Political Advocacy Groups

"20/20 Vision makes grassroots activism simple for busy people. We give citizens the information they need to get involved on important issues like reducing air pollution from cars and power plants, keeping dangerous pesticides out of our food, limiting nuclear arms and banning biological weapons. Our “20 minute” monthly alerts tell you how to contact politicians and corporate officials and quickly and easily tell them you’re watching them on an urgent issue. 20/20 Vision promotes democracy by involving the public at critical decision points." (http://www.2020vision.org --> About 20/20)

9to5, National Association of Working Women is the nation's largest non-profit membership organization of working women and has more than 20 chapters and members in all 50 states. For over 25 years, 9to5 has organized to end sexual harassment and discrimination and to win better wages, working conditions and family-friendly policies. (http://www.9to5.org/news.html#about)

"AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with a membership that helps people age 50 and over have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole, ways that help people 50 and over improve their lives. Since 1958, AARP has been leading a revolution in the way people view and live life." (http://www.aarp.org/about-aarp/)

"Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) is a national legal-action organization solely devoted to the many problems of smoking. For more than 40 years ASH has served as the legal-action arm of the antismoking community. ASH's mission is to: protect nonsmokers from the clearly-established dangers of secondhand tobacco smoke; reduce the deadly toll of smoking by banning the advertising and promotion of cigarettes, and by keeping them out of the hands of children; force those who use or profit from tobacco to pay the enormous costs of smoking which are now borne largely by nonsmokers; end all government support of the tobacco industry; serve as a clearinghouse of information and ideas for all people concerned about smoking, both here and abroad." (http://ash.org/mission.html)

"The Mission of the Acton Institute is to promote a free and virtuous society characterized by individual liberty and sustained by religious principles." THINK TANK (http://www.acton.org/about/)

"Established in 1980 as the Center for Population Options, Advocates for Youth champions efforts to help young people make informed and responsible decisions about their reproductive and sexual health. Advocates believes it can best serve the field by boldly advocating for a more positive and realistic approach to adolescent sexual health." (http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/about/vision.htm)

"AIDS Alliance advances the partnership between consumers and providers ñ we are the voice of women, children, youth and families living with and affected by HIV and AIDS."
(http://www.aids-alliance.org/about/mission.html)

"The mission of AIDS United is to end the AIDS epidemic in the United States. We will achieve this goal through national, regional and local policy/advocacy, strategic grantmaking, and organizational capacity building. With partners throughout the country, we will work to ensure that people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS have access to the prevention and care services they need and deserve." (http://www.aidsunited.org/about --> About AIDS United)

"AVAC is a non-profit organization that uses education, policy analysis, advocacy and a network of global collaborations to accelerate the ethical development and global delivery of AIDS vaccines, male circumcision, microbicides, PrEP and other emerging HIV prevention options as part of a comprehensive response to the pandemic." (http://www.avac.org/ht/d/sp/i/195/pid/195)

"The Alliance for Justice is a national association of environmental, civil rights, mental health, women's, children's and consumer advocacy organizations...the Alliance has worked to advance the cause of justice for all Americans, strengthen the public interest community's ability to influence public policy, and foster the next generation of advocates." (http://www.afj.org)

"The American Association of People with Disabilities is the nation's largest cross-disability organization. We promote equal opportunity, economic power, independent living, and political participation for people with disabilities." (www.aapd.com/what-powers-us/aapd-mission.html)

"AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research." (http://www.aauw.org/about/)

"The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service." (http://www.cancer.org/AboutUs/WhoWeAre/acsmissionstatements)

"The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is our nation's guardian of liberty, working daily in courts, legislatures and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to all people in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States." (http://www.aclu.org/about/aboutmain.cfm)

"The American Civil Rights Institute is a national civil rights organization created to educate the public about racial and gender preferences. Based in Sacramento, California, ACRI's initial focus is on three areas: assisting organizations in other states with their efforts to educate the public about racial and gender preferences, assisting federal representatives with public education on the issue, and monitoring implementation and legal action on California's Proposition 209." (http://www.acri.org)

"We, the members of the American Coalition for Fathers and Children, hereby dedicate ourselves and our efforts to the creation of a family law system, legislative system, and public awareness which promotes equal rights for ALL parties affected by divorce, and the breakup of a family or establishment of paternity. It is our belief through our involvement and dedication, we can have a positive effect on the emotional and psychological well-being of children." (http://www.acfc.org/about.htm)

"The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of promoting both economic prosperity and environmental protection." (http://aceee.org/about/about.htm)

"ACSH's mission is to ensure that peer-reviewed mainstream science reaches the public, the media, and the decision-makers who determine public policy. Our objective is to restore science and common sense to personal and public health decisions, in order to foster a scientifically sound and sensible public health policy for the American people. ACSH is committed to improving communication and dialogue between the scientific/medical community and the public and the media, in an effort to ensure that the coverage of health issues is based on scientific facts – not hyperbole, emotion and ideology." (http://www.acsh.org/about/)

"The American Family Association represents and stands for traditional family values, focusing primarily on the influence of television and other media – including pornography – on our society." (http://www.afa.net/about.asp)

"American Farmland Trustis a private, nonprofit organization founded in 1980 to protect our nation's farmland. AFT works to stop the loss of productive farmland and to promote farming practices that lead to a healthy environment." (http://www.farmland.org)

"Chartered in 1982, The American Forest Foundation (AFF) began with the purpose of developing and administering programs that encourage the long-term stewardship of the environment and our natural resources. The American Forest Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit education and conservation organization working for healthy forests, quality environmental education, and to help people make informed decisions about our communities and our world. " (http://www.affoundation.org/cms/pages/2_6.html)

"Our mission is to grow a healthier world. Our vision is to have a healthy forest ecosystem in every community." (http://www.amfor.org/about_us/)

"amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, is one of the worldís leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and the advocacy of sound AIDS-related public policy" (http://www.amfar.org/About_amfAR/Introduction_and_History/)

"Our Mission: To improve the health, independence and quality of life of all older people." (http://www.americangeriatrics.org/about_us/who_we_are/)

"Our mission: To create a more humane and compassionate world by ending abuse and neglect of children and animals." (http://www.americanhumane.org/about-us/)

"The American Immigration Control Foundation (AIC Foundation) is a non-profit research and educational organization. Our primary goal is to inform Americans of the need for a reasonable immigration policy based on the nationís interests and capacity to assimilate newcomers." (http://www.aicfoundation.com)

