Democracy North Carolina

Democracy North Carolina is a nonpartisan organization that uses research, organizing, and advocacy to increase voter participation, reduce the influence of big money in politics and achieve a government that is truly of the people, by the people and for the people. Democracy NC grew out of Democracy South which began as a project of the Institute for Southern Studies. For more than 20 years, we’ve taken on powerful industries and political leaders, regardless of party, and promoted reforms that expand public involvement in the political process.

We protect democracy in our state and promote citizen ownership of our government through research, organizing, training, and youth outreach.

As part of our mission to help North Carolinians achieve meaningful pro-democracy reform, Democracy North Carolina engages in a variety of activities, including:

Research that analyzes election-related problems, explores possible solutions, and distributes our findings to targeted audiences as well as the media and other intermediaries. In the process, we educate the public on our findings and the implications for their lives.

Organizing both statewide and in local communities, where we bring together diverse groups of people to focus on shared advocacy and civic engagement goals. Through these coalition-building activities, we are building a coordinated, effective, racially- and politically-diverse reform effort in North Carolina.

Training that is conducted through our grassroots organizing network. We are developing local and statewide networks of informed citizens who are willing to pursue and defend meaningful pro-democracy policies and to take a more active role in government, including running for office themselves one day.

Democracy Summer, a unique training program that provides outstanding  students with paid positions to work on the frontline of democracy for nine weeks each year, learning the fundamentals of grassroots organizing, and empowering citizens to take part in the political process.