Join Local Organizations

Organized people are more powerful than isolated individuals. Find your community and multiply your impact.

The Power of Organization

Individual actions matter, but organized groups create lasting change. Organizations provide training, resources, and the collective power needed to influence policy. You'll also find community and support for the long haul.

Types of Organizations

Civic & Voter Organizations

Focus on voting rights, election protection, and civic participation.

Civil Liberties Organizations

Defend constitutional rights through legal action, advocacy, and education.

Community Organizing Groups

Build local power through grassroots organizing on various issues.

  • • Indivisible — Local groups focused on congressional accountability
  • • DSA — Democratic Socialists of America local chapters
  • • Faith-based organizing (PICO, IAF, Gamaliel networks)

Mutual Aid Networks

Neighbors helping neighbors with direct support and community care.

  • • Mutual Aid Hub — Find groups in your area
  • • Big Door Brigade — Resources for mutual aid organizing
  • • Search "[your city] mutual aid" for local networks

Issue-Specific Organizations

Organizations focused on specific causes often have local chapters.

  • • Immigration: United We Dream, local sanctuary networks
  • • Environment: Sierra Club, 350.org local chapters
  • • Labor: Local unions and worker centers
  • • Racial justice: Local NAACP chapters, BLM chapters

How to Find Local Groups

Search Online

Search "[your city] + [issue]" or "[your city] civic engagement." Check Facebook groups, Meetup, and NextDoor for local organizing.

Ask Around

Talk to friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Ask at your place of worship, union, or community center. Word of mouth is often the best way to find active groups.

Attend Public Events

Go to town halls, protests, or community meetings. Talk to organizers and ask how to get involved. Bring business cards or a way to exchange contact info.

Start Your Own

If nothing exists in your area, consider starting something. Even a small group of committed people can make a difference. Organizations like Indivisible provide toolkits for starting local chapters.

Getting the Most Out of Involvement

Tips for New Members:

  • • Show up consistently (reliability matters)
  • • Start by listening and learning
  • • Volunteer for specific tasks
  • • Build relationships, not just attend meetings
  • • Be patient — change takes time
  • • Bring your skills, whatever they are

What to Look For:

  • • Clear goals and theory of change
  • • Democratic decision-making
  • • Training and development opportunities
  • • Welcoming to newcomers
  • • Track record of wins (even small ones)
  • • Attention to member well-being

Resources