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2024_001_Who we are
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WHO WE ARE

Action for Democracy’s mission is to activate the power of our citizens. We are building a global pro-democracy solidarity movement committed to promoting democratic values and institutions and pushing back against the rising threat of autocracy worldwide.

 

United we mobilize material and financial support for and advocate for more robust support of pro-democracy actors on the ground in the battleground states in the global fight for democracy.

 

Action for Democracy supports frontline civil society organizations on a non-partisan basis in countries where democracy is at risk. We focus especially on mobilizing youth and women to help make their voices heard.

 

We fund our activities with the help of a growing grassroots community, with special regard to diaspora communities in the US and in Europe who are deeply worried about democratic trajectories in their home countries.

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THE CHALLENGE

Democracy, as a system of government, is ever evolving. However, democratic freedoms have been downsliding worldwide for the past sixteen years. In 2021, the Freedom House reported that twice as many countries lost civil liberties and freedoms compared to those that improved them. According to the Economist's Democracy Index 2021 less than half, or 45.7% of the world's population now live in a democracy of some sort, a decline from 2020 where the figure was 49.4%.

THE CHALLENGE
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Anti-democratic forces are on the march globally. From the storming of the capital in the US through the racist speech of Hungary’s leader echoing Nazi rhetoric, Poland’s judiciary under attack, democratic institutions under siege in Brazil, to the actual and potential aggression of dictatorships such as China and Russia, democratic institutions, the rule of law, credible elections, human rights, and independent media are under a concerted siege all over the world. ​The war in Ukraine has brought the battle between democracy and autocracy into an even sharper focus. Trust in democratic politicians and institutions are at an all-time low, hobbling the ability of democracies to defend themselves against the enthusiasm of nationalist-populists. All the while autocrats around the world increasingly aid and abet each other, forming a global cabal, and exchanging best practices on repression and corruption. ​Our freedom and very way of life is under threat. The task that falls on us is no less than to turn the tide against national populism and autocratic regimes. ​We believe the antidote lies in activating our citizens. Our publics are frustrated about democratic delivery deficit at home, but still support defending it abroad as they understand the deeply intertwined world we live in. How Brazil’s democracy goes will have repercussions for German and Italian democrats and vice versa. But our political leaders - while many are well intentioned - and our institutions - weakened and increasingly untrusted - will be insufficient by themselves. Citizen activism rooted in solidarity and straddling borders is needed to create momentum, generate political support and prompt action. ​Simply put: we who care deeply about democracy need to unite!

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Our latest news
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OUR LATEST NEWS

WHAT WE BELIEVE IN

INCLUSION

Broaden democratic participation

DEMOCRACY

Promote free and fair elections

RULE OF LAW

Encourage transparent and accountable government

DIVERSITY

Combat hate, fear and exclusion

Board of Directors
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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BOARD PRESIDENT
AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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Roberto Patiño

BOARD MEMBER

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Chris Maroshegyi

BOARD TREASURER

Advisory Council
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ADVISORY COUNCIL

Our high-level advisory council provides important strategic advice, analysis and advocacy on protecting and strengthening democracy worldwide.The council is not part of day-to-day decision and grant making at Action for Democracy and are not privy to the details of our supporting activities in our focus countries.

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Kati Marton

ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBER

Kati Marton is a Hungarian-American author and journalist. She is a former chairwoman of the International Women's Health Coalition, and a director (former chairwoman) of the Committee to Protect Journalists and other bodies including the International Rescue Committee, Human Rights Watch, and the New America Foundation.

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FAQ
  • What is Action for Democracy?
    Action for Democracy is a US-based 501(c)(4) that empowers democratic actors to defend and rebuild their democracies. We are committed to an inclusive and democratic future and we aim to build and mobilise an international pro-democracy movement at the grassroots that pushes back against the rising threat of autocracy around the world. We believe in the values of freedom, human dignity, and democratic decision-making. We partner with diaspora communities and frontline democracy organisations to broaden democratic participation, promote genuine elections, encourage transparency and accountable governance, and combat hate, fear, and exclusion.
  • What are the stakes?
    Across the world, autocrats, dictators and anti-democratic forces are laying siege to democracy. These forces are helping anti-democratic rulers tighten their grips on power by ending the rule of law, hijacking the media, rigging the courts, and instilling a culture of hate against immigrants and the LGBTQ community. What is more, anti-democratic forces have formed an international cabal, protecting each other and exchanging notes on anti-democratic practices. It is high time democratic forces around the world do the same.
  • Who is involved?
    Action for Democracy is a grassroots organisation that is building a global alliance of democratic actors. It draws its support from the bottom-up from a growing pro-democracy movement. Our work is driven by our Board and guided by an Advisory Council with deep experience and passion in defending democracy. Our Advisory Council only provides strategic counsel and they do so in their personal capacities. They are not part of day-to-day decision- and grant-making at Action for Democracy and are not privy to the details of our supporting activities in our focus countries.
  • Is Action for Democracy backing candidates to influence elections?
    No, A4D does not direct support or advocate for any specific candidate or political party. We believe democracy works, and works best when people can participate in free, fair, and transparent elections. Our aim is to help create an even playing field, broaden genuine participation in the democratic process and push back against authoritarian encroachment. A4D supports civil society organisations standing up for democratic values and against authoritarianism and runs informational and get out the vote campaigns in a non-partisan fashion. A4D and its grantees are not precluded in any shape or form however from criticizing undemocratic actors and practices, and pointing to blatant violations of democratic values and principles.
  • What exactly does Action for Democracy do?
    Action For Democracy raises funds to support civil society organisations on the frontline of defending democracy. We strengthen pro-democracy organisations, and support civil society and independent media through grants, expert advice, and networking locally. This also includes voter registration drives with special regard to the diaspora, and voter education.
  • Who are Action for Democracy’s funders?
    Action for Democracy is powered by people who care about democracy and want to fight back against anti-democratic forces dedicated to undermining the rule of law. We are mounting digital and offline donation campaigns and accept donations from institutional and private donors in the United States, Canada, Europe and beyond.
  • How much did Action for Democracy raise and deploy so far?
    We have been humbled by the positive response of our community. We have been honoured to see a wide range of supporters come in from thousands of people who donated smaller amounts as well as more substantial individual and institutional contributions. We are also proud and encouraged by the number of recurring donations we have been receiving. Action for Democracy operates with a very low overhead and donates more than 95% of the money raised to frontline civil society organisation grantees.
  • What do we “expect” from our donors and grantees?
    We expect our donors and grantees to broadly share our values and principles and have a genuine care for democratic development and revival. We do not accept or grant funding with strings attached.
  • Has Action for Democracy received funding from any government or government funded organisation?
    No, and we plan to continue to rely on donations from private individuals and independent institutions.
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JOIN US! WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Are you a gay-rights activist in Hungary, or a woman’s health organization in Poland !? If you are fighting for issues that connect to the larger story of human rights and democratic values we want to hear from you! We can help put you within the reach of small donors from around the world in a safe and validated format. The bigger the community the bigger our power to fight back against autocratic rule. Together we can act in a way that makes democracy stronger!

Join us!
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