DOUGH: Department of Organized Uprising for Greater Humanity
Who We Are
A collective in Upstate NY born of farmers, bakers, friends, and neighbors who believe democracy requires daily attention—that it needs ALL of us, and it needs us NOW. We don’t need the perfect answer; we need many answers. So we gather, organize, and rise.
Like good sourdough and the field that grows it, democracy requires daily tending. We see the polarizing media bubbles, the fearful rhetoric, and we know we must rebuild community through face-to-face conversations. For this, we gather regularly—sharing food, ideas, and support.
Break bread with us.
How We Began
What We Do
Humble education is the cornerstone of a just society. We create and freely distribute pro-democracy cards, booklets, buttons, and more—designed to both elevate and educate. Not for partisan directions of Left and Right, but guided by a moral compass of empowering all citizens equitably.
Our initiatives include:
- “Kitchens For Democracy”: Our facilitation guide for productive community meetings
- “Button Bandoliers”: Teams connecting with citizens by sharing buttons and conversations
- Media-bias and pro-democracy education campaigns that illuminate systemic problems while offering pathways forward
What You Can Do
- Say hello to a stranger, keep yourself healthy, and stand up for those who cannot
- Download our free materials to distribute anywhere democracy needs nourishment
- Host a meeting of your own using our Kitchens For Democracy guidebook
- Encourage others to take our democracy in hand with firm but loving care
Our Founders
While we are guided and nurtured by the community around us, our core drivers are Three Stone Farm and Wide Awake Bakery—friends and Comrades In Farms. Feeding our community is at the heart of their livelihood, and both share a passion for nurturing environments where all voices are heard.
Our Impact
We’ve seen faces brighten with connection, fear turn to hope, and communities reengage with democracy. We’ve distributed thousands of buttons and educational materials across the greater Ithaca area and beyond. We are proud of what we have achieved so far, committed to expanding our message, and excited to welcome you to our table.
What Guides Us
Curiosity and humility drive us as we create space for ourselves and our community to flourish—where no question goes unasked and no answer goes unquestioned.
Our Vision
We envision a world where no one fears speaking their mind, where every ‘stranger’ is deserving of dignity, and where indifference and ignorance are transformed into inclusion and understanding—just as individual grains create our daily bread.
Where We Are
Ithaca, NY: a beautiful place in the Finger Lakes where farming, food, education, and music bring to life a vibrant community. Reach out to us with feedback, questions, or just to say hello!