This guide highlights advocacy organizations that work to uphold international law, national sovereignty, and democratic accountability in global affairs. These groups track abuses of power, investigate human rights violations, and press governments — including the United States — to follow agreed-upon rules and norms.

Their focus is not on picking sides in specific conflicts but on promoting lawful, responsible behavior by governments worldwide.

On these organizations’ websites, activists can find reporting on human rights violations, analysis of international law and the use of force, advocacy campaigns, policy briefings, and ways to contact policymakers and international institutions.

Amnesty International

A global human rights organization that documents abuses, mobilizes grassroots advocacy, and pressures governments to follow international law. Amnesty also provides clear action tools, including campaigns and petitions.

Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch conducts rigorous investigations into human rights violations worldwide and uses its findings to influence governments, international institutions, and public opinion. Policymakers and courts often cite its reporting.

International Crisis Group

An independent organization providing analysis and policy recommendations aimed at preventing and resolving deadly conflict. Its work emphasizes diplomacy, restraint, and multilateral solutions grounded in international law.

Freedom House

Freedom House monitors political rights and civil liberties around the world. Its reports help activists and policymakers identify democratic backsliding and advocate for accountable governance and rule-based international engagement.

National Democratic Institute

NDI works globally to strengthen democratic institutions, election integrity, and civic participation. While often operating behind the scenes, its influence on democratic norms and governance is substantial.

Inter-American Commission on Human Rights

An autonomous body of the Organization of American States that promotes and protects human rights in the Americas. It provides a formal avenue for accountability beyond national courts.

Open Society Foundations

A philanthropic network supporting organizations that advance human rights, justice, and democratic accountability. Its work emphasizes the rule of law, transparency, and limits on abusive state power.

United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner

The U.N.’s central human rights office monitors violations, supports accountability mechanisms, and provides authoritative reporting used by governments, courts, and civil society worldwide.

International Commission of Jurists

An organization of judges and lawyers dedicated to advancing international law and the rule of law. Its work focuses on legal accountability and judicial independence rather than partisan outcomes.

Council on Foreign Relations

An influential U.S.-based think tank offering analysis and debate on global governance and international law. While less grassroots-oriented, its reach among policymakers makes it a consequential voice.

Key Related Issues

International Law & the Use of Force
Legal limits on military action, including requirements for authorization, proportionality, and self-defense.

National Sovereignty & Non-Intervention
Respect for the political independence and territorial integrity of nations under international law.

Multilateral Institutions & Rule-Based Order
The role of international institutions in resolving disputes and enforcing shared norms.

Accountability for War Crimes & Human Rights Violations
Investigations, prosecutions, and international mechanisms that seek justice for abuses.

Limits on Executive Power in Foreign Policy
Checks on unilateral decision-making by national leaders, including legislative and judicial oversight.

Sanctions: Legality, Scope & Human Impact
Ensuring sanctions follow international law and minimize harm to civilian populations.

Protection of Civil Society & Democratic Institutions
Safeguarding journalists, activists, and democratic processes from repression and interference.

Refugee and Asylum Protections
Upholding international obligations toward displaced persons and asylum seekers.

Election Interference & Information Warfare
Preventing foreign interference and disinformation that undermine democratic sovereignty.

Climate Accountability Across Borders
Addressing transnational environmental harm and enforcing international climate commitments.

Related Resources

Advocacy Guides for Global Peace & Security:
Support diplomacy, international law, refugee rights, human rights, and peaceful international relations.

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These organizations focus on people displaced by war, persecution, and crisis—and the laws and systems that affect their survival and resettlement. On their websites, you’ll find advocacy toolkits, legal guidance, reports, campaigns, and resources for speaking out, taking action, and supporting displaced communities worldwide.

For more on related advocacy—covering U.S. immigration, Latino community rights, and the global forces driving refugee crises—see additional resources at the end of this list.

Looking for more ways to make a difference?
This resource is part of my continuing series of issue advocacy guides at Plainly, Garbl. You’ll find 60 more—including voting rights, executive overreach, environmental protection, worker rights, peace and diplomacy, education, and disaster relief—at Advocacy Groups by Issue. Check back occasionally for new issues and updated guides.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

UNHCR leads international efforts to protect refugees and stateless people. It offers global advocacy tools, legal guidance for U.S. and international asylum processes, and campaigns to stop forced returns.

International Rescue Committee (IRC)

IRC provides emergency aid, health care, and refugee resettlement services in over 40 countries and U.S. cities. Has an office in Washington state supporting local refugee communities, including Afghan and Ukrainian arrivals.

