As part of our 30th Anniversary, National Priorities Project (NPP) recently honored 35 valued allies and partners from around the country as Democracy Champions. These individuals were recognized for exemplary leadership and tenacious commitment to the democratic ideals upon which our nation was founded.

NPP's Board and staff wanted to celebrate our remarkable allies and partners, without whom our work to democratize the federal budget would be impossible. From visionaries in education and labor, to heroes for the environment, to committed organizers for justice and women's rights, these Democracy Champions represent an incredible cross-section of the movements for justice, peace and democracy.

All of them, as leaders in their own fields, have made a difference in the movement for a more participatory, transparent, and equitable federal budget. They reflect the very best that our country has to offer, and we are proud to partner with them as we work towards a federal budget that reflects Americans’ priorities.

We announced the Democracy Champion awards at our recent 30th anniversary gala on October 18 in our hometown of Northampton, MA.

Over the next several weeks, we will be featuring each Democracy Champion on Facebook and Twitter. In the meantime, please read their full biographies and join us in celebrating their leadership for a better democracy.