We are friends, neighbors, and colleagues who work to defend our democracy. We believe democracy is a means toward a more just society. We say “nope” to those who seek to disrupt democracy through lies, violence, discrimination and exclusion.
Each and every one of us is a volunteer. We have no bank account or staff. Every dollar we raise is directed to candidates and groups through fundraising platforms.
We began in the DC Metro area, but COVID-19 launched us nationwide. Through Zoom meetings, one-on-ones, and group interactions, we provide a space for everyone. We research races and organizations working on the ground that support Democrats, offering political analysis and vetted actions that provide participants with the biggest bangs for their bucks — and time.
Our Strategy
We offer an on-ramp to political activism that maximizes the impact of your time and money, providing multiple opportunities for engagement to elect Democrats, fight voter suppression and advance voter participation.
We focus your resources on battleground states critical to preserving the Democratic majority in the US Senate, flipping the US House, and holding the White House in 2024. We also focus on state offices crucial to protecting the vote, such as governors, secretaries of state, and attorneys general.
We partner with grassroots organizations working to challenge voter suppression and advance voter participation in underrepresented communities of color. Supporting these groups promotes racial justice and fights voter suppression, not just for a single election, but for years to come. Read More: Grassroots Partners
We advise on strategic giving, identifying the races and grassroots organizations in our battleground states where your dollars will have the greatest impact. Read more: Strategic Giving
We direct you to meaningful volunteer opportunities whether you want to canvass, write, text, or phone. We welcome volunteers of all levels of experience. Read more: Volunteer
We strive to build an inclusive, diverse community of educated political activists. We keep you informed with weekly bulletins and virtual meetings with inspiring speakers such as US Senate candidates and grassroots activists. Read more: Meetings and Weekly Updates.
Our Story
Several Chevy Chase, DC residents started NOPE in November 2016 shortly after Donald J. Trump won the U.S. presidential election. Our goal was to bring together our neighbors, friends, and colleagues in the DC area to take tangible and decisive actions against the new administration's unacceptable policies and programs. We called ourselves NOPE, which stood for Neighbors Organizing for Power and Equality.
Pence Moves In
Two local events occurred soon after the election that motivated NOPE to expand our mission. First, Vice President-elect Mike Pence moved into our neighborhood. Joanna Pratt and Steve Samuels, who lived across the street from his temporary home, organized a Pride rainbow flag “welcome” by ordering boxes of rainbow flags to stand against Pence’s homophobia. By Inauguration Day, more than 300 flags were flying in the neighborhood.
And then…Comet
On December 4, a man from North Carolina entered Comet Ping Pong, our local pizza restaurant, with his assault weapon to "self-investigate" the fake news that Comet was involved in child sex-trafficking. Thus, with the Trump election, Pence in the neighborhood, and local business under fire, we united to regain the White House and to defend our democracy through electoral politics.