Women’s Refugee Commission (WRC)

WRC focuses on the rights of displaced women, youth, and people with disabilities. It provides research, campaign toolkits, and policy recommendations to make humanitarian aid more gender-responsive and protective.

International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP)

IRAP mobilizes legal aid and policy change to protect refugees, especially those stuck in transit or at risk of deportation. It shares legal training materials, advocacy playbooks, and global campaign tools.

Refugees International

This independent group sends field teams into crisis zones and publishes reports and policy recommendations that activists and lawmakers use to push for refugee protections and resettlement.

Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)

NRC delivers legal aid, housing, and education to people displaced by conflict, especially in high-risk areas. It offers reports and advocacy guides on statelessness, refugee law, and humanitarian access.

HIAS

HIAS is the global Jewish nonprofit that protects refugees and displaced people of all backgrounds. It offers legal aid, resettlement support, and advocacy rooted in Jewish values of welcoming the stranger.

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI)

USCRI helps refugees, asylum seekers, and unaccompanied children resettle in the U.S. and provides community-based resources and policy tools to improve protection and integration.

Tahirih Justice Center

Tahirih defends immigrant survivors of gender-based violence, including asylum seekers fleeing forced marriage, trafficking, or abuse. It shares trauma-informed legal strategies and advocacy tips.

Organization for Refuge, Asylum and Migration (ORAM)

ORAM supports LGBTQI+ asylum seekers and refugees through legal services and public education. It offers outreach materials, country-of-origin reports, and rights-based training for advocates.

OneAmerica

Based in Washington state, OneAmerica organizes immigrant and refugee communities across the country. It builds national alliances, promotes language justice and education equity, and advocates for fair immigration and resettlement policy.

Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP)

Headquartered in Washington, NWIRP provides legal aid to asylum seekers and leads major litigation with national impact. Its training resources and lawsuits have shaped immigration protections across the U.S.

Related Resources

Immigration Rights

Legal support and advocacy for immigrants and refugees living in the United States.

Latino and Hispanic Communities

Advocacy groups that support Latino communities affected by U.S. immigration enforcement and refugee policy.

Human Rights and Global Sovereignty

Organizations focused on international law, conflict, and the root causes of displacement.

Top Issues

Refugee and Asylum Protections: Upholding the rights of people fleeing violence, war, and persecution under international and U.S. law.

Resettlement and Integration: Supporting safe pathways, family reunification, housing, health care, and job access for refugees in host countries.

Statelessness: Advocating for legal identity and citizenship for people denied nationality or documents.

Gender-Based Persecution: Protecting women and LGBTQI+ people from forced marriage, trafficking, and violence in transit or origin countries.

No Forced Return (Anti-Refoulement): Opposing deportation or expulsion of refugees to countries where they could face persecution, torture, or life-threatening danger.

Access to Legal Aid: Expanding legal support, translation, and representation for displaced people navigating complex asylum systems.

Global Displacement Crises: Responding to major emergencies like those in Ukraine, Sudan, Venezuela, Afghanistan, and Myanmar. For advocacy focused on sovereignty, conflict, and international law, see the guide on Human Rights & Global Sovereignty.

LGBTQI+ Refugee Rights: Fighting discrimination and violence against LGBTQI+ people in refugee camps and border zones.

Safe Transit and Borders: Demanding humane treatment, due process, and safety in migration routes and at checkpoints.

Climate Displacement: Addressing the growing impact of extreme weather, drought, and rising seas on forced migration worldwide.

This isn’t just a list. It’s a chronicle of protest, persistence, and people power from the Cold War to today. I began this resource as a personal retrospective—a way to reflect on decades of peace activism.

But in today’s world of escalating wars, record defense budgets, and rising authoritarianism, I realized it could also be a resource for others. These organizations—some historic, many still active—show how people have pushed for alternatives to war through protest, diplomacy, disarmament, and grassroots organizing.

The list below includes veteran-led organizations speaking out against war and promoting peaceful alternatives based on lived experience in military conflict.

As a Baby Boomer whose activism began in response to the Vietnam War, I’ve seen protest evolve, movements rise and fall, and new generations carry forward the call. Many of these organizations I’ve come to know through news coverage, rallies, conversations, and lived experience.

These 50 organizations—local and global, grassroots and institutional, even one government-affiliated—represent the broad, shifting terrain of peace advocacy over the past 60 years.

Many of these organizations are still active, with links to their websites or local chapters (including some in Washington state). Others are now part of history but worth remembering for what they built, resisted, and made possible.

