Our Story
Democracy is under threat—but when communities act together with clarity and courage, we win. Our vision is a democracy where we all thrive in a just, caring, and connected society.
About Western States Center
Based in the Pacific Northwest and Mountain States, Western States Center is a national leader committed to building a thriving inclusive democracy. For nearly 40 years, we’ve trained leaders, resourced organizers and movements, and built power with local communities facing authoritarian and bigoted threats.
Since 1987 our work has resulted in concrete policy and institutional changes across the West and beyond.
Everyday our work to defend democracy includes support and resources for:
Impactful civic, faith, cultural, and community leaders
Pro-democracy institutions, such as local government, public schools, and nonprofit organizations.
And the courageous coalitions at the intersection of these two ecosystems
Our Theory of Change
How we defend democracy
“Political violence and state violence are a serious threat to US civil society and democracy. While that violence has a long history in this country, so too does nonviolent organizing for dignity and justice—the roots of our work."
Amy Herzfeld-Copple
Executive Director at Western States Center
The impact of AMP
Authoritarianism is rising — but so are we.
For nearly four decades, Western States Center’s AMP (Activists Mobilizing for Power) conference has convened activists, grassroots organizers, movement leaders, and social justice advocates from across the West and nation to strengthen our networks and build our power. Through inspiring speakers, workshops, community building, art, and music, AMP is a place for activists to learn new strategies and tools, and refuel our movement through joy and connection.
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