Our Partners
Combined Defense Project
Supporting environmental advocates to achieve shared goals
Stay tuned for updates! We’re working to bring back the Combined Defense Project.
Democracy Defense Memo
Who we are
The Combined Defense Project (CDP) serves as a knowledge and collaboration hub, advancing and defending just, equitable, and creative solutions to the environmental community’s most pressing, shared concerns.
We help local leaders, BIPOC-led organizations, and national environmental groups develop strategies, impact federal policies, and uplift effective, values-based messaging.
What we do
We fill gaps
CDP helps partners identify the values they have in common, and provide capacity, resources, and infrastructure to help them achieve their shared goals.
We collaborate
CDP is focused on maximizing our partners’ strengths. We use our connections and networks to make intel and information accessible. We facilitate communication between partners with varied perspectives on the issues. We lead from behind, without a public-facing brand, working to secure positive outcomes without caring who gets the credit.
We communicate
CDP leads with messaging based on our values: protecting our health, protecting our communities, protecting the environment, and maintaining access to the great outdoors. We tailor our message to reach our target audience and influence key decision-makers.
We do intersectional work
CDP brings allies and partners together from across the progressive movement to elevate environmental justice issues.
How we work
Day-to-day support
CDP convenes advocates and allies across the environmental movement, regularly updating them on the latest dynamics affecting federal environmental advocacy. We create opportunities for groups to share resources – including sign-on letters and social media toolkits – to help advocates stay current on what their colleagues are working on.
Rapid response communication & coordination
CDP provides communications support and surge capacity in rapid response moments, including organizing volunteer phone banks and mobilizing our partners and supporters to participate in days of action when important environmental protections are at risk.
Education & advocacy campaigns
CDP’s work includes building new coalitions to respond to new and emerging threats including:
- Fighting to end new offshore drilling
- Organizing staff who work at the intersection of protecting the environment and democracy
- Protecting federal funding for environmental programs
