🟦Good Government, Justice & Transparency
A ranked guide to advocacy groups strengthening democracy and accountability in public life
This guide highlights 15 of the most effective advocacy organizations working to improve democratic integrity, promote ethical governance, and empower citizen participation.
While rooted in good-government values like voting rights, transparency, and accountability, many of these groups also lead efforts on critical public issues—such as civil rights, climate justice, health care access, and economic equity.
Their broader advocacy not only helps make government work better but also helps ensure it works fairly for everyone.
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.
Nonpartisan leader promoting voting rights, campaign finance reform, and ethical governance. Offers easy-to-use tools and campaigns.
Legal and policy institute focused on strengthening democracy, protecting voting access, and limiting the influence of money in politics.
Empowers informed participation in democracy through education, advocacy, and local engagement.
Grassroots network helping people take action locally and nationally to protect democracy and push for progressive policies.
Progressive voice for democratic values, civil rights, and social justice. Combats disinformation (lies) and extremism while advocating for fair courts, equality, and inclusive leadership.
Challenges corporate power, supports consumer protections, and promotes transparency and accountability.
Defends civil liberties and individual rights through litigation, advocacy, and public education. Works on voting rights, racial justice, reproductive freedom, LGBTQ+ rights, and more.
Mobilizes millions of grassroots activists to support justice, democracy reform, and civic participation. Engages across issues—from reproductive rights to economic fairness—while strengthening progressive power.
Progressive think tank advancing democracy, equity, and evidence-based solutions across major policy areas—including health care, climate, education, and economic justice.
Helps people register, check registration, request ballots, and get election reminders—especially younger voters.
âž• Other Key Organizations Focused on Democratic Reform
Cross-partisan group fighting political corruption, gerrymandering, and barriers to fair representation.
OpenSecrets (Center for Responsive Politics)
Tracks and analyzes money in politics, lobbying, and campaign spending to expose undue influence.
Focuses on ethics in government, campaign finance reform, and defending the rule of law.
Engages college students in democracy reform and public campaign financing advocacy.
National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC)
Works to end partisan gerrymandering and promote fair electoral maps through legal, legislative, and grassroots efforts.
🔧 Spotlight Resources for Taking Action
These two practical tools can help you move from learning to doing.
Step-by-step guides on writing letters, meeting with officials, organizing advocacy campaigns, and leading civic action.
Citizens’ Climate Lobby – Advocacy Tools
Excellent training resources for writing, calling, and meeting with lawmakers—especially for new activists.
🧠Issues That Define Good Government
These are the core focus areas shared by many of the organizations listed above.
Campaign Finance Reform: Reducing the influence of big money in politics through limits, transparency, and public financing.
Voter Rights and Access: Protecting and expanding the right to vote by eliminating barriers and ensuring fair access for all.
Government Accountability and Transparency: Promoting open records, ethical conduct, and oversight of public officials and institutions.
Civic Engagement and Education: Encouraging informed public participation in elections, policy discussions, and community advocacy.
Election Integrity: Ensuring secure, fair, and trusted elections through modern voting systems and protections against disinformation.
Corruption Prevention: Combating unethical behavior and misuse of power at all levels of government.
Civil Rights Protection: Upholding individual rights and liberties, including equal access to representation and justice.
Lobbying and Corporate Influence: Exposing and regulating the ways powerful interests shape public policy behind the scenes.
Social Justice Advocacy: Addressing systemic inequalities through inclusive, equitable policymaking.
Policy Advocacy for Equality: Pushing for laws that improve access to education, health care, housing, and fair employment.