The front-lines of democracy are in every community—school boards, city and county officials, sheriffs, local news, local elections—as well as in intentionally divisive national and state narrative and policy fights waged by the authoritarian right against LGBTQ+ communities, the integrity of democratic elections, public schools and teachers, workers and organized labor, immigrants, Jews, Muslims, secularism, and beyond.
But while authoritarians are gaining ground, what’s rarely recognized is that those of us who believe in the democratic promise of the U.S. make up the overwhelming majority of people in the U.S. What we need are the means to act like the majority.
The 22nd Century Initiative works toward a people-powered multi-racial democracy in this century and the next by advancing strategic alignment that brings together frontline organizations, national pro-democracy groups, training resources, think tanks, and advocacy organizations.
22CI is the trusted convener of a growing network that deepens relationships and shares cutting edge research, ideas, and strategy. This network weaving led to our first national conference in July 2023 in Minneapolis, MN, that increased strategic alignment in the pro-democracy movement and significantly expanded the network. Our next national conference is happening on June 19-22, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
22CI produces and publishes media that strengthens the coherence and alignment of our broad movement. The post-January 6th pro-democracy/anti-authoritarian movement is in a state of growth and flux. Defending democratic freedoms and advancing an inclusive democracy is now a prerequisite for winning on every justice and equity issue.
22CI brings together artists and strategists to develop frameworks and tools to illuminate why anti-democratic movements’ narrative work is so effective, to anticipate the next wave of authoritarian narrative strategy, and to create stories and narratives that make meaning for our shared democratic futures.
22CI and our network understand the need for mass political education that reaches millions, starting with frontline organizations in the pro-democracy movement.
22CI works with foundations and donors to understand the most effective and innovative frameworks and strategies in the pro-democracy movement in order to help them make more potent investments that will strengthen pro-democratic efforts and mitigate the growth of authoritarianism.
