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PO Box 776
Chestertown MD 21620
357 High Street
Chestertown, MD 21620
PO Box 776
Chestertown MD 21620
"We must have systems of checks and balances to make sure that those people who are making critical decisions for our country are held accountable, and nowhere is that more important than in the area of national security."
~Chris Van Hollen
As part of our effort to provide information and take-action opportunities for DCKC members, we offer the following list of organizations and individuals working to protect our democracy through advocacy, research, analysis, and reporting. These watchdogs work on important issues such as labor, reproductive health, civil rights, gun safety, and immigration. We hope this resource helps you expand your own knowledge on the issues, share information in your community, and use the tools provided for activism. Going forward we will add more groups and highlight individual organizations whose accomplishments are worth noting. If you have suggestions for groups to include, or if you have other ideas to make this list more useful, please write to us at: info@DCKCMD.com.
A non-partisan organization, Accountable.US conducts in-depth investigations to expose special interests that wield unchecked power and influence in Washington. They conduct investigations on conflicts of interest, thus holding corporations and public officials accountable for their actions. The findings of their investigations are shared with the media, the public, and policymakers.
ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union)
A non-partisan organization with more than 1.1 million members, 500 staff attorneys, thousands of volunteer attorneys, and offices throughout the nation, the ACLU fights government abuse and defends individual freedoms including speech and religion, a woman’s right to choose, the right to due process, citizens’ rights to privacy, and much more.
American Oversight is a nonpartisan, nonprofit watchdog that advances truth, accountability, and democracy by enforcing the public’s right to government records. The organization has published tens of thousands of documents from federal, state, and local government agencies. Records uncovered by American Oversight have supported congressional inquiries, investigative journalism, and independent actions by partner organizations.
Americans United for the Separation of Church and State (AU)
AU is the only organization dedicated solely to defending the separation of church and state. The separation of church and state ensures that everyone has equal access to hospitals, medical care, public schools, and government services—full civil rights regardless of their religious/philosophical beliefs.
CREW (Center for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington)
CREW uses aggressive legal actions, in-depth investigations, and innovative policy and reform work to achieve the vision of an ethical, accountable, and open government.
Democracy 21 works to eliminate the undue influence of big money in American politics, prevent government corruption, empower citizens in the political process, and ensure the integrity and fairness of government decisions and elections. The organization promotes campaign finance reform and other related political reforms to accomplish these goals.
Democracy Docket is a leading digital news platform dedicated to information, analysis, and opinion about voting rights and elections in the courts. Democracy Docket delivers detailed analysis and expert commentary on voting rights and election litigation and policy that will help shape democratic institutions for years to come.
Democracy Forward is a national legal organization that advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy and public education, and regulatory engagement. Democracy Forward uses the law to build collective power and advance a bold, vibrant, democracy for all people.
Indivisible is a national grassroots movement of thousands of local Indivisible groups with a mission to elect progressive leaders, rebuild our democracy, and defeat the Trump agenda.
Leaders We Deserve is a grassroots organization dedicated to electing young progressives to Congress and State Legislatures across the country to help defeat the far-right agenda and advance a progressive vision for the future.
The League is a nonpartisan grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy. They work to empower voters and defend democracy through advocacy, education, and litigation at the local, state and national levels.
The Lincoln Project is dedicated to the preservation, protection, and defense of democracy. Founded by former Republican strategists who saw Trump and the MAGA movement as a threat to the nation, the Lincoln Project has expanded to include individuals from across the political spectrum.
MoveOn members build progressive power through advocacy and elections and have been on the front lines of resistance to Trump and the GOP agenda. MoveOn’s work is possible through the efforts of thousands of people who make up and power their network of volunteers.
People for the American Way
People for the American Way is a national progressive advocacy organization that inspires and mobilizes Americans to defend freedom, justice, and democracy from those who threaten to take them away.