Many groups overlap categories, but each is listed by its primary focus and ordered chronologically by founding or peak influence year within that focus.

☮ Peace and Anti-War Movements

Grassroots and national organizations opposing war, militarism, and violence—often through protest, education, and direct action.

American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) (1917–present): A long-standing peace organization with Quaker roots, engaging in anti-war efforts, humanitarian aid, and advocating for social justice and peace. They were particularly active during the Vietnam War era with draft counseling and aid and continue their ongoing work on peace and social justice.

Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR) (1915–present): A long-standing interfaith pacifist organization committed to nonviolence and working for peace and justice. They had a strong influence during the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War era and continue their ongoing work in pacifism and social justice.

War Resisters League (WRL) (1923–present): A pacifist peace organization with a long history of anti-war activism and a focus on nonviolent resistance. They have maintained a consistent influence in pacifist and anti-war movements throughout various conflicts.

Women Strike for Peace (WSP) (1961-present): A women's peace organization founded in 1961 to protest nuclear weapons testing and later the Vietnam War. While its legacy remains influential, WSP does not appear to maintain an active national organization or website as of 2025.

Another Mother for Peace (1967–present): A women’s peace organization that emerged to protest the Vietnam War and continues to advocate for peace. They had significant visibility during the Vietnam War and saw renewed attention in the early 2000s with the Iraq War.

Grandmothers for Peace (1982–present): A women’s peace organization advocating for an end to war and violence. They have maintained a consistent voice in peace movements, gaining visibility during various conflicts and with symbolic presence at protests.

Peace Action (1987–present): Formed from the merger of SANE and the Freeze Campaign, with a focus on both arms control (particularly nuclear disarmament) and broader peace and anti-war advocacy. They have continued to exert influence on nuclear disarmament and peace advocacy. Washington affiliate in Snohomish County

Seattle Liberation Front (SLF) (1969-1971): A more radical, local anti-war and social justice organization based in Seattle, Washington. It engaged in protests and direct action, often with a focus on local issues connected to the broader anti-war movement. Their influence was primarily within the Seattle area during their active years.

Code Pink: Women for Peace (2002–present): A peace and anti-war organization known for its activism against U.S. military interventions and for promoting peace through nonviolent direct action. They have maintained significant visibility and activism during the post-9/11 wars and ongoing anti-war efforts. Washington chapter in Seattle.

United for Peace and Justice (UFPJ) (2002–present): A large coalition of peace and anti-war groups that organized protests against the Iraq War and advocates for a peaceful foreign policy. Their peak activity was in organizing massive protests against the Iraq War in the early 2000s.

Not in Our Name (2002–mid-2000s): A peace and anti-war initiative that emerged in opposition to the U.S.-led “War on Terror” and the invasion of Iraq. It organized protests, public statements, and educational campaigns based on a pledge of resistance to these policies. Their peak influence was during the lead-up to and early years of the Iraq War.

Win Without War (2003–present): A peace and anti-war organization advocating for progressive foreign policy, emphasizing diplomatic and non-military solutions to international conflicts. They continue to promote alternatives to military intervention.

Beyond the Bomb (Mid-2010s - present): A more recent grassroots movement focused on nuclear disarmament and preventing nuclear war, actively engaging younger generations through online activism and advocacy. Their influence is growing, particularly in raising awareness among younger demographics about nuclear risks and advocating for policy changes.

World Beyond War (2014–present): A peace organization advocating for the complete abolition of war and promotion of nonviolent solutions to conflict. They are a growing movement with increasing international engagement.

Reclaim the Streets (1990s)/Occupy (2011–present): Emerging first as direct-action protest movements in Europe and later influencing the U.S., these groups challenged militarized capitalism and government power. The Occupy movement, in particular, raised awareness of global inequality, economic injustice, and the role of militarism in sustaining empire. Their peak visibility was in the early 2010s, with lasting influence on activist culture.

Black Lives Matter (2013–present): While primarily focused on racial justice, the movement also addresses issues of militarization and police violence, connecting to broader peace and anti-war concerns. They have had a significant influence on public discourse around militarization and systemic violence.

☢ Arms Control, Disarmament, and Nonproliferation

Groups advocating for nuclear disarmament, international treaties, and policies to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction.

SANE (National Committee for a Sane Nuclear Policy) (1957–1987): Focused primarily on arms control, specifically nuclear disarmament, but also engaged in broader peace and anti-war advocacy, particularly against the Vietnam War. They had a significant influence during the Cold War. (Merged with the Freeze Campaign to form Peace Action.)

Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) (1957–present): Based in the United Kingdom, CND became a global symbol for nuclear disarmament, especially through its use of the now-iconic peace symbol. While not U.S.-based, it influenced U.S. anti-nuclear protests and solidarity efforts, especially in the 1980s, and continues its advocacy for global nuclear abolition.

U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency (ACDA) (1961–1999): A government agency focused on arms control policy and negotiations. They had their peak influence during the Cold War era in negotiating arms control treaties.

Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) (1961–present): Works at the intersection of arms control and peace, educating about the medical and public health consequences of nuclear weapons and war, advocating for their abolition and prevention. They were highly influential during the nuclear arms race of the 1980s and continue their work on the health consequences of conflict and environmental threats. Washington chapter in Seattle.

Council for a Livable World (1962-present): Works to eliminate the threat of nuclear war and reduce excessive military spending. They have exerted influence particularly during periods of heightened nuclear tension and arms control negotiations throughout the Cold War and its aftermath, notably during debates surrounding arms control treaties and in their early years, coinciding with the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) (1969–present): While working on a range of science and policy issues, UCS has a significant program focused on global security, advocating for nuclear arms control, non-proliferation, and reduced military spending. They gained significant influence during debates on nuclear weapons and arms control and continue their work on global security.

Nuclear Freeze Campaign (1980s): Primarily focused on arms control, advocating for a bilateral freeze on nuclear weapons production, testing, and deployment, with strong ties to the peace movement. They had their peak influence during the 1980s, significantly shaping public discourse on nuclear weapons. (Later merged with SANE to form Peace Action.)

Arms Control Association (ACA) (1971–present): Primarily focused on arms control, dedicated to promoting public understanding of arms control policies through research and education. They have maintained consistent influence in providing analysis and advocating for arms control policies.

Ploughshares Fund (1981–present): A grant-making foundation focused on nuclear disarmament and preventing the spread of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons, while also supporting efforts to prevent conflict and promote peace. They have maintained consistent influence as a funder and advocate.

Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation (1981-present): Primarily focused on arms control, providing analysis and advocating for policies to reduce nuclear dangers and prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction. They have maintained a consistent role in shaping policy debates and informing decision-makers on arms control issues.

Zangger Committee (1971–present): An international nuclear export control group focused on preventing the spread of nuclear materials and technology. It has had a sustained influence on global nonproliferation.

Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) (1974–present): A multinational initiative that plays a significant role in coordinating export controls to prevent nuclear weapons proliferation.

International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) (1992–present): Primarily focused on arms control, successfully campaigning for the ban on antipersonnel landmines. They reached their peak influence in the mid-1990s, leading to the Ottawa Treaty.

International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) (2007–present): Focused on arms control, advocating for and achieving the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. They reached peak influence leading to and following the adoption of the Treaty in 2017 and were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize that same year.

Global Zero (2008–present): Primarily focused on arms control, advocating for the global elimination of nuclear weapons through policy advocacy and public education. They continue efforts to build political will for nuclear disarmament in the 21st century.

Beyond the Bomb (Mid-2010s-present): While the group played an important role in engaging younger generations on nuclear disarmament issues, its current status is uncertain. Its website is inactive as of 2025.

🎓 Student and Youth Movements

College and youth-led organizations that energized anti-war activism, especially during the Vietnam War era.

Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) (1960s): Primarily a peace and anti-war organization, deeply involved in protesting the Vietnam War. They reached their peak influence in the mid-to-late 1960s during the height of the anti-Vietnam War movement on college campuses.

Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) (1960–1970s): While primarily a civil rights organization, SNCC took a strong stance against the Vietnam War in the mid-to-late 1960s, connecting it to issues of racial and economic justice. Their peak influence was during the Civil Rights Movement, with their anti-war stance gaining prominence later in the decade.

National Coordinating Committee to End the War in Vietnam (1960s): Focused on peace and anti-war activism, organizing large-scale demonstrations against the Vietnam War. They reached their peak influence in the active mid-to-late 1960s during the height of the anti-Vietnam War movement.

Student Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam (SMC) (1960s–1970s): A significant national student-led organization that coordinated large anti-war demonstrations and had a presence on many college campuses. They reached their peak influence in the mid-to-late 1960s and early 1970s during the height of the anti-Vietnam War movement.

Vietnam Moratorium Committee (1969): A nationwide protest effort rather than a formal organization, the committee helped coordinate massive anti-war demonstrations across the U.S. on Oct. 15 and Nov. 15, 1969. These events drew millions of participants—including on smaller and more conservative campuses—and marked a turning point in broad public opposition to the war. Their decentralized model allowed widespread campus and community involvement.

New Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam (New Mobe) (1969-1971): A coalition of various anti-war groups that succeeded the National Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam (NMC). New Mobe organized large-scale protests including the November 1969 Washington march and coordinated regional actions around the country. It played a key role in mobilizing students, clergy, veterans, and labor allies during the height of public protest against the war.

GI Movement (1960s–1970s): An anti-war movement within the U.S. military, advocating for peace from the perspective of active-duty personnel. Their activity and influence peaked in the late 1960s and early 1970s.during the Vietnam War as an internal military anti-war movement.

✝️ Faith-Based Peace and Justice

Religious organizations that connect nonviolence, compassion, and justice with peace-building efforts around the world.

Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) (1943–present): A Quaker lobby in the public interest, advocating for peace, justice, and environmental stewardship through legislative change. They have maintained consistent influence on legislative advocacy for peace and justice, with notable periods during major conflicts and arms control debates.

Clergy and Laity Concerned About Vietnam (CALCAV) (1965-1975): An interfaith organization that brought together clergy and laypeople from various religious traditions to oppose the Vietnam War on moral and ethical grounds. They had significant influence in providing a moral and religious voice to the anti-war movement.

Pax Christi USA (1972–present): A Catholic peace and social justice movement advocating for nuclear disarmament, nonviolence, and racial and economic justice. They were particularly active during the nuclear freeze movement of the 1980s and continue their work linking faith and peace activism.

🎖️ Veteran-Led Organizations

Veterans speaking out against war and promoting peaceful alternatives based on lived experience in military conflict.

Vietnam Veterans Against the War (VVAW) (1960s–present): Primarily a peace and anti-war organization, advocating against specific wars and for peaceful conflict resolution, often drawing on veterans' experiences. They gained significant influence in the early 1970s during the late stages of the Vietnam War and continue to be a voice against later conflicts.

About Face: Veterans Against the War (2004–present): A peace and anti-war organization composed of veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars who advocate against those conflicts and for peaceful alternatives. They have been a significant voice against recent U.S. military actions.

Veterans for Peace (1985–present): A peace and anti-war organization composed of veterans advocating for the abolition of war and peaceful conflict resolution. They have seen growing influence in opposing post–Cold War conflicts, particularly the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. Washington chapters in Seattle | Tacoma | Spokane.

🌍 International Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention

Organizations working globally to resolve conflicts, support nonviolence, and promote diplomacy over war.

The Peace People (1976–present): Founded in Northern Ireland during the height of the Troubles, this grassroots movement advocated for an end to violence and a peaceful resolution to the conflict through nonviolent civic engagement. Though based outside the U.S., they inspired peace activists worldwide—including many in the U.S.—with their emphasis on reconciliation and community dialogue. Their peak influence came in the late 1970s, when co-founders were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Nonviolence International (1990–present): An international network supporting nonviolent movements and disarmament campaigns. The U.S. branch gained influence in the 1990s and continues to work on treaty advocacy, conflict resolution training, and promoting nonviolent action globally.

International Crisis Group (ICG) (1995–present): A global organization working to prevent and resolve deadly conflicts through research, analysis, and high-level diplomacy. Their influence peaked in the late 1990s and early 2000s by shaping international responses to regional wars and promoting conflict prevention over military intervention.

🏛️ Government and Legislative Advocacy

Groups shaping public policy and legislation to promote peace, transparency, and a reduction in military spending.

Common Cause (1970–present): Initially founded with a strong “good government” agenda, their early influence included opposing the Vietnam War. Their primary focus later shifted to government accountability and reform.

Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA) (1995–present): A nonpartisan think tank analyzing U.S. defense policy and military spending. While not explicitly anti-military, it has provided critical insight into the costs and consequences of strategic choices, contributing to broader arms control and budget debates.

List compiled in early 2025 from personal experience, research, and memory. I welcome suggestions and updates—especially for local or emerging peace organizations doing meaningful work today.

Related Resources at Plainly, Garbl

🟪 Global Peace and Security

Support diplomacy, human rights, and peaceful international relations.

🧰 Activism Tools

Step-by-step guides, toolkits, and platforms for effective organizing.

🏛️ Government Resources

Find your lawmakers, track legislation, make your voice count.

🌟 Books to Help Us Bridge Divides and Resolve Conflict

Reading for peace, change, and understanding

🌟60 Years of Anti-War Songs in 90 Minutes

A 25-song Tidal playlist with tunes from 1961-2021.

Subscribe now

These organizations advocate for policies and programs that serve veterans’ needs and honor their service. They offer tools for civic engagement and action—ranging from grassroots campaigns to direct services and legislative advocacy.

