This isn’t a band-aid. It’s a full system reset.
Citizens Rise is building a step-by-step strategy to neutralize Big Money’s control over our democracy — starting at the state level. We’re not waiting on Congress or the Supreme Court. Instead, we’re deploying scalable tools that states can adopt, enforce, and build on — with or without federal action.
Each part of the plan will roll out in phases, including:
- Short videos that explain each reform in plain terms
- Detailed chapters that show exactly how each strategy works
- State-level models that can be customized and passed into law
Our Near-Term Focus:
Enact bold, enforceable laws in key states that can expose dark money, empower voters, and shift political outcomes — without waiting for Washington.
Our Long-Term Vision:
Build a nationwide firewall strong enough to contain Big Money across every branch of government — permanently.
Change doesn’t come all at once. But it comes faster when people stop hoping and start building. That’s what this plan is about.
Strategy Summaries
Strategy 1: Clean State Firewall
Stop dark money at the state line.
The Clean State Firewall is a legally enforceable framework that blocks untraceable money from flowing into elections, lobbying, and ballot measures. It requires every political actor — from PACs to nonprofits to shell vendors — to disclose their true funders and affiliations before they can operate in the state. Entities that fail to comply are banned from influencing state outcomes. It’s scalable, Supreme Court-proof, and ready to deploy in multiple states.
Watch the explainer video: “The Man Behind the Curtain”
Strategy 2: Truth in Political Spending (Trigger Law)
Expose the funders behind every political ad — in real time.
Whenever a group buys a political ad or hires a lobbyist, this law forces them to disclose who’s really paying for it — before the message reaches voters or lawmakers. No more hiding behind patriotic-sounding front groups. Every triggering activity is logged in a public, searchable database, with real funders, amounts, and vendor relationships visible. It’s effective on its own and even more powerful as part of the Clean State Firewall.
Video explainer coming soon.
Strategy 3: Democracy Credits
Give every voter the power to fund candidates — not just billionaires.
This strategy provides every registered voter with a small public credit (e.g. $25) they can use to support the candidate of their choice. Candidates who agree to refuse large private donations can opt into the system and receive these funds. It puts power back in voters’ hands, breaks the dependency on wealthy donors, and allows real people to run real campaigns.
Video explainer coming soon.
Strategy 4: Debate Access Reform
If your name’s on the ballot, your voice belongs on the stage.
Right now, debate access rules often favor the biggest fundraisers — which means Big Money decides who voters hear from. This strategy mandates that any candidate who qualifies for the ballot must be invited to publicly funded debates. It gives independent and reform-minded candidates a chance to be heard, and gives voters the chance to make informed decisions — not just expensive ones.
Video explainer coming soon.
Strategy 5: Corporate Charter Enforcement
If a corporation uses its power to undermine democracy, it loses its privileges.
This strategy empowers states to enforce their own corporate charters — the legal licenses that allow companies to operate. If a corporation breaks election laws, launders dark money, or repeatedly defies transparency rules, the state can revoke its charter or block it from doing business in political activity. It’s accountability with teeth, and it targets the source, not just the symptoms.
Video explainer coming soon.
Strategy 6: Digital Grassroots Tools
Out-organize Big Money — with tech built for real people.
They need digital infrastructure that matches the scale of the challenge. This strategy equips organizers with apps, data dashboards, coordination tools, and transparency feeds to track influence in real time and respond locally. It turns passive frustration into active resistance — and gives citizens the tools to win.
Video explainer coming soon
Strategy 7: Ballot Initiatives in Target States
We’re not waiting for Congress. We’re going straight to the voters.
This strategy uses the ballot initiative process to pass firewall laws, disclosure rules, and reform policies directly — bypassing gridlocked legislatures. States like Arizona, Michigan, and Nevada already allow citizen-led ballot measures. Citizens Rise will target a handful of winnable states where reform laws can be enacted by the people — and set a national precedent from the ground up.
Video explainer coming soon
Strategy 8: Democracy Stream — The Public Visibility Engine
Even after firewall laws are passed, reform candidates still need to be heard.
Democracy Stream is the platform built for that next step — giving small-dollar candidates visibility, credibility, and access to voters without needing billionaire backing.
It includes:
- A nonpartisan platform for verified candidate video messages
- Public-interest funding pools to support paid social media reach
- Civic airtime mandates for qualifying state and local candidates
- Remixable content kits to help supporters amplify trusted voices
- Local broadcast partnerships and influencer-driven reach
It’s not a campaign tool — it’s a public utility for democratic access.
Democracy Stream will be developed only after foundational firewall and enforcement tools are in place. Until then, we’re laying the groundwork through content kits, civic partnerships, and pilot projects.
Video explainer coming soon