Ohio Citizen Action (c4)
Organization Description
Ohio Citizen Action informs, organizes, and mobilizes people to advocate for public interests across issues and campaigns. In person, by phone, and online we engage people in actions that protect public health, improve environmental quality, and benefit consumers. Our campaigns connect Ohioans and build a movement to protect democracy and create a sustainable and equitable future. In 2023 we helped win two ballot initiative campaigns (keeping a simple majority to pass citizen led ballot initiatives and enshrining reproductive rights in our constitution), and helped elect a progressive mayor in Akron. In 2024 we knocked 366,894 doors for Sherrod Brown.
2025 Programs
Opposing SB 63 (ban on ranked choice voting) and SB 153 (Ohio's SAVE act, which attacks voter rights and adds to the burden to get citizen-led initiatives on the ballot). Using our deep canvassing/persuasion training to reach voters who pledged to vote in 2024 after we talked to them at the door, but then didn't. We want to listen and learn in these "front porch focus groups" why people didn't vote, then rework the data they give us to persuade others like them to vote in 2025 and 2026. Promote repeal of consumer coal plant bailout.
2024 Programs
Advocate for local and statewide democracy, energy and consumer issues. We project knocking 709,700 doors statewide and making 259,000 phone calls, plus digital tactics, including voter videos.
Mission
Ohio Citizen Action /OCAEF organizes and mobilizes people to advocate for public interests. In person, by phone and online we engage people in actions that protect public health, improve environmental quality and benefit consumers. Our campaigns connect Ohioans and build a movement to protect democracy and create a sustainable future.
Budget Size: Medium: Previous year budget $1M - $3M
States Engaged: OH
Geographic Coverage by Congressional District:
OH-01, OH-02, OH-03, OH-04, OH-05, OH-06, OH-07, OH-08, OH-09, OH-10, OH-11, OH-12, OH-13, OH-14 Geographic Density Focus: Rural / Suburban / Small city (<100k), Urban – Large city or suburb of large city (>100k)
Core Constituencies: We do not target any specific demographics and/or it is difficult to say who we may reach, Multi-racial (including white), Adults (aged 35-65)
Leadership Diversity: BIPOC-led, Women-led
Staff and Volunteer Balance: Staff powered - Little to no volunteers involved in executing programs
Top Priority Issues: State policy advocacy, Civic engagement, Climate change
Lead Contact:
Melissa English, Deputy Director, she/her, menglish@ohiocitizen.org
Last Updated: May 20, 2025

