Only a matter of time until these organizations file Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) against these citizens group. During the Clinton administration, a number of these suits were filed to make it financially impossible for these citizen groups to oppose programs the administration desired.
The classic example was against a group of citizens formed to oppose the conversion of a motel into a group home for drug abusers. The federal government filed suit against these citizens claiming their right to petition the government was subordinate to the drug abusers rights to treatment. The government demanded reams of information: minutes of meetings, donor listings, phone logs, etc. Ultimately the citizens groups faced with endless expense capitulated.
The government was satisfied and demanded the citizens host a ‘welcome to the neighborhood’ party. The government also demanded information on the entertainment, speakers, food and beverages, from the citizens groups.
Many jurisdictions have made SLAPP suits illegal. If that isn’t the case in ND, then watch for them.
Cloward-Piven