Feel Good Friday - Brennan Center for Justice

Tomorrow, America turns 250, and it felt like the right week to spotlight an organization working to make sure that milestone still stands for something: the Brennan Center for Justice.

Founded in 1995 and headquartered in New York City, the mission of the Brennan Center for Justice is "to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the twin American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all." The nonpartisan law and policy institute marked its own 30th anniversary in 2025, and in its latest annual report, it ties that milestone direction to this year's 250th anniversary, writing that America still has it in its power to begin the world over again.

The Brennan Center's Democracy Program fights for free and fair elections through research, litigation, and advocacy that reaches every level of government. Earlier this year, their attorneys represented the League of Women Voters and other allies in a lawsuit challenging an executive order that would have required documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote, something research shows millions of eligible Americans don't have on hand. A federal judge agreed, ruling that the Constitution puts states and Congress, not the president, in charge of election rules. They've also worked with allies across the political spectrum on dozens of friend-of-the-court briefs that helped lead to a landmark ruling blocking the administration's worldwide tariffs. That's the kind of quiet, unglamorous work that keeps a 250 year old system of self government functioning.

Beyond elections, the Justice Program pushes for a fairer, more effective criminal justice system, and the Government Power Program works to balance safety with constitutional rights. 

If you'd like to celebrate Independence Day by supporting an organization fighting for  the democracy and equal justice this country was founded on, there are many ways to do so. A monetary donation to the Brennan Center helps fund the litigation and research that keeps these fights moving, and you can also explore their Take Action page to weigh in on live legislation. As always, you can amplify their message on social media too. Follow the Brennan Center on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or YouTube, and help carry their case for democracy forward.

Here's to the next 250 years.