Protect Democracy is a non-partisan anti-authoritarianism group. Defeating the authoritarian threat requires building a coalition that cuts across the usual divides, putting policy and politics aside to defend a system that allows for and peacefully manages political disagreement. Its strategy is to build a coalition of progressives, moderates, and conservatives who believe in defending the principles of democratic government and the rule of law.
Project on Government Oversight (POGO)
POGO is a nonpartisan independent watchdog that investigates and exposes waste, corruption, abuse of power, and when the government fails to serve the public or silences those who report wrongdoing.
Public Citizen is a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization that champions the public interest. They defend democracy, resist corporate power, and fight to ensure that government works for the people – not big corporations.
RepresentUs is a grassroots organization fighting for a government accountable to the people. They work to defend democracy, root out corruption, mobilize action, and support campaigns at every level to hold leaders accountable and build a political system that serves the public.
State Democracy Defenders Fund
State Democracy Defenders Fund brings together a nonpartisan team of experienced experts in safeguarding democracy. They work with national, state, and local allies across the country to defend free and fair elections and fight autocracy.
Vote Forward empowers grassroots volunteers to send handwritten letters encouraging fellow Americans to vote. Most of their letter-writing campaigns focus on mobilizing potential voters in historically marginalized communities—such as people of color, women, and young voters.
Everytown is a movement of nearly 11 million moms, dads, students, survivors, educators, gun owners, and concerned citizens working to fight for public safety measures that protect people from gun violence. Everytown works with the White House, government agencies, and members of Congress to ensure policymakers are equipped with the research, policy know-how, and support they need to win gun safety victories at the federal level.
Today in the United States, gun violence is the leading cause of death for children and adolescents. Giffords, led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, brings decades of political, legal, and policy expertise to the fight for gun safety.
Moms Demand Action is a grassroots movement of Americans fighting for public safety measures that protect people from gun violence.
Amica Center for Immigrant Rights (Amica)
Amica fights for the rights, safety, and unity of immigrant communities, standing with those trapped in a fundamentally flawed immigration system.
CASA’s policy team works to ensure that immigrant voices are heard and amplified in Annapolis. From lobbying legislators to organizing efforts, CASA is moving forward immigration reform in Maryland. CASA worked to pass the Maryland Dream Act in 2012, changed access to driver’s licenses for all in 2013, raised the minimum wage in 2019, and ended state and local participation in ICE detention in Maryland in 2021.
League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
LULAC advances the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, housing, health, and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs.
National Immigration Law Center
The National Immigration Law Center is one of the leading advocacy organizations in the U.S. dedicated to advancing and defending the rights and opportunities of low-income immigrants.
GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD LAW)
GLAD Law has been instrumental in the LGBTQIA+ rights movement through advocacy work and bold litigation. They help create safer physical life and workspaces for the LGBTQIA+ community and people with HIV. They also protect the right to form families, fight for affirmation and dignity in state and federal laws, and take down economic and life opportunity barriers.
HRC works alongside lawmakers and groups at the state and local levels throughout the country to fight for LGBTQIA+ equality. Their goal is to ensure that all LGBTQIA+ people – particularly those who are trans, people of color, and HIV positive – are treated as full and equal citizens across the country and around the world.
With a second Trump administration and an anti-LGBTQIA+ majority in Congress, LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV are worried that hard-fought progress could be reversed. Lambda Legal recently introduced a campaign to protect the LGBTQIA+ community, educate the nation, and fight for equality during the first 100 days of the Trump term.
PFLAG is one of the nation’s largest organizations dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQIA+ people and those who love them. PFLAG is tracking executive orders that are anti-LGBTQIA+ and anti-Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Transgender Law Center champions the right of all transgender and gender-nonconforming people to make their own choice and live freely, safely and authentically.
American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE)
AFGE represents 800,000 federal and D.C. government workers across the United States and the world. Members of AFGE can be found in almost every federal agency and in most functions of government.
American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)
The AFL-CIO is a democratic, voluntary federation of 63 national and international labor unions that represent more than 15 million working people. The AFl-CIO works to ensure people are treated fairly, with decent paychecks, benefits, safe jobs, dignity, and equal opportunities.
