All people can live free from fear.

Western States Center envisions inclusive democratic movements and societies rooted in justice and equity.

The four pillars of our work

Build Movements

We strengthen the organizing capacity of often-marginalized communities, with an emphasis on gender and racial justice.

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Develop Leaders

We provide training, leadership development, and organizational capacity support to social justice movement leaders.

Shift
Culture

We convene culture-makers to shift the narrative and use culture as a vehicle for social change.

Defend Democracy

We help communities and civil society effectively respond to anti-democratic social movements.

Safeguarding Arts & Culture Spaces:
A Pro-Democracy Guide for Idaho Venues

Readers will gain the resources to develop policies, protocols, and practices that can be the foundation for a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment. This will help venues respond to challenges and build capacity for mitigating and managing difficult situations.

Discover
Western States Center’s
Impactful Resources

What if the January 6, 2021 Insurrection had been successful?

Written by Alan Jenkins and Gan Golan and illustrated by Will Rosado, 1/6 asks and answers the question: What if the January 6, 2021 Insurrection had been successful?

The graphic novel chillingly illustrates how close we came to authoritarian rule in America and the threats to our democracy that we still face. In the tradition of speculative fiction from George Orwell’s 1984 to Margaret Atwood’s Handmaid’s Tale to the Twilight Zone, it explores themes of autocracy, scapegoating, strategic disinformation, and more, all told through a compelling, character-driven story.

Drawing on real-life events, 1/6 travels the road that led from back-room meetings, white supremacist rallies, and the Four Seasons Landscaping parking lot to a violent attack on the Capitol that left several Americans dead and shook our nation to its core.

The 4-issue series debuted in early 2023 with the first and second editions now available. Written by Alan Jenkins and Gan Golan. Artwork by Will Rosado. Colors by Lee Loughridge. With additional contributions by comics masters Shawn Martinbrough, Jamal Igle and more. Volume 2 is Now Available!

Access our Toolkits & Resources

We provide resources, toolkits, and trainings that equip communities, organizations, individuals and local governments to defend inclusive democracy.

 

Newsroom

NEWSROOM
Gathering safely is a pillar of an open and free democracy: An interview with Andrea Marcoccio
Gathering safely is a pillar of an open and free democracy: An interview with Andrea Marcoccio

Idaho has a long history of organizing to protect communities and community spaces from groups trying to silence anyone who disagrees with them.

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Idaho Small Business Owners Launch Initiative to Protect Inclusive Cultural Spaces Amid Rising Threats
Idaho Small Business Owners Launch Initiative to Protect Inclusive Cultural Spaces Amid Rising Threats

In response to increasing threats, harassment, and political violence targeting Idaho’s cultural and community spaces, a group of Idaho small business owners, community leaders and advocates, local artists and cultural organizers unveiled a groundbreaking initiative.

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Western States Center Applauds Courageous Defense Against Recent Attack on Democracy in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Western States Center Applauds Courageous Defense Against Recent Attack on Democracy in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Western States Center applauds Dr. Teresa Borrenpohl for her bravery in defending inclusive democratic values at the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee town hall meeting in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. She displayed remarkable courage, safeguarding freedom of speech and our collective right to express our opinions peacefully even when we disagree with those in power.

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