Power & Protect Operations Network (PON)

The Power & Protect Operations Network (PON) was formed to support power-building organizations and leaders in the field with operations, compliance, and multi-entity infrastructure - in other words, the core components of any organizational-hardening effort. Our democracy and our movements for social justice are being challenged, tested, and attacked on unprecedented levels. However, PON is working to strengthen and fortify our institutions, our organizations, and our people to withstand and protect against authoritarianism. Over the next ten years, we will envision weaving a strong, resilient, and values-aligned ecosystem that can innovate, build, and wield power through our four core strategies:

1. Connecting Frontline Organizations to Protective Resources
2. Develop ing Knowledge and Leadership Pipelines for Multi-entity Operations
3. Bolstering State Preparedness through Multi-entity Operational Capacity & Infrastructure
4. Building the Multi-entity Operations Field by Aligning and Coordinating Providers

The Power & Protect Operations Network (PON) was formed by the New Left Accelerator (NLA), Center for Empowered Politics Action Fund (CEPAF), Bolder Advocacy, The Capacity Shop (TCS), and Center for Empowered Politics Education Fund (CEPEF). Several years ago, these values-aligned capacity providers & experts came together to engage in thought partnership about what was needed to fill the observed gap in multi-entity competent operations knowledge and support. In 2024, we resolved to address the high threat environment we find ourselves in now by helping power-building organizations understand and navigate the complexities of operations and multi-entity infrastructure in the context of rising authoritarianism. From this urgency came the Power and Protect Operations Network.

PON is a network of multi-entity competent operations providers with a proven track record of increasing the operational capacity and safety of power-building organizations. Our combined experience over the past decade includes running programs in 9 states, providing technical assistance to 300+ organizations, and training organizations from 40 states.