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)
Representing workers in hundreds of professions, AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, prosperity for working families, and excellence in public service.
American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
The AFT is a union of professionals that champions fairness, democracy, economic opportunity, high-quality public education, healthcare and public services for students, their families and communities. AFT is committed to advancing these principles through community engagement, organizing, collective bargaining, and political activism.
National Nurses United
National Nurses United, with more than 225,000 members nationwide, is the largest union and professional association of registered nurses in the U.S. Nurses make a vow to care for all people, and believe hospitals should remain places of healing, where everyone can receive care, without fear. We want to ensure nurses and patients know their rights.
National Treasurers Employees Union (NTEU)
NTEU is a voice for the federal workforce on Capitol Hill, in the courts, at the bargaining table and in the media. They fight for fair pay and benefits, improved working conditions, and other issues that affect the working lives of federal employees.
Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
SEIU’s 2 million members believe in the dignity and worth of workers and the services they provide. SEIU is dedicated to improving the lives of workers and their families and creating a more just and humane society.
The LDF is an American legal organization fighting for racial justice. Using the power of law, narrative, research, and people, LDF defends and advances the full dignity and citizenship of Black people in America.
The NAACP is committed to dismantling racism and disrupting inequality to create a society where all people can truly be free. Their work includes civic engagement, building racial equity, and supporting policies and institutions that prioritize the urgent needs of Black people, who are most affected by race-based discrimination.
Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC)
The SPLC confronts racism in all its forms. Its mission is rooted in the belief that a society where Black communities thrive benefits everyone. They are committed to building a future where white supremacy, poverty, and mass incarceration are relics of the past.
Center for Reproductive Rights
The Center for Reproductive Rights is a global human rights organization of attorneys and advocates working to ensure reproductive rights are protected in law as fundamental human rights for the dignity, equality, health, and well-being of every person.
Ms.
Ms. has been at the forefront of feminist journalism since the 1970s. Ms. created the first U.S. magazine to feature prominent American women demanding the repeal of laws that criminalize abortion, the first to explain and advocate for the Equal Rights Amendment, and the first to rate presidential candidates on women’s issues.
National Women’s Law Center (NWLC)
The National Women’s Law Center fights for gender justice—in the courts, in public policy, and in our society—working across the issues that are central to the lives of women and girls.
Planned Parenthood Action Fund
Planned Parenthood Action Fund works to advance access to sexual health care and defend reproductive rights. More than 100 years ago, Planned Parenthood was founded on the idea that your body is your own. If not, people cannot be truly free or equal.
Reproductive Freedom for All (formerly NARAL)
Reproductive Freedom for All has helped lead the charge for over 50 years in the fight for abortion rights, access to birth control, parental leave policies, and pregnancy protections.
BlueSky is a microblogging social media service. Users can share short posts containing text, images, and videos. Primarily an alternative news site, groups and individuals use the platform to disseminate news, make connections, and announce events. It’s an outlet for politicians, historians, commentators, authors, and people from all walks of life.
With the motto, “We cover the issues corporate media never will,” Common Dreams is a reader-supported independent news outlet. A. non-profit newsroom, Common Dreams online journalism keeps millions of readers well-informed, inspired, and engaged.
Marketplace is a public media outlet that produces broadcast shows, podcasts, and digital reporting. It provides economic perspectives and news relevant to all communities — especially those who often go unrepresented in financial news. Marketplace.org has a section of its website devoted to stories about the economic impact of the Trump administration.
A nonprofit news agency, Maryland Matters covers politics, education, transportation, health care, the environment, business, and organized labor. Maryland Matters’ reporting provides the news people need to hold their government and elected officials accountable. Maryland Matters reports on how the Trump administration’s executive orders, legislation and legal challenges impact citizens within the state.
Podcasts, like the ones below (download the apps from Apple, Google, or Amazon), provide analysis of the Trump administration, Congress and the courts.
