The General Council of the Ho-Chunk Nation votes overwhelmingly to amend their tribal constitution to enshrine the Rights of Nature - the first tribal nation…
“Common Sense” Newsletter – August 2026: Walking the Columbia River with Julie Lomboy
Our August Common Sense monthly newsletter reveals how a prayer walk alone will not stop the destruction of the Columbia River. But it is a precursor to action. One cannot take bold action — especially action involving sacrifice — without spiritual commitment.
Common Dreams: Learning from the Standing Rock Sioux
The Standing Rock Sioux have much to teach us: grieving for the loss of land and threat to water, taking action to protect what belongs…
The Athens Messenger: Supreme Court says no to Athens County charter proposal
The Ohio Supreme Court refuses to place Athens, Meigs, and Portage Counties' rights-based Charters on the November ballot. County residents are working to protect their…
Blog: Ganga’s Rights are Our Rights
CELDF is partnering with local groups and NGOs in India to advance the rights of the Ganges River through the National Ganga River Rights Act.
The Baffler: Who Speaks for the Trees?
Recognizing Rights of Nature is part of the growing discourse on the rights of ecosystems to exist and thrive, based on their own intrinsic value.…
Truthout: Corporate Suppression of Direct Democracy Fuels Fight for Community Rights
Across the U.S., corporations and government officials are working to block We the People from exercising our right to direct democracy. As their efforts increase,…
Business Standard: Religious leaders submit proposal to govt to protect Ganga
In India, more than two dozen religious leaders urge adoption of Rights of Nature legislation to recognize the rights of the Ganga River. Millions of…
EugeneWeekly.com: County Calls a Temporary Halt to Controversial Changes to Petition Process
Lane County, OR, residents succeed in pressuring County Commissioners to drop a proposed ordinance that would have allowed Commissioners to block proposed ballot initiatives.
The Athens News: Ohio Supreme Court receives arguments over charter proposal
Three Ohio counties submit their case to the Ohio Supreme Court: the right to local community self-government is protected in federal and state constitutions, and…
The Athens Messenger: Charter supporters ask Ohio Supreme Court to change its prior ruling
Athens, Meigs, and Portage County, OH, residents make their case for their constitutional right to vote on qualified County Charter initiatives this fall. The measures…
America’s Workforce Radio Interviewing CELDF’s Tish O’Dell on Community and Worker Rights
CELDF's Tish O'Dell speaks on America's Work Force Radio on community and worker rights, minimum wage, and the right of local community self-government.
Oregon Secretary of State Forces State Amendment into Court
Communities work to advance their right to local community self-government through the Oregon Community Rights Network, submitting a petition for a state constitutional amendment protecting…
Tacoma Residents Refuse to Fold as Court Strikes Against Democracy
Tacomans refuse to surrender their rights as the court denies them access to initiative. Residents are working to protect their water - and their right…
Ohioans Take a Stand for Rights
Undaunted by the courts, the state legislature, or the oil and gas industry, Ohioans understand the power to protect themselves is in We, the People,…
Press Release: Ohio Secretary of State Husted Tries to Quash Democracy – Again
Press Release: Athens County Residents Fight for Right to Initiative
Athens County, OH, residents worked with CELDF to file a protest today against their Board of Elections. The Board blocked their qualified County Charter initiative…
OHCRN Statement: County Boards of Elections Attempt to Stifle Democracy: Meigs, Athens and Medina Counties
Efforts in Ohio by local Boards of Elections to block rights-based County Charter initiatives banning fracking fail to disempower We the People.
LDF makes historic grant announcement and welcomes Terry Tamminen as global CEO
Thank you Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation for your support of CELDF's work! LDF is helping us empower communities and build Rights of Nature legal frameworks.
The New York Times: In New Zealand, Lands and Rivers Can Be People (Legally Speaking)
What once was a national park in New Zealand is now recognized as having personhood. A river is expected to receive the same status. Both…
Gotham Gazette: Required in Some Cases, Home Rule Sheds Light on City-State Power Dynamic
When municipal interests and Home Rule powers come into conflict with state preemption, communities are losing. It will take community rights and a people's movement…
Agua Para Tod@s: Cientos de comunidades en EEUU están construyendo escudos legales frente a las empresas de energéticos
Simon Davis-Cohen's article on communities in the U.S. learning from indigenous peoples and leveraging community rights to overcome unjust western legal doctrines, is reprinted here…
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