About These Advocacy Group Guides: I’ve created more than 60 issue advocacy guides to help people connect with effective organizations and take meaningful action. If you’re interested in other issues, you can explore them all here: Advocacy Groups by Issue.

American Legion

A community service organization focused on veterans' benefits, youth programs, and national security, actively engaging citizens to advocate for veterans' rights.

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

A nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans and their families through advocacy, community service, and assistance with VA claims.

Wounded Warrior Project

Provides programs and services for injured veterans, focusing on health and wellness, and encourages community engagement through volunteer opportunities.

The American Red Cross

Offers various services to veterans, including emergency assistance, mental health support, and reintegration programs, while also mobilizing citizen volunteers.

Operation Homefront

Provides financial assistance and support to military families, focusing on critical needs and community engagement, mobilizing citizen activists to aid veterans.

Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)

A congressionally chartered organization dedicated to the needs of Vietnam veterans, advocating for their rights and benefits.

The American Veterans (AMVETS)

Advocates for veterans’ rights and benefits across all eras with a focus on community service.

Disabled American Veterans (DAV)

Supports veterans with disabilities providing assistance in accessing benefits and health care.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)

Focuses on the needs of veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, advocating for policy changes and providing resources for reintegration.

National Veterans Foundation (NVF)

Offers crisis management, information, and referral services to veterans, providing opportunities for citizens to volunteer and support veterans in need.

Government agencies

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

The overarching body responsible for providing comprehensive services to veterans, including health care, benefits, and memorial services. Engaging with the VA can offer opportunities for advocacy and improvement of veteran services.

Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

Part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the VHA provides health care services to veterans, focusing on holistic health and wellness.

Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)

Another branch of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the VBA administers benefits and services to veterans, ensuring they have access to their entitlements.

Veterans know the costs of war.
Explore today’s organizations working to prevent future wars.

Top Issues Facing Veterans

Mental Health and PTSD: Many veterans suffer from mental health conditions, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Activists work to promote awareness, access to mental health services, and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

Access to Health Care: Veterans often face challenges accessing timely and adequate health care services. Activists advocate for improved health care policies, better VA services, and increased funding for veteran health care initiatives.

Homelessness: A significant number of veterans experience homelessness due to various factors such as mental illness, unemployment, and lack of affordable housing. Activists support initiatives aimed at providing housing solutions and resources for homeless veterans.

Employment and Job Training: Finding stable employment can be challenging for veterans transitioning to civilian life. Advocates push for job training programs, employment resources, and business partnerships to help veterans secure meaningful work.

Benefits and Compensation: Many veterans encounter difficulties navigating the VA benefits system, leading to underutilization of available resources. Activists work to simplify the claims process and ensure veterans receive the benefits to which they are entitled.

Suicide Prevention: The veteran suicide rate is alarming, prompting activists to focus on prevention strategies, awareness campaigns, and support networks to help at-risk veterans.

Substance Abuse: Substance abuse issues can affect veterans, often as a coping mechanism for trauma. Activists advocate for treatment programs, support groups, and resources to address addiction among veterans.

Women Veterans’ Issues: Women veterans face unique challenges, including military sexual trauma and a lack of tailored health care services. Activists work to ensure that women veterans receive appropriate support and recognition.

Transitioning to Civilian Life: The shift from military to civilian life can be difficult for many veterans. Activists support programs that facilitate this transition, including mentorship, networking opportunities, and community integration efforts.

Advocacy for Policy Change: Many organizations and citizen activists focus on advocating for legislative changes that improve the lives of veterans, pushing for comprehensive reforms in areas such as health care, benefits, and veteran rights.

These organizations lead national and international efforts to reduce global tensions, prevent war, and eliminate nuclear arms. They advocate for diplomacy over militarism, sensible defense budgets, and enforceable arms control treaties.

Most offer action alerts, grassroots lobbying tools, educational resources, and ways to get involved—both online and in your community.

Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL)

A Quaker-led powerhouse for peace, diplomacy, and justice. FCNL trains grassroots lobbyists across the country and works closely with local and state-level Friends groups.

Peace Action

The largest U.S. peace group with a national network of affiliates, Peace Action champions cuts in military spending, a world free of nuclear weapons, and diplomatic conflict resolution.

Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS)

Science-based policy advocacy on nuclear weapons, arms control, and missile defense. UCS empowers activists through expert reports, advocacy alerts, and coalition efforts.

Win Without War

An agile digital campaign network promoting diplomacy-first U.S. foreign policy. Offers toolkits, petitions, and rapid-response actions to mobilize grassroots pressure.