ProPublica was founded in 2007–2008 asserting that investigative journalism is critical to our democracy. ProPublica is an independent, nonprofit newsroom that produces investigative journalism to expose abuses of power and betrayals of the public trust by government, business, and other institutions.
Substack (App is also available)
Like Podcast platforms, Substack is an online aggregation of writers and organizations. On Substack you’ll find independent news commentary, interviews, and long-form essays. Below is just a sampling of popular Substack channels that provide up-to-date information about current affairs and keep a close eye on the current administration. If you go to the home page of Substack and click on the US Politics tab, you will find many more reputable journalists, legal scholars, historians, and politicians to follow. Most Substack providers have both free and paid subscriptions.
ABC News/538 Polls provides broad polling on many topics related to the Trump administrations and current affairs. Their site also compares 538’s poll results to others. Also, the 538 polls provide deeper analysis on topics, such as “What does data say about Trump’s deportation programs?”
FactCheck.org
FactCheck.org is a project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania. They monitor the factual accuracy of what is said by major U.S. political players in the form of TV ads, debates, speeches, interviews and news releases. Their goal is to apply the best practices of both journalism and scholarship, and to increase public knowledge and understanding.
5Calls makes it easy for people to reach their members of Congress and make their voices heard. They research issues, write scripts that clearly articulate a progressive position, figure out the most influential decision-makers, and collect phone numbers for Congressional offices. All one needs to do is make the call.
Goods Unite Us offers a non-partisan IOS App, that indicates the political affiliation of major corporations. The app shows the political donations made by companies and their senior employees. Goods Unite Us has information on clothing brands, home goods, cars, restaurants, universities, sports teams, and much more. (The app is free and available from the Apple App Store)
Groundwork develops new tools, data, and research to reframe economic policy debates and tell different stories about how the economy works and who it works for.
Pew Research (Politics and Policy)
Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan, nonadvocacy fact-tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It does not take policy positions. The Center conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, computational social science research, and other data-driven work.
Fact-checking journalism is the heart of PolitiFact. They say their only agenda is to publish the truth so you can be an informed participant in democracy. Owned by the nonprofit Poynter Institute, its core principles are independence, transparency, fairness, thorough reporting, and clear writing.
Although some of these trackers cover the same topics, such as Executive Actions, each offers a unique way of categorizing and providing search tools to make it easier to find areas of interest.
AKIN Trump Executive Order Tracker
Akin, a private global legal firm, provides a searchable executive order tracker that covers many industries. It also provides in-depth analysis of specific orders and an overview of all of the orders.
American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Tracker
AILA tracks notable changes to immigration-related regulations and policy that have been proposed or promulgated by the Trump administration. AILA is analyzing these orders and other executive actions to provide guidance and share analysis with AILA members.
AP NEWS Cabinet Confirmation Tracker
AP news tracks Trump’s picks for Cabinet-level posts and offers a quick background on each and where they stand in the confirmation process.
The Brookings Center on Regulation and Markets Regulatory Tracker (Reg Tracker)
The Reg Tracker focuses on major regulatory changes implemented under the current Trump administration. The tracker monitors a selection of rules, notable guidance, and policy revocations, executive actions, and important court battles across key policy areas such as the environment, health, labor, and more.
CNN is tracking executive actions — including executive orders, proclamations and memos — posted by the White House. The actions can be new initiatives or reversals of previous policies.
GovTrack.US tracks the activities of the U.S. Congress to help Americans be the best advocates for the issues they care about and to create a more open and accountable government. GovTrack.US publishes the status of federal legislation and voting records, information and statistics about representatives and senators in Congress, and news and commentary about Congress.
Just Security Litigation Tracker
Just Security is an online forum for the rigorous analysis of security, democracy, foreign policy, and rights. They track legal challenges to Trump administration actions.
NBC News Chicago Trump’s Directives Tracker
This tracker provides several ways to search and learn more about Trump policy directives.
The Trump Tyranny Tracker is provided by Olga Lautman, a non-resident senior fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) on Substack. This tracker documents corruption, human rights abuses and the dismantling of American democracy.