In June, North Carolina For The People’s Executive Director, Melissa Price Kromm, joined over 500 global advocates at the 2025 World Justice Forum in Poland. The theme — Standing Up for the Rule of Law — resonated deeply with pro-democracy leaders grappling with rising authoritarianism around the globe.
Melissa returned home with renewed clarity: the fight to preserve democracy isn’t just local or national — it’s global.
“Democracy isn’t a destination — it’s a journey. Across generations and continents, people have fought to overcome oppression and injustice… And still, they press forward.” — Melissa Price Kromm
The forum emphasized that democratic backsliding follows a recognizable pattern: attacks on courts, the press, civil society, and free elections. These trends are not unique to any one country — and neither is the resistance. One clear message emerged: we must move from defensive postures to proactive strategies.
NC For The People is taking this global urgency to heart. Here’s how we’re responding:
- Public Education & Truth-Telling: We’re doubling down on media literacy, combating disinformation, and investing in community-based storytelling.
- Intersectional Coalition Building: We continue to bridge movements for racial equity, labor rights, reproductive freedom, and climate justice — showing how democracy connects them all.
- Proactive Scenario Planning: We’re engaging in foresight-based planning to anticipate and respond to threats to democracy before they escalate.
- Legal Integrity: Our judicial awareness campaigns, like Why Judges Matter NC, will grow in scope to equip communities with knowledge about the courts’ role in safeguarding democracy.
This moment calls for boldness, unity, and collective imagination. We are proud to be part of a growing global network working to secure justice and freedom for future generations.