Organizing like our democracy depends on it.

Groundwork supports local community organizers in places where the fight isn't over one candidate or one election but over the survival of American democracy itself. From the Deep South to Appalachia and the Plains: We show up in the states too often written off and invest in the local leaders working year-round to secure justice, equity and democracy for all.

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The Organizing Accelerator

Through The Organizing Accelerator, a first-of-its-kind partnership with the NAACP, Groundwork is training and mentoring the next generation of organizing leaders working on democracy’s frontlines.

The Narrative Studio

We challenge boom-and-bust civic spending and dismantle the false narrative that tough regions are not worth investment, aggressively elevating the work of our state partners in front of our national networks and on our large digital platforms.

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Current Groundwork States

outline of Alabama

Alabama

Alabama’s rich grassroots history features some of the most world-changing local organizing of the Civil Rights era, as well as our most stark setbacks to racial justice. Reckoning with that legacy, and the disenfranchisement that persists to this day, offers a path to a more just and equitable state.

Outline of Mississippi

Mississippi

For all of modern history, Mississippi has been at the epicenter of our most consequential fights for voting rights, racial justice and democracy itself. Today is no different. And local leaders are primed to meet the moment, investing deeply in the civic infrastructure needed to overcome generations of segregation and suppression.

outline of West Virginia

West Virginia

The roots of American populism and organized labor run deep through West Virginia. But those at the top today have spent decades wrestling power away from everyday citizens. To build back people power, we have to build back trust, with a largely rural electorate that feels left behind.

Outline of Oklahoma

Oklahoma

With deep wells of anti-democracy power and the lowest voter turnout rate in the country, the road ahead in Oklahoma is difficult. But the state’s grassroots organizing ecosystem is rising high, connecting communities across race, class and geography, to write a new story, together, for Oklahoma’s future.

The Groundwork Theory of Change

Year-round community organizing is the essential foundation of civic and political power.

Trusted local leaders engaged in ongoing conversation and relationship with their neighbors are best positioned to activate, galvanize and inspire action. With enough resources, they work 365 days a year to create a base of engaged citizens within their community that can influence public opinion, achieve policy reforms, win elections, build governing power, shift narratives, and more. It is the seed from which power grows.

At Groundwork, we believe this grassroots muscle is a necessary condition of any successful movement to build a more just, equitable and democratic future.

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Blog Posts

Groundwork TV | EP 21: Commemorating 20 Years Since Hurricane Katrina with Steps Coalition

In this episode of Groundwork TV, Joe speaks with Jonathan…

Stay Tuned with Preet: An interview with Joe Kennedy

In a recent podcast interview, Joe Kennedy joined Preet Bharara…

Rebuilding Democracy Where It Matters Most: An interview with Joe Kennedy

In a recent CNN interview, Joe Kennedy joined Bianna Golodryga…