Stories of Local Activism

In 2025, CCDD launched the Stories of Local Activism Project — an effort to identify and publicize examples from around the nation of how citizen groups are taking steps to strengthen democracy. Working with a skilled researcher, the project showcases cases of citizen engagement so that they may inspire others across the country to likewise take action in their own communities.

The Case Studies

Below is our collection of case studies of Stories of Local Activism — demonstrations of how citizens around the country are taking action to defend democracy. We will continue to add to these case studies in the months to come.

Each case study includes:

A short summary of the Story of Local Activism — what the group is doing to defend democracy
A description of the impacts
Video or written testimonies from participants
Weblinks

As you explore each SOLA case study, we invite you to ask yourself:

How is this citizens' group making a difference for democracy today?
Might I engage in a similar or completely new activity in my community to support democracy?
Are there stories of everyday Americans taking action to support democracy today in your community that CCDD could spotlight on this website? If so, please let us know!

SOLA Case Studies

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#1 — Teens Keeping Democracy Running in Texas

High-schoolers in Bexar County, Texas, are learning election administration and filling critical poll-worker gaps. Through school-based outreach and vibrant Youth Voter & Poll Worker Fests, teens go to work in the polls, helping with technology and translation before they are eligible to vote.

#2 — The Grassroots Network Protecting Democracy in the South

Center for Common Ground mobilizes Black and other voters of color in voter-suppression states through postcards, phone calls, texting, and year-round community “Democracy Centers.”

#3 — Rebuilding Trust in America’s Democratic Guardrails

Team Democracy brings Americans of all political perspectives together around one shared commitment: safe, fair, and inclusive elections and the peaceful transfer of power, backed by civic credentials, cross-partisan pledges, and real-world bridge-building on America’s rivers.

#4 — Empowering Working Families in Virginia

The Richmond Democracy Center is pioneering a new model of civic education—one that meets people where they are, grounds voting in lived experience, and empowers infrequent voters to recognize their power, speak up for their needs, and shape their communities and their democracy.

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#5 — Reimagining America in North Carolina

Charlotte's Reimagining America Project has a broad portfolio, from voting rights to environmental and health justice to education and criminal justice reform, in their mission to achieve a post-racial society where all participate equally. The goal is to be a model and a beacon of hope for every community in America.

#6 — Turning Faith and Community into Civic Power in Wisconsin

Founded in Milwaukee in 2013, Souls to the Polls Wisconsin (STTP WI) is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization that mobilizes faith communities and grassroots partners to strengthen civic participation, particularly in historically underrepresented communities.

#7 — Speaking Youth to Power in Magic City

Engage Miami builds Gen Z and millennial civic power through voter engagement, leadership development, and year-round issue organizing, with a focus on young Black and Latinx communities. They've had documented impact on day-to-day life for communities in Miami.

Young African-American man holding a clipboard, in intense conversation with an older neig

We will continue to add more Stories of Local Activism each month as we document how everyday Americans are taking steps to defend democracy in their own communities.

The Ad Campaign

To publicize the Stories of Local Activism Project and further raise our voices in the public square in support of democracy, CCDD is also undertaking a social media ad campaign to lift up themes that undergird the work for democracy and racial justice. We will post the ads below as they roll out in coming months.

Would you like to lend a hand with the ad campaign? Review the ads below and tell us:

Which ads spoke to you and why? (We're numbering them for easy reference.)
What themes and/or images would you suggest for future ads?

You can also help support the ad campaign, and the broader work of CCDD to promote democracy, by making a donation today. Thank you!

Share your feedback!

Ad #1: Liberty