Democracy Protection Network

About the Democracy Protection Network

Why is the DPN needed?

Protecting American democracy from the rising tide of authoritarianism requires a broad, pluralistic coalition with a shared commitment to upholding democratic institutions and norms. But civil society organizations and individual leaders who have long served as a check on those in power are increasingly facing a variety of threats that drain resources, detract from their core work, and send a chilling signal to others. Those threats range from online harassment to political violence to politicized government investigations.

Organizations and individuals working to protect and strengthen our democracy need to know they’ll have access to support if they come under threat.

The Democracy Protection Network is a coordinated network of experts who have come together to provide that support. Our broad goal is to ensure that those who are targeted are able to stay on the field. The DPN coordinates low- to no-cost crisis-response and resilience-building services — including physical security, cybersecurity, crisis communications, and legal services — for eligible organizations and individuals.

Who is eligible for assistance?

The Democracy Protection Network coordinates crisis-response and resilience-building services for organizations and individuals working across the ideological spectrum to protect and strengthen American democracy. The DPN’s primary focus is on supporting those working to counter the threat of authoritarianism, strengthen electoral systems and defend voting rights, mitigate political violence, uphold the rule of law, and shore up other democratic guardrails. This may include current or former government officials.

In some cases, particularly when comparable or more tailored assistance is not available elsewhere, the DPN may also support others whose work falls outside these categories if they are facing threats because they represent a community being scapegoated as part of the authoritarian playbook, or if they are being threatened through tactics that pose a larger risk to the pro-democracy field.

The DPN works closely with other support-services networks and providers to ensure that organizations and individuals who come under threat get the help they need. Anyone unsure if they qualify for assistance is encouraged to submit an application.

We are not able to assist political candidates, PACs, or political parties.

What kind of support does the DPN provide?

The Democracy Protection Network is a coordinated network of experts providing services related to physical security, cybersecurity, crisis communications, legal advice and representation, and more.

Typically, the DPN will coordinate support from within its network. Sometimes, though, we will connect those in need to services elsewhere, particularly if those services are better tailored to meet an applicant’s needs.

The DPN coordinates crisis-response services for organizations and individuals who have been singled out in some way and face an immediate threat. We also offer some resilience-building services (e.g., assistance establishing good-governance or security practices) for those who are not facing an immediate crisis but want to build their capacity to withstand one in the future.

Are the DPN's services free?

Submitting an application for assistance is free. In most cases, the Democracy Protection Network will coordinate pro-bono services for qualifying organizations and individuals, though in some cases we may offer low-cost services (or a combination of both).

Who can I contact with questions or feedback?

The Democracy Protection Network is in a pilot phase. We welcome questions or feedback on how we can continue to improve at manager@democracyprotectionnetwork.org.