Mission: Common Cause is a nonpartisan grassroots organization dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy. We work to create open, honest, and accountable government that serves the public interest; promote equal rights, opportunity, and representation for all; and empower all people to make their voices heard in the political process. In this spirit, Common Cause serves as an independent voice for change and a watchdog against corruption and abuse of power. Together with our sister organization, the Common Cause Education Fund, we employ a powerful combination of grassroots organizing, coalition building, research, policy development, public education, lobbying and litigation to win reform at all levels of government. To make our democracy work, we must claim it as our own. John Gardner, Common Cause’s founder, wrote that, “The citizen can bring our political and governmental institutions back to life, make them responsive and accountable and keep them honest. No one else can."
Website: http://www.commoncause.org/about/opportunities/volunteer/
Email: grassroots@commoncause.org
Phone: (202) 736-5724
What volunteers do:
- Serve as poll watchers on Election Day.
- Organize and participate in issue forums, petition drives, email, letter-writing and telephone campaigns.
FYI:
- In addition to other upcoming events, volunteers currently come on Tuesdays at 10:30-3 PM to help on our campaigns.
Mission: The ACLU of the District of Columbia (ACLU-DC), with more than 8,500 local members, fights to protect and expand civil liberties and civil rights for people who live, work, and visit D.C., and in matters involving federal employees and agencies. Those who join us also become members of the National ACLU. ACLU-DC pursues its mission through legal action, legislative advocacy, and public education. In addition to representing clients in court, sometimes we work with government agencies to defend liberty without litigation. We also testify and lobby before the D.C. Council, and we educate the public through Know Your Rights trainings and materials, appearances on radio and television, social media activity, and meetings with community groups.
Website: https://www.acludc.org/en/volunteer
Volunteer signup form: https://action.aclu.org/secure/dc-volunteer
Email: n/a
Phone: (202) 457-0800
What volunteers do:
- Help with community organizing, grassroots lobbying, research, writing, and online activism.
- Provide fundraising assistance, multimedia support, translation, and graphic design.
- Monitor protests, and take photos/videos.