uniquely positioned to fight authoritarianism and build a future where Black, Brown, and working-class people are powerful and in control of our lives.
Our four core values light the path toward the future we are fighting for:
Freedom, Dignity and Belonging for All
We believe every person deserves a good life — no matter where they were born, how much money they make, who they love, or what neighborhood they live in. Everyone, regardless of where they come from, should be able to pursue their dreams without fear of discrimination or deportation. Freedom to us means being able to care for yourself and your family and to have a real say in the decisions that shape your life.
Safety Through Solidarity, Not Fear
We reject the lie that safety comes from punishment, surveillance, or exclusion. Real safety comes from strong communities, well-funded systems of care, and shared responsibility. We believe our government must invest in care and dignity — healthcare for all, permanently affordable housing, food, good union jobs, and vibrant public spaces — rather than institutions that profit from fear and harm.
Abundance, Care and Collective Thriving
We believe scarcity is manufactured by those who hoard wealth and power. We have a responsibility to make clear, especially to those who feel tuned out or overwhelmed, why their participation now matters more than ever. We organize to redistribute power, resources and wealth so that Black, Brown and working class communities can move beyond surviving the moment to shaping what comes next.
Democracy Built By the People
We believe democracy only works when everyday people are empowered to shape it. We center the leadership and lived experiences of Black, Brown, immigrant, low-income, and queer communities because those closest to the harm are closest to the solutions.
WHAT POPULAR DEMOCRACY LOOKS LIKE
The Popular Democracy network works to achieve governing power by building grassroots leadership, shaping narratives, and organizing collective action across the country through these four strategies:
BUILD
We build grassroots power by recruiting and developing member leaders at scale, especially in strategic geographies.
SHAPE
We build narrative power to shape how people understand the world — challenging harmful narratives and lifting up a vision where working-class people can thrive.
FIGHT
We advance our goals through deep alignment and coordinated campaigns across our network of powerful affiliates.
STRENGTHEN
We invest in strong and resilient national and local organizations so our movement has the infrastructure needed to win lasting change.