Citizens in Charge Foundation (CICF) works to protect, defend and expand the initiative and referendum rights, without regard to partisanship or politics. CICF is dedicated to the belief that citizens should be in charge of their government. One of the best tools that citizens have for enacting change is Direct Democracy - the initiative and referendum process. Our organization is made up of activists, lawmakers, financial supporters, opinion leaders, and most importantly — citizens — who come together to protect and defend this process where it exists, and extend it to where it does not. But no matter our background, we all recognize that additional checks on government are to be encouraged.

CICF works with activists, legislators, media, opinion leaders and voters to protect the tools of self determination where they exists, and to expand the tools of self governance. We also work to educate the general public on the benefits of citizen initiative, referendum and recall and litigate through the court system to protect and expand those rights.

We believe that citizen control of government is essential for peace, prosperity and freedom, and that Direct Democracy is a necessary check on the power of government. CICF is uniquely positioned to defend Direct Democracy where it exists and expand it where citizens currently lack these critical tools to self-determination.

President of CICF Paul Jacob and Board Member M. Dane Waters felt strongly that the mission of CICF should be expanded internationally and created the Stop Fighting Start Voting campaign as an international educational campaign that promotes the use of Direct Democracy as a peaceful means to resolving conflict.