Unruled Masses Launches Public Civic Intelligence System to Expose Corruption and Power Nonviolent Action

New York, NY — [January 26, 2026] —

Unruled Masses is issuing a call for support as it builds integrated civic intelligence and nonviolent action infrastructure designed to turn evidence into peaceful power. At its core is a public Abuse & Corruption Library, a searchable database that clearly defines and catalogs abuses of power in plain language; a Nonviolent Action Playbook with more than 260 proven, guided actions accessible to people at different risk levels; and an emerging Corruption Intelligence System, that reveals patterns, networks, and early-warning indicators across communities.

These tools are reinforced by a mission-aligned Civic Materials Exchange, a partner and training network, media and coordination tools, and intelligence-to-action mobilization campaigns that connect people to one another through real-world action and community-building events. All of these elements feed into an interconnected platform that provides a dynamic and powerful tool for people across the world to use as they reclaim power, dignity, and hope in their lives.

"After several years in service as an intelligence officer and strategic analyst, I learned that information is power. Unruled Masses is democratizing that power by building the world's first integrated civic intelligence system and nonviolent action infrastructure. We provide the tools to see the patterns of abuse, name them with evidence, and coordinate effective, strategic action to restore democracy from the ground up," said Nick Van Zandt, founder of Unruled Masses and former U.S. Army intelligence officer.

Deanna Wilken, co-founder of Unruled Masses, President of the Human Rights Research Center, and former USAID officer, added: "People are trying to protect their communities while institutions meant to safeguard rights are failing them. We're building tools that make it easier to act together—peacefully and effectively—with credibility and clarity, and with human rights as our north star."

At launch, Unruled Masses will deliver value to its members through coordinated intelligence-to-action mobilization. This includes corruption intelligence analysis, insights into recurring patterns of abuse of power, and clear, applicable action guidance drawn from the Nonviolent Action Playbook, along with opportunities to engage directly with trusted UM partners for training, civic action, and community-based events.

Unruled Masses' strategic roadmap includes an expansive global plan to provide communities with a viable alternative to the oppressive and exploitative nature of today's extraction-centric market systems. Where institutions have failed the people, UM seeks to step up in their defense. The objective is to develop a people-first, not-for-profit civic ecosystem, demonstrating that democracy and ethical infrastructure can meet essential human needs and materially shift power back into the people's hands.