Events

Democracy Awakening: April 16-18

The U.S. CapitolJoin us for three days of demonstrations, teach-ins, direct action trainings, music, a Rally for Democracy, and pressing for a Congress of Conscience through non-violent direct action and advocacy. Be part of a nationwide mobilization to demand action to create a democracy of, by and for the people. We will hold accountable the members of Congress who have blocked progress on democracy reforms. And we will demand an end to a system dominated by corporations and the wealthy, a system that prevents our country from addressing its greatest challenges – from inequality to climate change, from providing health care to all to ensuring everyone is paid a living wage.

Saturday, April 16 – Teach, Learn, Transform

Saturday will feature teach-ins, workshops and non-violent direct action trainings by powerful leaders from around the country who will inspire us as we build a movement to fight back against the attacks on democracy. We’ll have a cultural hub where folks can gather to create art and inspire change. Saturday night will feature a film, volunteer and direct action trainings to bring us together in the lead up to the Rally for Democracy. Featured speakers include Ari Berman from The Nation and April Goggans from Black Lives Matter DMV. Click here for details!

Sunday, April 17 – Rally for Democracy

Join thousands of people in a rally and march at the U.S. Capitol, where we’ll mobilize en masse to call for solutions that protect the people’s right to vote and prevent our voices from being drowned out by big money. Non-violent direct action trainings will follow in the lead up to the Congress of Conscience day of action. Don’t miss Sweet Honey in the Rock, NAACP President Cornell Brooks, Jim Hightower, author Sandra Steingraber and many others. More

Monday, April 18 – Congress of Conscience Day of Action

Join activists on Capitol Hill for a day of non-violent direct action and advocacy to encourage our representatives to champion critical voting rights and money in politics reform measures, as well as address other pressing democracy issues. Advocates from around the country will meet with elected officials and their staff to call for support of the following:

  • Fair consideration of the nominee to fill the Supreme Court vacancy, including timely hearings and a vote by the full Senate.
  • The Voting Rights Advancement Act (H.R. 2867, S. 1659), legislation that would restore the protections against voting discrimination that were struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in its Shelby County v. Holder decision, and make additional, critical updates to the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
  • The Voter Empowerment Act (H.R. 12), legislation to modernize voter registration, prevent deceptive practices that keep people from the ballot box and ensure equal access to voting for all.
  • The Democracy For All Amendment (H.J.Res. 22, S.J.Res. 5), a constitutional amendment that would overturn U.S. Supreme Court decisions like Citizens United and allow elected representatives to set commonsense limits on money in elections.
  • The Government By the People Act/Fair Elections Now Act (H.R. 20 and S. 1538), a small donor empowerment measure that would encourage and amplify small contributions from everyday Americans.

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Our reform agenda is aimed at creating a democracy where every voice is heard and every vote counts equally — in other words, a democracy that works for all of us.

*Not all organizations endorsing the Democracy Awakening mobilization are supporting and/or participating in the non-violent direct action activities.