"The mission of the AIC provides for a sustainable dialogue and a more comprehensive understanding of US-Iran relations. The AIC organizes and promotes the Iranian-American community and encourages its participation in the efforts for a more democratic, transparent, mutually respectful, and sustainable relationship between the two countries...Our mission is to help overcome many of the key misunderstandings, misperceptions and mischaracterizations that exist in this relationship. Our mission is to help those who believe that our two countries have a bright future, one in which the governments and peoples can learn, share and grow with one another." (http://american-iranian.org/mission-and-vision)

"...AJCongress has its mission to: protect fundamental constitutional freedoms and American democratic institutions, particularly the civil and religious rights and liberties of all Americans and the separation of church and state; advance the security and prosperity of the State of Israel and its democratic institutions, and to support Israel's search for peaceful relations with its neighbors in the region; advance social and economic justice, women's equality, and human rights at home and abroad; remain vigilant against anti-Semitism, racism, and other forms of bigotry, and to celebrate cultural diversity and promote unity in American life; and invigorate and enhance Jewish religious, institutional, communal and cultural life at home and abroad, and seek creative ways to express Jewish identity, ethics and values." (http://www.ajcongress.org/about.htm)

"The mission of the American Legislative Exchange Council is to advance the Jeffersonian principles of free markets, limited government, federalism, and individual liberty, through a nonpartisan public-private partnership of America's state legislators, members of the private sector, the federal government, and general public; to promote these principles by developing policies that ensure the powers of government are derived from, and assigned to, first the People, then the States, and finally, the Federal Government; to enlist state legislators from all parties and members of the private sector who share ALEC's mission; to conduct a policy making program that unites members of the public and private sectors in a dynamic partnership to support research, policy development, and dissemination activities; to prepare the next generation of political leadership through educational programs that promote the principles of Jeffersonian democracy, which are necessary for a free society." (http://www.alec.org --> About)

"American Life League exists to serve God by helping to build a society that respects and protects individual innocent human beings from creation to natural death – without compromise, without exception, without apology. The distinguishing mark of American Life League, by which we will be recognized, is our absolute commitment to the sacredness of every innocent human being's life." (http://www.all.org/about_mission.php)

"The American Public Health Association is the oldest and most diverse organization of public health professionals in the world and has been working to improve public health since 1872. The Association aims to protect all Americans, their families and their communities from preventable, serious health threats and strives to assure community-based health promotion and disease prevention activities and preventive health services are universally accessible in the United States. APHA represents a broad array of health professionals and others who care about their own health and the health of their communities." (http://www.apha.org/about/)

"Since 1973, American Rivers has been dedicated to protecting and restoring healthy, natural rivers and the variety of life they sustain for people, fish and wildlife. A nonprofit membership organization, we lead the nationwide river movement." (http://www.amrivers.org/aboutus.html)

"The ASPCA’s mission, as stated by Henry Bergh in 1866, is 'to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.'" (http://www.aspca.org/about-us/about-the-aspca.aspx)

"Americans for Peace Now (APN) was established in 1981 to mobilize support for the Israeli peace movement, Shalom Achshav (Peace Now), and has since developed into the most prominent American Jewish, Zionist organization working to achieve a comprehensive political settlement to the Arab-Israeli conflict." (http://www.peacenow.org/pages/history.html)

"Americans for Prosperity (AFP) and Americans for Prosperity Foundation (AFP Foundation) are committed to educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing those citizens as advocates in the public policy process. AFP is an organization of grassroots leaders who engage citizens in the name of limited government and free markets on the local, state and federal levels. The grassroots members of AFP advocate for public policies that champion the principles of entrepreneurship and fiscal and regulatory restraint." (http://www.americansforprosperity.org/index.php?static=203)

Among other things, Americans United for Separation of Church and State "...advocates for separation of church and state in the U.S. Congress and state legislatures, working with lawmakers at all levels to help them understand the importance of respecting the separation of church and state..." (http://www.au.org/about/)

"Our vision is of a world in which every person - regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity - enjoys all of the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and other internationally recognized human rights standards." (http://www.amnestyusa.org/about-us/our-mission)

"For more than three decades, the Animal Legal Defense Fund has been fighting to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals through the legal system. Founded in 1979 by attorneys active in shaping the emerging field of animal law, ALDF has blazed the trail for stronger enforcement of anti-cruelty laws and more humane treatment of animals in every corner of American life." (http://www.aldf.org/article.php?list=type&type=3)

"The immediate object of the League is to stop, by appeals to reason and conscience and, if necessary, by appeals to law, the defamation of the Jewish people. Its ultimate purpose is to secure justice and fair treatment to all citizens alike and to put an end forever to unjust and unfair discrimination against and ridicule of any sect or body of citizens." (http://www.adl.org/main_about_adl.asp)

"The Arms Control Association (ACA), founded in 1971, is a national nonpartisan membership organization dedicated to promoting public understanding of and support for effective arms control policies." (http://www.armscontrol.org/about.asp)

"APIAHF influences policy, mobilizes communities, and strengthens programs and organizations to improve the health of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders." (http://www.apiahf.org/about-us)

"Since its founding in 1961-1962, the Council has been a preeminent, non partisan institution devoted to promoting transatlantic cooperation and international security." (http://www.acus.org/about)

"Key Issues and Activities: Maintaining ironclad relations between the United States Congress and Israel. Providing support to allies of the United States and Israel. Working to ensure that our support for civil liberties is in accord with the necessity for strong antiterrorism laws. Endorsing the expansion of hate crimes legislation. Finding ways to lessen Western dependence on Persian Gulf energy. Supporting budget increases in prostate cancer research. Promoting free trade legislation for Latin America." (http://bnaibrith.org/ppolicy/chrpp/laffairs.cfm)

"The mission of the Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law is to protect and advance the rights of adults and children who have mental disabilities. The Bazelon Center envisions an America where people who have mental illnesses or developmental disabilities exercise their own life choices and have access to the resources that enable them to participate fully in their communities." (http://bazelon.org/Who-We-Are.aspx)

"Beyond Pesticides began in 1981 as the National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides, a non-profit membership organization that was formed to serve as a national network committed to pesticide safety and the adoption of alternative pest management strategies which reduce or eliminate a dependency on toxic chemicals." (http://www.beyondpesticides.org/ --> About Us --> Mission)

"Our mission is to end the suffering of wild animals in captivity, rescue individual animals in need, protect wildlife — including highly endangered species — in their natural habitats, and encourage compassionate conservation globally." (http://www.bornfreeusa.org/d_about.php)

"Breast Cancer Action carries the voices of people affected by breast cancer to inspire and compel the changes necessary to end the breast cancer epidemic." (http://bcaction.org/about/mission-values/)

