One of the more interesting points I heard David Brin make a while back was - forget the quantity of money for a moment, these organizations also absorb power t

One of the more interesting points I heard David Brin make a while back was - forget the quantity of money for a moment, these organizations also absorb power through membership numbers. The NRA has 5 million voters with membership cards and it throws their political weight around at the drop of a hat. As a result, nobody fucks with the NRA, even seasoned politicians in stable left-wing postures compromise left and right so it won't smear them as anti-gun. When pressed, the NRA can even defeat things like universal background checks that are supported by 90% of the country. A 12-month 'Silicon' membership with the EFF costs $25; Maybe they can't sustain & expand legal operations on this, but they can certainly incrementally add to the political power of their lobbying and amicus briefs just by having the member.