Counter Koch Groups

Puerto Rico – image from Getty

Groups that Counter the Koch Network

Today, only two efforts focus 24-7 on the Koch threat. Fortunately, they are both doing vital and urgent work you will want to know about—and might want to support:

Koch Docs – A comprehensive new clearinghouse of hard-to-find documents on Charles Koch, the network he has built, and their agenda. A superb source for information on all aspects of the Koch threat, it could also be used in courses or popular education efforts.

UnKoch My Campus  – The premier Koch-fighting organization, using state-of-the-art research, advocacy, organizing, and media work. Your best bet for Koch-focused volunteering and giving, UnKoch My Campus has helped local activists in more than 30 states, so may be able to connect you with efforts in your area.

This heat map shows how pervasive the Koch investment on University campuses is, with donation size linked to the size and color of the dot. The interactive version is at the link here:  https://public.tableau.com/profile/ralph.wilson#!/vizhome/HeatMap_112/Sheet2?publish=yes   The visual below is just to pique your interest

Other entries on the list below are engaged in defending and enhancing democracy in the ways indicated. Many have state affiliates. You can choose to focus on Voting Rights, or Immigration, or Climate, and find organization(s) to support from the list below.

NOTE: this is not a complete list, just groups we know about. Please write to us with additions or corrections. Every group can use your help. Pick one or two and jump in! Note that most organizations links to their web site.

Groups by function:

BUILD DONOR NETWORK

DEVISE STRATEGY, POLICY, AND TACTICS for each stage of the plan:

RECRUIT & TRAIN TALENT TO CARRY OUT AGENDA

ORGANIZE TO REGAIN STATE-LEVEL & LOCAL POWER & PROMOTE SELF-REINFORCING POLICY

EXPAND THE ELECTORATE & DEFEND VOTING RIGHTS & PARTICIPATION

DE- SACRALIZE THE RIGHT’S AGENDA by cultivating religious allies & advance a pro-public one

EXPOSE THE KOCH COUNTERFEIT RIVALS OF PROGRESSIVE GROUPS to media & rally originals

USE WEDGE ISSUES TO BREAK UP THE KOCH PHALANX AND PEEL OFF THEIR SUPPORTERS – To Do’s

  • Faith groups and leaders – enlist National Council of Churches etc. to convey the libertarian ethical agenda
  • Veterans administration privatization – Concerned Veterans of America pushing for privatization of VA against all the venerable, real vet groups, including VFW and AL.
  • Corporate interests and investors hurt by climate change (agriculture, green energy, insurance, tourism, etc.)
  • AARP – expose stealth bid to privatize Social Security and Medicare
  • Common sense gun control – organize union veterans and hunters against the NRA?
  • Environment – strong majorities of Republican voters, too, still support protection of air and water quality, western lands and monuments, etc., so expose what the GOP is trying to do quietly and administratively

DOCUMENT & Publicize KNOWN MISINFORMATION FROM THE KOCH NETWORK including CLIMATE DENIAL TO EDITORIAL BOARDS

SUPPORT MEDIA THAT EXPOSE AND COUNTER FOX, BREITBART, One America …

DEFEND HIGHER EDUCATION BY EXPOSING THE DONOR GAMBIT TO RUIN IT

USE VOTER ACTION & PROGRESSIVE DONOR INFLUENCE TO KEEP DEMOCRATS HONEST AND ACCOUNTABLE TO VOTERS AND “MUST-HAVE” PRO-DEMOCRACY STRUCTURAL REFORMS

THWART THE ARTICLE V CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION & ENGAGE PUBLIC INTEREST LAWYERS AND PROGRESSIVE LAW SCHOOL FACULTY TO DEVISE LEGAL STRATEGY TO BETTER PROMOTE DEMOCRACY

BUILD GLOBAL INFO EXCHANGES & RELATIONSHIPS TO BLOCK “EXIT THREATS” & LIFT FLOORS

The Democracy Initiative – The Democracy Initiative is a network of 72 civil rights, environmental, labor, and civic organizations formed to restore the core principles of democracy and political equality.