"Business Executives for National Security is a nation-wide, non-partisan, member-driven organization working to help make America safe and secure. BENS members are senior executives who: apply the lessons of successful business practices to help reshape and rebuild Americas military for the 21st Century; bridge the gap between business and government in addressing new threats like suitcase bombs, cyberwar, and bioterrorists; help the Pentagon, Congress and the White House develop new solutions to our national security challenges." (http://www.bens.org/who.html)

"CRRH's Cannabis Tax Acts (CTA) would comprehensively reform marijuana laws by regulating and taxing adult sales; licensing the cultivation of the drug for sale in state-run package stores and adults-only businesses; allowing adults to grow their own and farmers to grow industrial hemp without license; and letting doctors prescribe untaxed cannabis to patients suffering from a variety of illnesses and injuries." (http://www.crrh.org/crrh/index2.html)

"The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is a leader in the fight to reduce tobacco use and its devastating consequences in the United States and around the world. By changing public attitudes and public policies on tobacco, we strive to prevent kids from smoking, help smokers quit and protect everyone from secondhand smoke." (http://www.tobaccofreekids.org/organization/)

"Catholics for Choice (CFC) was founded in 1973 to serve as a voice for Catholics who believe that the Catholic tradition supports a woman’s moral and legal right to follow her conscience in matters of sexuality and reproductive health." (http://www.catholicsforchoice.org/about/default.asp)

"Consumers Union and Ralph Nader founded the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) in 1970 to provide consumers a voice for auto safety and quality in Washington and to help lemon owners fight back across the country." (http://www.autosafety.org/ --> About the Center...)

"The Center for Defense Information is dedicated to strengthening security through: international cooperation; reduced reliance on unilateral military power to resolve conflict; reduced reliance on nuclear weapons; a transformed and reformed military establishment; and, prudent oversight of, and spending on, defense programs." [THINK TANK] (http://www.cdi.org/about/index.cfm)

"The Center for Democracy and Technology works to promote democratic values and constitutional liberties in the digital age. With expertise in law, technology, and policy, CDT seeks practical solutions to enhance free expression and privacy in global communications technologies. CDT is dedicated to building consensus among all parties interested in the future of the Internet and other new communications media." (http://www.cdt.org)

"In the emerging landscape of education reform, the Center for Education Reform is the leading voice for structural and sustainable changes that can dramatically improve educational opportunities for decades to come. Our guiding purpose is to improve the accuracy and quality of discourse and decisions about education reform, leading to fundamental policy changes that make a difference long after news and election cycles have ended." (www.edreform.com/about/)

"The Center for Health and Gender Equity (CHANGE) is a U.S.-based non-governmental organization whose mission is to ensure that U.S. foreign policies and programs promote womenís and girlsí sexual and reproductive health within a human rights framework. CHANGE believes that every individual has the right to basic information, technologies, and services needed to enjoy a healthy and safe sexual and reproductive life free from coercion and preventable illness. CHANGE envisions a world where sexual and reproductive health and rights are universally recognized and sexual and reproductive health care is accessible and available to all." (http://www.genderhealth.org/about_us/our_mission_and_history/)

"The Center for Health, Environment & Justice (CHEJ) mentors a movement, empowering people to build healthy communities, and preventing harm to human health caused by exposure to environmental threats." (http://chej.org/about/mission/)

"It is the Center's mission to expand the base of public knowledge and understanding of the need for an immigration policy that gives first concern to the broad national interest. The Center is animated by a pro-immigrant, low-immigration vision which seeks fewer immigrants but a warmer welcome for those admitted." (http://www.cis.org/aboutcis.html) THINK TANK

"The mission of the Center for Public Integrity is to provide the American people with the findings of our investigations and analyses of public service, government accountability and ethics related issues." (http://www.publicintegrity.org --> About the Center)

"The Center for Reproductive Rights uses the law to advance reproductive freedom as a fundamental human right that all governments are legally obligated to protect, respect, and fulfill." (http://reproductiverights.org/en/about-us/mission)

"The Center for Responsive Politics is a non-partisan, non-profit research group based in Washington, D.C. that tracks money in politics, and its effect on elections and public policy." (http://www.crp.org/about/index.asp)

"The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is a consumer advocacy organization whose twin missions are to conduct innovative research and advocacy programs in health and nutrition, and to provide consumers with current, useful information about their health and well-being." (http://www.cspinet.org/about/mission.html)

"Since 1962, CSIS has been dedicated to finding ways to sustain American prominence and prosperity as a force for good in the world. " (http://csis.org/about-us)

The Center "is a nonprofit Ralph Nader organization that supports and conducts a wide variety of research and educational projects to encourage the political, economic, and social institutions of this country to be more aware of the needs of the citizen-consumer." (http://www.csrl.org)

"We seek market-oriented solutions to public-policy problems in areas including energy, the environment, education, telecommunications and economic and infrastructure development." (http://www.newwest.org/about/welcome.htm)

"Founded in 1981, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has emerged over the past two decades as one of the leading organizations in the country working on fiscal policy issues and issues affecting low- and moderate-income families and individuals." (http://www.cbpp.org/info.html)

"Our mission is to improve the quality and value of maternity care through consumer engagement and health system transformation. Childbirth Connection promotes safe, effective and satisfying evidence-based maternity care and is a voice for the needs and interests of childbearing families." (http://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ck=10253) [Formerly known as Maternity Center Association]

"Children Now is a research and action organization dedicated to assuring that children grow up in economically secure families, where parents can go to work confident that their children are supported by quality health coverage, a positive media environment, a good early education, and safe, enriching activities to do after school. Recognized for its expertise in media as a tool for change, Children Now designs its strategies to improve children's lives while at the same time helping America build a sustained commitment to putting children first." (http://www.childrennow.org/aboutcn.html)

"The mission of the Children's Defense Fund is to Leave No Child Behind® and to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start, and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. CDF provides a strong, effective voice for all the children of America who cannot vote, lobby, or speak for themselves. We pay particular attention to the needs of poor and minority children and those with disabilities. CDF educates the nation about the needs of children and encourages preventive investment before they get sick or into trouble, drop out of school, or suffer family breakdown." (http://www.childrensdefense.org/aboutus.php)

"CRC works to assure a child the frequent, meaningful and continuing contact with two parents and extended family the child would normally have during a marriage. We work to strengthen families through education, favoring family formation and family preservation. Unlike many other organizations with some of the same concerns, CRC is genderless; we are not a women's group nor a men's group. Rather, we advocate what we believe to be in the best interests of children including the Children's Bill of Rights." (http://www.gocrc.org/orgF.html)