Arms Control Association

A go-to source for trusted analysis and updates on arms treaties, nuclear risks, and global nonproliferation. Widely used by activists, media, and lawmakers.

Council for a Livable World

Combines policy research with strategic political advocacy, endorsing and funding Congressional candidates who support arms control and peacebuilding.

Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

Publisher of the iconic Doomsday Clock, the Bulletin elevates science-driven analysis of nuclear weapons, climate change, and emerging threats.

Ploughshares Fund

This philanthropic foundation supports frontline disarmament efforts, investing in coalitions, policy work, and public education on nuclear risks.

Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR)

Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility (WPSR)

Mobilizes medical professionals to advocate against nuclear weapons and environmental hazards. The Seattle-based chapter (WPSR) is highly active in public outreach and organizing.

Beyond the Bomb

A dynamic, youth-led campaign focused on abolishing nuclear weapons through intersectional activism, digital organizing, and strategic pressure on policymakers.

Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation

The research arm of the Council for a Livable World, this group provides accessible analysis on nuclear security and military policy.

Global Zero

An international campaign to eliminate nuclear weapons through phased global disarmament and international cooperation.

American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)

A Quaker-founded organization promoting peace and nonviolence. Its Seattle office engages in local youth empowerment and anti-militarism initiatives.

Looking for veterans advocacy?
Explore our guide to groups supporting those who’ve experienced the costs of war.

Related Issues

Nuclear Disarmament: Pressuring governments to eliminate nuclear weapons through treaties and domestic policy reform.

Diplomacy Over War: Advancing peaceful solutions through multilateral diplomacy, mediation, and global partnerships.

Defense Spending Reform: Reallocating excessive Pentagon budgets to community services, climate, and health care.

Arms Control Treaties: Supporting and defending agreements like New START, the Iran nuclear deal, and future accords.

Accountability in Arms Sales: Promoting transparency in U.S. military assistance, including to authoritarian regimes.

Youth and Grassroots Mobilization: Training and empowering new generations of peace advocates and organizers.

Environmental Impacts of Militarism: Challenging the environmental destruction caused by warfare and weapons testing.

Public Health and Safety: Emphasizing the medical and ecological risks posed by nuclear weapons and conflict.

Human Rights in Foreign Policy: Aligning defense and diplomatic priorities with justice and global human rights.

Public Education and Media Outreach: Spreading awareness through campaigns, journalism, and creative media.

These advocacy groups promote human rights, global justice, and the right of nations and communities to determine their own future. Their work includes resisting military intervention, economic exploitation, and political domination, including in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

On their websites, you’ll find action alerts, position papers, news, and organizing tools for civic engagement.

Human Rights First

A nonpartisan advocacy organization that focuses on promoting and protecting human rights and the rule of law in the U.S. and abroad.

Oxfam America

Part of a global movement to end poverty and injustice, Oxfam focuses on economic inequality, advocating for fair policies and practices that respect the rights of all nations.

Democracy Now!

An independent news organization that provides in-depth reporting on issues related to democracy, human rights, and social justice; amplifying voices often ignored by mainstream media.

The Institute for Policy Studies (IPS)

A think tank that focuses on promoting social justice and challenging the dominance of powerful countries, particularly in matters of foreign policy.

The Center for International Policy (CIP)

CIP promotes a U.S. foreign policy that promotes diplomacy and respect for human rights, often advocating for a reduction in militarism by powerful nations.

Global Witness

Focuses on the intersection of natural resources and human rights, advocating against corruption and for environmental protection.

The Carter Center

Founded by former President Jimmy Carter, it focuses on promoting democracy and health globally, often localized through specific initiatives.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC)

It provides humanitarian aid and support for refugees and displaced people, advocating for their rights and addressing the causes of displacement.

Global Rights

Promotes and protects human rights through partnerships with local organizations in various countries, empowering individuals and communities to advocate for their rights.

The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH)

An international nongovernmental organization that works to promote and protect human rights globally, advocating for accountability and justice for human rights violations.

Jewish Voice for Peace

A grassroots organization advocating for a just and lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians, promoting human rights, and opposing all forms of racism and discrimination.

American Friends Service Committee Campaign for Justice in Palestine and Israel

A Quaker organization that works to promote peace and justice in the region through advocacy, education, and community engagement.

US Campaign for Palestinian Rights

A national coalition advocating for the rights of Palestinians and promoting a just U.S. foreign policy that prioritizes human rights.

