The original Resist Steering Committee was formed as a temporary group after the release of its "Call" statement. The money raised by pledges to the "Call" would fund Resist’s administrative costs and would provide grants to other organizations for activities deemed worthy. The Steering Committee evaluated grant applications, dispersed funds, and reported to the rest of the organization’s members and to its financial contributors. Meetings were rotated between Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington areas to allow easier attendance.

Eleven people comprised the original steering committee: Noam Chomsky, Paul Goodman, Paul Lauter, Richard Ohmann, Sondra Silverman, Robert Zevin, William Davidon, Hans Koningsberger, Richard Mumma, Markus Raskin, and Gilbert White.