"Christian Action Network was founded in 1990 by Martin Mawyer, who based the organization on biblical principles, values, traditions and truths. Mr. Mawyer's primary goal in establishing Christian Action Network (CAN) to protect America's religious and moral heritage through intensive lobbying efforts — both in the nation's capital and at the grassroots level." (http://www.christianaction.org/CAN.about.asp)

"CAGW's mission is to eliminate waste, mismanagement, and inefficiency in the federal government." (http://cagw.org/ --> About Us)

"We believe that prisons should be used only for those who absolutely must be incarcerated and that those who are incarcerated should have all of the resources they need to turn their lives around. We also believe that human rights documents provide a sound basis for ensuring that criminal justice systems meet these goals." (www.curenational.org)

"CED is a non-profit, non-partisan business-led public policy organization. CED conducts research on major economic and social issues and actively informs and engages the business community in an effort to achieve policy reform for the good of the nation. Membership is made up of some 200 senior corporate executives and university leaders who lead CED's research and outreach efforts." (http://www.ced.org/about/about-ced)

"Common Cause is a non-partisan citizens' organization whose goal is to ensure open, honest, accountable and effective government at the federal, state, and local levels." (http://www.commoncause.org/about/mission.htm)

"Compassion & Choices is the oldest, largest and most comprehensive choice-in-dying organization in the United States. We are a nonprofit organization supported by memberships and donations. Compassion & Choices was formed by the unification of Compassion in Dying and End-of-Life Choices (formerly the Hemlock Society)." (http://www.compassionandchoices.org/page.aspx?pid=277)

"The Competitive Enterprise Institute is a non-profit public policy organization dedicated to advancing the principles of limited government, free enterprise, and individual liberty. Our mission is to promote both freedom and fairness by making good policy good politics. We make the uncompromising case for economic freedom because we believe it is essential for entrepreneurship, innovation, and prosperity to flourish." (http://cei.org/about-cei)

"We are the nation's largest public policy women's organization with a rich 25-year history of helping our members across the country bring Biblical principles into all levels of public policy." (http://www.cwfa.org/about.asp)

"The Concord Coalition is a nonprofit, grassroots organization advocating fiscal responsibility while ensuring Social Security, Medicare, and Medicade are secure for all generations." (http://www.concordcoalition.org)

"The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy, research and educational institute that aims to help improve the socioeconomic circumstances of African Americans and other underserved communities." (http://www.cbcfinc.org/aboutus.html)

"Consumer Action is a non-profit, membership-based organization that was founded in San Francisco in 1971. During its more than three decades, Consumer Action has continued to serve consumers nationwide by advancing consumer rights, referring consumers to complaint-handling agencies through our free hotline, publishing educational materials in Chinese, English, Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese and other languages, advocating for consumers in the media and before lawmakers, and comparing prices on credit cards, bank accounts and long distance services." (http://www.consumer-action.org/about/)

"Since 1968, the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) has provided consumers a well-reasoned and articulate voice in decisions that affect their lives. Day in and out, CFA's professional staff gathers facts, analyzes issues, and disseminates information to the public, legislators, and regulators." (http://www.consumerfed.org/backpage/about.html)

"Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, is an independent, nonprofit testing and information organization serving only consumers. We are a comprehensive source for unbiased advice about products and services, personal finance, health and nutrition, and other consumer concerns. Since 1936, our mission has been to test products, inform the public, and protect consumers." (http://www.consunion.org/aboutcu/about.htm)

"The Council for Excellence in Government works to improve the performance of government at all levels; and government's place in the lives and esteem of American citizens. With its experienced staff, network of experts and members, and diverse partners, the Council helps to create stronger public sector leadership and management, driven by innovation and focused on results; and increased citizen confidence and participation in government, through better understanding of government and its role." (http://www.excelgov.org/displayContent.asp?keyword=abHomePage)

"The Council for Responsible Genetics fosters public debate about the social, ethical and environmental implications of genetic technologies." (http://www.councilforresponsiblegenetics.org/Help/About.aspx)

"Founded on the premise that the states are the best sources of insight and innovation, CSG provides a network for identifying and sharing ideas with state leaders. To this end CSG: builds leadership skills to improve decision-making; advocates multi-state problem solving and partnerships; interprets changing national and international conditions to prepare states for the future; and promotes the sovereignty of the states and their role in the American federal system. " (http://www.csg.org --> About CSG --> FAQ)

"CAIR is dedicated to presenting an Islamic perspective on issues of importance to the American public. In Offering that perspective, we seek to empower the Muslim community in America through political and social activism." (http://www.cair-net.org/default.asp?Page=About)

"After nearly two decades, the Council continues to be guided by this mission: to set an action agenda that drives economic growth and raises the standard of living for all Americans." (http://www.compete.org/about_us/)

"The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is an independent, nonpartisan membership organization, think tank, and publisher dedicated to being a resource for its members, government officials, business executives, journalists, educators and students, civic and religious leaders, and other interested citizens in order to help them better understand the world and the foreign policy choices facing the United States and other countries." [THINK TANK] (http://www.cfr.org/about/mission.html)

"The Council on Foundations is a national nonprofit association of more than 1,700 grantmaking foundations and corporations. As the leading advocate for philanthropy, we strive to increase the effectiveness, stewardship, and accountability of our sector while providing our members with the services and support they need to advance the common good." (www.cof.org/about/index.cfm?navItemNumber=14828)

"Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native wild animals and plants in their natural communities. We focus our programs on what scientists consider two of the most serious environmental threats to the planet: the accelerating rate of extinction of species and the associated loss of biological diversity, and habitat alteration and destruction..." (http://www.defenders.org/about/)

"The mission of the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund is to advance the civil and human rights of people with disabilities through legal advocacy, training, education, and public policy and legislative development." (http://www.dredf.org/about/index.shtml)

"Our mission is to advance those policies and attitudes that best reduce the harms of both drug misuse and drug prohibition, and to promote the sovereignty of individuals over their minds and bodies." (http://www.drugpolicy.org/about/mission/)

"Life on Earth is imperiled by human degradation of the biosphere. Earth Island Institute develops and supports projects that counteract threats to the biological and cultural diversity that sustain the environment. Through education and activism, these projects promote the conservation, preservation, and restoration of the Earth."
(http://www.earthisland.org/abouteii/abouteii.html)

"The Economic Policy Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank that seeks to broaden the public debate about strategies to achieve a prosperous and fair economy." (http://www.epinet.org/content.cfm/about)

