About Us
Democracy Rising is a grassroots, nonviolent movement resisting the rise of far-right extremism in our communities. Based in Vancouver, BC, we organize protests, build networks of solidarity, and share clear, fact-based information to help people recognize and reject authoritarianism.
We were founded by a group of tired parents who are afraid of what tomorrow would look like for our children if we didn’t act today. We were inspired by the study that found that it only takes 3.5% of the population to peacefully protest to drive meaningful change. Our role is to champion democracy and inspire other to stand up with us.
We’re a rallying point for anyone who believes that democracy, equity, and empathy are worth standing up for.
What’s in a name change?
Vancouver Against Fascism
is now
Democracy Rising
We’re still the same group of ornery activists that took to the streets in February, 2025. Our goal then and now was to help grow a movement to 3.5% or better of the population, a force that can stand up to authoritarian advances. But it didn’t take long to realize that we had defined ourselves in terms of what we opposed, rather than what we are for. And the ‘antifa’ brand created by right wing media to dismiss legitimate action by pro-democracy forces may have made outreach to media, government and other organizations more difficult than necessary. We feel that a positive framing of work against the rise of fascism is Democracy Rising to stop it.
Contact us at info@democracyrising.ca
Our Guiding Principles
1) WE STAND FOR DEMOCRACY
We champion the very right to disagree, and the institutions that uphold and protect that right.
We know that when we try and stand for everything we may end up standing for nothing. This means that we can’t represent every related issue equally at all times, but we do hope to be as inclusive as possible. There is strength in numbers.
2) COMMUNITY CONNECTION PREVENTS FASCISM
We know that the rise of fascism happens in the dark and when people are isolated and alone. Part of the cure is creating a network of people who know, trust, and care about each other.
This means that we are focused on in-person events, rallies, and protests as much as possible.
3) WE PROTEST PEACEFULLY
We know that peaceful process is the most effective way to drive the change we want to see: Our organization was formed on the basis of the idea that it takes 3.5% of the population to peacefully protest to drive meaningful change. This means that our actions and words are non-violent, and we remind ourselves of that regularly.
4) WE BELIEVE IN EQUAL RIGHTS
We believe that one of the fundamental aspects of fascism is that it seeks to disenfranchise or erase large segments of the population. We are inclusive and supportive of people’s rights to exist, and equal access to all rights.
5) TRUTH IS OUR WEAPON
In face of authoritarian rhetoric and misinformation, our arguments are grounded in real truths and science. We rely on empathy and rationality rather than fear. This means that our messages might have emotional appeal, but that they cite sources. And we focus our attacks on policies and actions, not attributes.