Pillars of Support

These are institutions and sectors that, when engaged responsibly, reinforce democratic values instead of undermining them

Each authoritarian requires support. This ends when enough of us say NO.

The Pillars of Support are the organizations and institutions in society that can provide the administration with the power they need to implement policies and wield control.

When these pillars cooperate with justice, transparency, and accountability, they strengthen democracy.

When they comply blindly with abuse of power or authoritarian pressures, they inadvertently support authoritarianism.

Watch the Trainings

  • Media Organizations

    Providing independent reporting, fact-checking, and holding power accountable

  • Businesses and corporations

    Operating ethically, protecting workers’ rights, and resisting corruption

  • Civil society groups

    Organizing citizens for voting, advocacy, and community action

  • Faith and community organizations

    Promoting inclusion, justice, and civic participation

  • Educational Institutions

    Teaching critical thinking, civic engagement, and human rights

  • Government agencies and civil servants

    Enforcing laws fairly and transparently

  • Judiciary and law enforcement

    Upholding the rule of law and protecting rights

  • Other Groups

    Think about other groups or identities you can leverage, then gather your people

Turning a Pillar Towards Democracy

Courage Collectives unite people inside the Pillars of Support to refuse cooperation with authoritarian power and move our institutions to defend democracy.

How it works:

  1. Gather people who share your pillar identity (teachers, union members, faith congregation members, etc.)

  2. Map your leverage (associations, employers, boards, etc.)

  3. Pick a target

  4. Run noncooperation actions

Are you already in an Indivisible group? Either create a pillar sub-team, or launch a separate Collective.

Learn More about Collectives