"Education Sector is an independent think tank that challenges conventional thinking in education policy. We are a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization committed to achieving measurable impact in education policy, both by improving existing reform initiatives and be developing new, innovative solutions to our nation's most pressing education problems. (http://www.educationsector.org/who-we-are)

"Based in San Francisco, EFF is a donor-supported membership organization working to protect our fundamental rights regardless of technology; to educate the press, policymakers and the general public about civil liberties issues related to technology; and to act as a defender of those liberties." (http://www.eff.org)

"Environmental Defense is dedicated to protecting the environmental rights of all people, including future generations. Among these rights are clean air and water, healthy and nourishing food, and a flourishing ecosystem." (http://www.environmentaldefense.org/ --> About Us)

Mission: "To advance environmental protection by improving law, policy, and management."
(http://www.eli.org --> About Us --> President & Chairman's Statement)

"The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a not-for-profit environmental research organization dedicated to improving public health and protecting the environment by reducing polluition in air, water, and food." [THINK TANK] (http://www.ewg.org/about.html)

"Equal Rights Advocates has led the legal fight for women’s equality for almost 30 years. Since 1974, ERA’s mission has been to protect and secure equal rights and economic opportunities for women and girls through litigation and advocacy. " (http://www.equalrights.org)

"The Evangelical Environmental Network is a fellowship of believers who . . . Declare the Lordship of Christ over all creation. He is the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created. All things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:15b; 16a, c; 17)..." (http://www.creationcare.org/mission.php)

"FAMM (Families Against Mandatory Minimums) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization fighting for fair and proportionate sentencing laws that allow judicial discretion while maintaining public safety." (www.famm.org/aboutus.aspx)

"Families USA is a national nonprofit, non-partisan organization dedicated to the achievement of high-quality, affordable health care for all Americans." (http://www.familiesusa.org/about/)

"The Family Research Council champions marriage and family as the foundation of civilization, the seedbed of virtue, and the wellspring of society. We shape public debate and formulate public policy that values human life and upholds the institutions of marriage and the family. Believing that God is the author of life, liberty, and the family, we promote the Judeo-Christian worldview as the basis for a just, free, and stable society." (http://www.frc.org/aboutfrc.cfm)

"FARM (Farm Animal Rights Movement) is a national nonprofit organization promoting a vegan lifestyle through public education and grassroots activism to end the use of animals for food. We believe in the inherent self-worth of animals, as well as environmental protection and enhanced public health." (http://www.farmusa.org/about.htm)

"The mission of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) is to examine immigration trends and effects, to educate the American people on the impacts of sustained high-volume immigration, and to discern, put forward, and advocate immigration policies that will best serve American environmental, societal, and economic interests today and into the future." (http://www.fairus.org/about)

"FOR seeks to replace violence, war, racism and economic injustice with nonviolence, peace and justice. We are an interfaith organization committed to active nonviolence as a transforming way of life and as a means of radical change. We educate, train, build coalitions, and engage in nonviolent and compassionate actions locally, nationally, and globally." (http://www.forus.org/about/vismis.html)

"The Feminist Majority Foundation (FMF), which was founded in 1987, is a cutting edge organization dedicated to women's equality, reproductive health, and non-violence. In all spheres, FMF utilizes research and action to empower women economically, socially, and politically. Our organization believes that feminists - both women and men, girls and boys - are the majority, but this majority must be empowered." (http://www.feminist.org/welcome/welcome1.html)

"To cooperate with the Holy Spirit in disseminating the Gospel of Jesus Christ to as many people as possible, and, specifically, to accomplish that objective by helping to preserve traditional values and the institution of the family." (http://www.family.org/welcome/aboutfof/a0005554.cfm)

FRAC is "working to improve public policies to eradicate hunger and undernutrition in the United States." (http://www.frac.org/about/)

"FreedomWorks fights for lower taxes, less government and more economic freedom for all Americans." (http://www.freedomwork.org/know/mission.php)

"Friends of Animals works to cultivate a respectful view of nonhuman animals, free-living and domestic. Our goal is to free animals from cruelty and institutionalized exploitation around the world." (http://www.friendsofanimals.org/about/index.html)

"Friends of the Earth is the U.S. voice of an influential, international network of grassroots groups in 70 countries. Founded in San Francisco in 1969 by David Brower, Friends of the Earth has for decades been at the forefront of high-profile efforts to create a more healthy, just world. Our members were the founders of what is now the world's largest federation of democratically elected environmental groups, Friends of the Earth International." (http://www.foe.org/about/intro.html)

"The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) amplifies the voice of the LGBT community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. " (http://www.glaad.org/about)

"GMHC is the world's first and leading provider of HIV/AIDS prevention, care and advocacy. Building on decades of dedication and expertise, we understand the reality of HIV/AIDS and empower a healthy life for all. Our mission: GMHC fights to end the AIDS epidemic and uplift the lives of all affected." (http://www.gmhc.org/about-us)

"Our mission: To improve the lives of children, youth, and older people through intergenerational collaboration, public policies, and programs." (http://www.gu.org/about.htm)

"Mission: Work for social and economic justice and peace for all people." (http://graypanthers.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=32&Ite...)

"The Guttmacher Institute advances sexual and reproductive health and rights through an interrelated program of research, policy analysis and public education designed to generate new ideas, encourage enlightened public debate and promote sound policy and program development. The Institute's overarching goal is to ensure the highest standard of sexual and reproductive health for all people worldwide." (http://www.guttmacher.org/about/mission.html)

"Our vision is of "a world in which instruments of security cooperation and peace overtake historic tendencies toward conflict and war." We pursue this vision through work that is intensely practical, nonpartisan, and oriented toward real-world policy makers." (http://www.stimson.org/about/?sn=AB2001110512)

"HOPE is a non-profit, non-partisan organization committed to ensuring political and economic parity for Latinas through leadership, advocacy, and education to benefit all communities and the status of women."
(http://www.latinas.org/)

"By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. HRC seeks to improve the lives of LGBT Americans by advocating for equal rights and benefits in the workplace, ensuring families are treated equally under the law and increasing public support among all Americans…" (http://www.hrc.org/the-hrc-story/mission-statement)

"Human Rights Watch is dedicated to protecting the human rights of people around the world." (http://www.hrw.org/about/)

"We work to reduce suffering and to create meaningful social change for animals by advocating for sensible public policies, investigating cruelty and working to enforce existing laws, educating the public about animal issues, joining with corporations on behalf of animal-friendly policies, and conducting hands-on programs that make ours a more humane world. We are the lead disaster relief agency for animals, and we provide direct care for thousands of animals at our sanctuaries and rescue facilities, wildlife rehabilitation centers, and mobile veterinary clinics..." (http://www.humanesociety.org/about/overview/)