Mondoweiss

An independent news website that covers developments in Israel-Palestine and U.S. foreign policy, providing a platform for voices advocating for Palestinian rights.

Witness for Peace

Engages in advocacy and education to promote peace, justice, and human rights in Latin America and the Caribbean, challenging U.S. foreign policy and its impacts.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

A nonprofit organization that defends individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, including advocating for human rights internationally in foreign policy.

Related Resources

Refugee Rights and International Migration
Advocacy groups protecting the rights and safety of refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless people around the world.

Immigration Rights
U.S.-based advocacy focused on immigrant rights, legal aid, and fair immigration policy.

Key Issues

Advocacy for Palestinian Rights. Focusing on promoting justice and human rights by supporting efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict through policy changes that protect Palestinian rights, recognize Israel's right to self-defense, and emphasize the responsibilities of everyone involved.

Respect for International Law: Promoting adherence to international law to ensure that powerful nations respect the sovereignty and rights of others.

Support for Self-Determination: Advocating for the right of nations and peoples to determine their political status and pursue their development without external interference.

Human Rights Violations: Focusing on the protection of human rights, particularly for vulnerable groups affected by authoritarian practices, military intervention, and economic exploitation.

Military and Interventionist Policies: Addressing the consequences of military interventions and opposing policies that promote such actions in sovereign nations.

Economic Exploitation: Opposing unfair trade agreements and economic sanctions that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.

Democratic Governance: Advocating for the promotion of democratic governance, citizen participation, and accountability in governments worldwide.

Environmental Justice: Recognizing the impact of environmental degradation on human rights and advocating for sustainable practices that respect the rights of local communities.

This list features advocacy organizations dedicated to promoting democratic values globally and supporting Ukraine. These organizations focus on strengthening international alliances and upholding democratic principles in the face of authoritarian challenges.

Activists can find valuable resources, opportunities for involvement, and ways to support humanitarian efforts on their websites.

U.S.-Ukraine Foundation

This organization promotes awareness and support for Ukraine and its democratic development. It focuses on strengthening U.S.-Ukraine relations and provides resources for advocacy and education.

Razom for Ukraine

Razom mobilizes resources for humanitarian aid and advocacy for Ukraine, providing opportunities for activists to engage in campaigns and volunteer work.

Human Rights Watch (HRW)

HRW investigates and reports on human rights abuses around the world. It advocates for policy changes and raises awareness about international humanitarian issues.

Amnesty International USA

This organization works to protect human rights globally, responding to ongoing conflicts and humanitarian needs in many regions.

National Democratic Institute (NDI)

NDI is dedicated to supporting democratic governance worldwide. It has been active in Ukraine, helping to strengthen democratic institutions and processes through various programs.

Freedom House

Freedom House monitors and advocates for democracy and human rights worldwide. Activists can access reports, participate in campaigns, and support democratic movements.

International Crisis Group

This organization offers expert analysis on conflict resolution in regions across the globe. Activists can access valuable reports and advocate for effective solutions to ongoing crises.

Council on Foreign Relations (CFR)

CFR is an independent think tank that provides analysis and recommendations on U.S. foreign policy and international alliances. It hosts discussions and publications that influence policymakers.

Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA)

UCCA advocates for the interests of the Ukrainian-American community and supports Ukraine's sovereignty through lobbying and community outreach.

Open Society Foundations

This foundation supports democracy and human rights initiatives globally. Activists can explore grant opportunities and engage in advocacy efforts.

Key Issues

U.S. Support for Ukraine in Its Defense Against Russian Aggression: This is a critical and immediate concern, as increased military and financial assistance directly impacts Ukraine's ability to defend its sovereignty against ongoing aggression.

Humanitarian Aid for Ukraine: Given the humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict, advocating for international support to assist those affected is vital for addressing immediate needs.

Support for Democratic Institutions in Ukraine: Strengthening democratic processes, ensuring free elections, and enhancing civic engagement are essential for Ukraine's long-term stability and resilience.

Human Rights Advocacy: Protecting human rights globally, especially in conflict contexts, is crucial for accountability and justice, making this a significant area for activism.

Refugee and Displacement Support: With many people displaced due to conflicts, initiatives to support refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) are urgent and impactful.

Strengthening International Alliances: Promoting collaboration between democratic nations is important for collective security and foreign policy advocacy in response to global threats.

Support for Democratic Movements Globally: Advocating for the importance of international alliances in promoting democratic values and supporting civil society initiatives across various regions.

Climate Change and Environmental Protection: Engaging in efforts to promote sustainable practices and collaborate on international environmental agreements to address pressing global challenges.