"Our mission is to end animal exploitation, cruelty, and abuse by protecting and advocating for the rights, welfare, and habitats of animals, as well as to raise their status beyond mere property, commodities, or things." (http://www.idausa.org/about.html)

"Independent Sector is the leadership network for nonprofits, foundations, and corporate giving programs committed to advancing the common good in America and around the world. Our nonpartisan coalition of approximately 600 organizations leads, strengthens, and mobilizes the nonprofit and philanthropic community in order to fulfill our vision of a just and inclusive society and a healthy democracy of active citizens, effective institutions, and vibrant communities." (http://www.independentsector.org/about)

"The Independent Women's Forum is dedicated to advancing the spirit of enterprise and self-reliance among women, and supporting the principles of political freedom, economic liberty, and personal responsibility."
(http://www.iwf.org/about_iwf/default.asp)

"The Institute for Justice is the nation’s premier libertarian public interest law firm. IJ litigates in courts across the country preserving freedom of opportunity and challenging government’s control over individuals’ lives." (http://www.ij.org)

"ICRW's mission is to empower women, advance gender equality and fight poverty in the developing world." (http://www.icrw.org/html/about/about.htm)

"The International Cesarean Awareness Network, Inc. (ICAN) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve maternal-child health by preventing unnecessary cesareans through education, providing support for cesarean recovery, and promoting Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)." (http://www.ican-online.org/about)

"To conserve, maintain, protect and restore the soil, forest, water and other natural resources of the United States and other lands; to promote means and opportunities for the education of the public with respect to such resources and their enjoyment and wholesome utilization." (http://www.iwla.org/general/mission.html)

"JINSA has a two-fold mandate: to educate the American public about the importance of an effective U.S. defense capability so that our vital interests as Americans can be safeguarded; and to inform the American defense and foreign affairs community about the important role Israel can and does play in bolstering democratic interests in the Mediterranean and the Middle East." (http://www.jinsa.org/about/about.html)

"The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies works to inform and illuminate the nation's major public policy debates through research, analysis, and information dissemination, with the goal of improving the socioeconomic status of African Americans and other people of color, expanding their effective participation in the political and public policy arenas, and promoting communications and relationships across racial and ethnic lines to strengthen the nation's pluralistic society." [THINK TANK] (http://www.jointcenter.org/about)

"Governments, NGOs, corporations and citizens groups from around the world trust The Keystone Center for Science and Public Policy (CSPP) to help them find the right direction. Keystone professionals use a unique proven process that combines scientific reasoning and alternative dispute resolution techniques to solve problems and get results. When leaders need to move beyond internal factions, political rhetoric or contentious situations, they turn to The Keystone Center for Science and Public Policy for help."
(http://www.keystone.org/ --> Public Policy)

"The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) is the political voice of the national environmental movement and the only organization devoted full-time to shaping a pro-environment Congress and White House." (http://www.lcv.org/About/Aboutmain.cfm)

"We provide support to guide people through the cancer experience, bring them together to fight cancer and work for a world in which our fight is no longer necessary." (http://www.livestrong.org/Who-We-Are)

"Media Access Project (MAP), a non-profit, tax exempt, public interest telecommunications law firm, works to ensure that the electronic media and emerging technologies promote the first amendment goals of open civic discourse and a marketplace of ideas in order to safeguard democracy now and in the future. While technologies change, the importance of a well informed public and electorate does not." (http://www.mediaaccess.org)

"MALDEF strives to implement programs that are structured to bring Latinos into the mainstream of American political and socio-economic life; providing better educational opportunities; encouraging participation in all aspects of society; and offering a positive vision for the future." (http://www.maldef.org/about/index.html)

"The Middle East Policy Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1981 whose mission is to contribute to American understanding of the political, economic and cultural issues that affect U.S. interests in the Middle East." (http://mepc.org/about-council/mission)

"The mission of Mothers Against Drunk Driving is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking.” (http://www.madd.org/about-us/mission/)

"MoveOn.org Political Action, one of the largest Political Action Committees in the country, brings real Americans into politics to fight for a more progressive America and elect progressive candidates. It conducts major campaigns, from its work to protect the Supreme Court from a hard-right justice to its campaign to defeat the right wing and elect moderates and progressives in 2006. But in contrast to most PACs, which funnel industry contributions to candidates in exchange for access, MoveOn.org Political Action brings hundreds of thousands of small donors together to elect candidates who will represent the American people." (http://www.moveon.org)

"...The scope of the mission includes, but is not limited to, the following: 1. Promoting an American Muslim identity; 2. Fostering an effective grassroots organization; 3. Training a future generation of men and women who share our vision; 4. Promoting an accurate portrayal of Islam and Muslims in mass media and popular culture; 5. Educating the American public, both Muslim and non-Muslim about Islam; 6. Building alliances with Muslim and non-Muslim groups; 7. Cultivating relationships with opinion and decision makers." (http://www.mpac.org/home_mission.aspx)

"Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. From the ballot box to the classroom, the thousands of dedicated workers, organizers, leaders and members who make up the NAACP continue to fight for social justice for all Americans." (http://www.naacp.org)

"NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI advocates for access to services, treatment, supports and research and is steadfast in its commitment to raising awareness and building a community of hope for all of those in need." (http://www.nami.org/template.cfm?section=About_NAMI)

"We are made up of pro-choice women and men across the United States. Together, we protect a woman's right to choose." (http://www.prochoiceamerica.org/about-us/)

"NABE's mission is to advocate for our nation's Bilingual and English Language Learners and families and to cultivate a multilingual multicultural society by supporting and promoting policy, programs, pedagogy, research, and professional development that yield academic success, value native language, lead to English proficiency, and respect cultural diversity." (http://www.nabe.org/nabemission.html)

"NAEYC's mission is to serve and act on behalf of the needs, rights and well-being of all young children with primary focus on the provision of educational and developmental services and resources. " (http://www.naeyc.org/about/mission)

"Audubon's mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitat for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity." (http://www.audubon.org/nas/)

"NBPTS is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan and nongovernmental organization. It was formed in 1987 to advance the quality of teaching and learning by developing professional standards for accomplished teaching, creating a voluntary system to certify teachers who meet those standards and integrating certified teachers into educational reform efforts." (http://www.nbpts.org/about_us)

"The National Center for Fair & Open Testing (FairTest) advances quality education and equal opportunity by promoting fair, open, valid and educationally beneficial evaluations of students, teachers and schools. FairTest also works to end the misuses and flaws of testing practices that impede these goals. We place special emphasis on eliminating the racial, class, gender, and cultural barriers to equal opportunity posed by standardized tests, and preventing their damage to the quality of education." (http://www.fairtest.org/about)

"The mission of the National Center for Law and Economic Justice is to advance the cause of economic justice for low-income families, individuals, and communities across the country." (http://www.nclej.org/about-our-values.php)

"Since 1977, the National Center on Institutions & Alternatives, Inc. has provided individual care, concern, and treatment for intellectually disabled individuals and those involved with the criminal justice system." (www.ncianet.org)

"NCADV (located in Denver, CO) is a grassroots non-profit membership organization working since 1978 to end violence in the lives of women and children. " (http://www.webmerchants.com/ncadv/)

"To prevent and end homelessness while ensuring the immediate needs of those experiencing homelessness are met and their civil rights protected." (http://www.nationalhomeless.org/about_us/index.html)

"The mission of the National Coalition on Health Care is to support research and analysis, develop and promote policy solutions, build consensus, and engage the public in order to ensure that America has a high quality health system that is affordable, sustainable, and fair across both its public and private sectors."
(http://nchc.org/about-us/mission-history)

"Our mission is to identify, protect, represent, and advance the economic and social interests of consumers and workers." (http://www.nationalconsumersleague.org)

"The National Council of Jewish Women is a volunteer organization, inspired by Jewish values, that works through a program of research, education, advocacy and community service to improve the quality of life for women, children and families and strives to ensure individual rights and freedoms for all."
(http://www.ncjw.org/html/AboutNCJW/ContactNCJW/)

"NCLR conducts applied research, policy analysis, and advocacy, providing a Latino perspective in five key areas—assets/investments, civil rights/immigration, education, employment and economic status, and health. In addition, it provides capacity-building assistance to its Affiliates who work at the state and local level to advance opportunities for individuals and families." (http://www.nclr.org/index.php/about_us/)

"The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC… Our mission [is] to improve the lives of millions of older adults, especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged." (http://www.ncoa.org/about-ncoa/)

"The National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association (NFPRHA), founded in 1971, is a non-profit membership organization established to assure access to voluntary, comprehensive and culturally sensitive family planning and reproductive health care services and to support reproductive freedom for all." (http://www.nationalfamilyplanning.org/page.aspx?pid=422)

"For more than 100 years, National Farmers Union's primary goal has been to sustain and strengthen family farm and ranch agriculture...National Farmers Union believes that good opportunities in production agriculture are the foundation of strong farm and ranch families and that strong farm and ranch families are the basis for thriving rural communities. Vibrant rural communities, in turn, are vital to the health and economic wellbeing of the entire U.S. economy." (http://nfu.org > about us)

"NFI’s mission is to improve the well being of children by increasing the proportion of children growing up with involved, responsible, and committed fathers." (http://www.fatherhood.org/)

"The mission of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is to build the grassroots power of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community." (http://www.ngltf.org/about_us/mission_statements)

"The National Housing Institute (NHI), founded in 1975, is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering decent, affordable housing and a vibrant community for everyone." (http://www.nhi.org/about/)

"Founded in 1982, the National Immigration Forum advocates for the value of immigrants and immigration to our nation." (http://www.immigrationforum.org/about)

"The mission of NICOA is to advocate for improved comprehensive health, social services and economic well-being for American Indian and Alaska Native Elders." (http://nicoa.org/nicoa/)

"The National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (NNIRR) is a national organization composed of local coalitions and immigrant, refugee, community, religious, civil rights and labor organizations and activists. It serves as a forum to share information and analysis, to educate communities and the general public, and to develop and coordinate plans of action on important immigrant and refugee issues. We work to promote a just immigration and refugee policy in the United States and to defend and expand the rights of all immigrants and refugees, regardless of immigration status." (http://www.nnirr.org/~nnirrorg/drupal/about-us/mission)

"The mission of the National Organization on Disability (NOD) is to expand the participation and contribution of America’s 54 million men, women and children with disabilities in all aspects of life. Our current focus is on improving employment prospects for America's 33 million working-aged Americans with Disabilities." (http://www.nod.org/about_us/our_mission_vision/)

National Parks Conservation Association's mission is to "to protect and enhance America's National Park System for present and future generations." (http://npca.org/about%5Fnpca/)

"The National Partnership for Women & Families is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that uses public education and advocacy to promote fairness in the workplace, quality health care, and policies that help women and men meet the dual demands of work and family." (http://www.nationalpartnership.org/ --> About Us)

"The National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education and advocacy to save America's diverse historic places and revitalize our communities." (http://www.nationaltrust.org/about_the_trust/)

"The mission of the Urban League movement is to enable African Americans to secure economic self-reliance, parity and power and civil rights." (http://www.nul.org/about/mission.htm)

"The National Women's Health Network improves the health of all women by developing and promoting a critical analysis of health issues in order to affect policy and support consumer decision-making. The Network aspires to a health care system that is guided by social justice and reflects the needs of diverse women." (http://nwhn.org/about-national-womens-health-network)

"The Native American Rights Fund (NARF) is a non-profit 501c(3) organization that provides legal representation and technical assistance to Indian tribes, organizations and individuals nationwide - a constituency that often lacks access to the justice system. NARF focuses on applying existing laws and treaties to guarantee that national and state governments live up to their legal obligations." (http://www.narf.org/about/about_whatwedo.html)

"The Natural Resources Defense Council's purpose is to safeguard the Earth: its people, its plants and animals and the natural systems on which all life depends..." (http://www.nrdc.org/about/)

"The mission of The Ocean Conservancy is to protect ocean ecosystems and conserve the global abundance and diversity of marine wildlife." (http://www.oceanconservancy.org --> About Us --> Mission)

"OMB Watch was formed in 1983 to lift the veil of secrecy shrouding the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which oversees regulation, the budget, information collection and dissemination, proposed legislation, testimony by agencies, and much more...In all our work, we are guided by the belief that improving access to our governmental decision-makers and energizing citizen participation will lead to a more just, equitable and accountable government, which will ultimately strengthen our civil society." (http://www.ombwatch.org/ --> What We Do)

"Pacific Legal Foundation is America’s trusted champion of constitutional rights, fighting and winning decisive actions in the courts of law and the court of public opinion to rescue liberty from the grasp of government power..." (http://pacificlegal.org/)

"Now more than 860,000 members strong and growing every day, the Parents Television Council (PTC) was established in 1995 as a nonpartisan group, offering private sector solutions to restore television to its roots as an independent and socially responsible entertainment medium." (http://www.parentstv.org)

"PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered persons, their families and friends through: support, to cope with an adverse society; education, to enlighten an ill-informed public; and advocacy, to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays provides opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity." (community.pflag.org/page.aspx?pid=237)

"Pax Christi USA strives to create a world that reflects the Peace of Christ by exploring, articulating, and witnessing to the call of Christian nonviolence. This work begins in personal life and extends to communities of reflection and action to transform structures of society. Pax Christi USA rejects war, preparations for war, and every form of violence and domination. It advocates primacy of conscience, economic and social justice, and respect for creation." (http://www.paxchristiusa.org//about_us.asp)

"Our purpose is to meet the challenges of discord and fragmentation with an affirmation of "the American Way." By this, we mean pluralism, individuality, freedom of thought, expression and religion, a sense of community, and tolerance and compassion for others. People For the American Way will reach out to all Americans and affirm that in our society, the individual still matters; that there is reason to believe in the future - not to despair of it - and that we must strengthen the common cords that connect us as humans and citizens." (http://www.pfaw.org/pfaw/general/ default.aspx?oid=2859)

"PETA focuses its attention on the four areas in which the largest numbers of animals suffer the most intensely for the longest periods of time: on factory farms, in the clothing trade, in laboratories, and in the entertainment industry. We also work on a variety of other issues, including the cruel killing of beavers, birds, and other "pests" as well as cruelty to domesticated animals." (http://www.peta.org/about/)

"PANNA (Pesticide Action Network North America) works to replace pesticide use with ecologically sound and socially just alternatives." (http://www.panna.org/about/about.html)

"PFLI's mission is to make pharmacy once again a life-saving profession, a mooring from which it has drifted. As part of this commitment, PFLI is actively involved in educating pharmacists, nurses, physicians and other health professionals; educating the general public; serving pregnancy care centers; providing an economical speakers bureau; providing pharmaceutical cognitive services and consulting services; offering a toll-free contact phone number; providing on-line Internet and e-mail services; and providing many other benefits for members and non-members, pharmacists, lay persons, and students." (http://www.pfli.org/main.php?pfli=aboutus)

"Physicians for Social Responsibility is the largest physician-led organization in the U.S. working to prevent nuclear war and proliferation and to slow, stop and reverse global warming and toxic degradation of the environment." (http://www.psr.org/about/)

"...The mission of Planned Parenthood is to provide comprehensive reproductive and complementary health care services in settings which preserve and protect the essential privacy and rights of each individual; to advocate public policies which guarantee these rights and ensure access to such services; to provide educational programs which enhance understanding of individual and societal implications of human sexuality; to promote research and the advancement of technology in reproductive health care and encourage understanding of their inherent bioethical, behavioral, and social implications." (http://www.plannedparenthood.org/about-us/who-we-are/vision-4837.htm)

"PERF is a police research organization and a provider of management services, technical assistance, and executive-level education to support law enforcement agencies. PERF helps to improve the delivery of police services through the exercise of strong national leadership; public debate of police and criminal justice issues; and research and policy development." (www.policeforum.org/about-us/)

"An independent and unique resource for policing, the Police Foundation acts as a catalyst for change and an advocate for new ideas, in restating and reminding ourselves about the fundamental purposes of policing, and in ensuring that an important link remains intact between the police and the public they serve." (www.policefoundation.org)

"Overpopulation threatens the quality of life for people everywhere. Population Connection is the national grassroots population organization that educates young people and advocates progressive action to stabilize world population at a level that can be sustained by Earth's resources." (http://www.populationconnection.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_goals...)

"PERC - Property and Environment Research Center is the nation's oldest and largest institute dedicated to original research that brings market principles to resolving environmental problems...PERC pioneered the approach known as free market environmentalism, which is based on the following tenets. Private property rights encourage stewardship of resources. Government subsidies often degrade the environment. Market incentives spur individuals to conserve resources and protect environmental quality. Polluters should be liable for the harm they cause others."
(http://www.perc.org/aboutperc/index.php?s=1)

RAN "works to protect the Earth's rainforests and support the rights of their inhabitants through education, grassroots organizing, and non-violent direct action." (http://www.ran.org/about_ran/mission.html)

"RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual assault organization…RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice." (www.rainn.org/about-rainn/mission-statement)

"Resources for the Future improves environmental and natural resource policymaking worldwide through objective social science research of the highest caliber." [THINK TANK]
(http://www.rff.org)

"Restoring Eden makes hearts bigger, hands dirtier, and voices stronger by encouraging Christians to learn to love, serve, and protect God's creation." (http://www.restoringeden.org/about/)

"Sea Shepherd's mission is to conserve and protect the world's marine wilderness eco-systems and marine wildlife species." (http://www.seashepherd.org/mission.html)

"Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services, watchdog and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity." (http://www.sldn.org/pages/about-sldn)

"SWHR aims to bring attention to the myriad of diseases and conditions that affect women uniquely." (http://www.womenshealthresearch.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_main)

"The Southern Poverty Law Center was founded in 1971 as a small civil rights law firm. Today, the Center is internationally known for its tolerance education programs, its legal victories against white supremacists and its tracking of hate groups." (http://www.splcenter.org/center/about.jsp)

"As a leader in disability advocacy for more than 35 years, the mission of TASH is to promote the full inclusion and participation of children and adults with significant disabilities in every aspect of their community, and to eliminate the social injustices that diminish human rights." (http://www.tash.org/about/mission/)

"Taxpayers for Common Sense (TCS) is an independent voice for American taxpayers.TCS is dedicated to cutting wasteful government spending and subsidies in order to achieve a responsible and efficient government that lives within its means." (http://www.taxpayer.net/about/)

"The Center for Security Policy has, since its founding in 1988, operated as a non-profit, non-partisan organization committed to the time-tested philosophy of promoting international peace through American strength." (http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org --> About Us)

"The Conference Board creates and disseminates knowledge about management and the marketplace to help businesses strengthen their performance and better serve society." [THINK TANK] (http://www.conferenceboard.org/aboutus/about.cfm)

The Interfaith Alliance is: "People of faith and good will, united to: promote democratic values, defend religious liberty, challenge hatred and religious bigotry, reinvigorate informed civic participation."
(http://www.interfaithalliance.org/ --> About Us)

"Our Mission: To preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive." (http://nature.org/aboutus/)

"The Sentencing Project works for a fair and effective U.S. criminal justice system by promoting reforms in sentencing policy, addressing unjust racial disparities and practices, and advocating for alternatives to incarceration." (www.sentencingproject.org/template/page.cfm?id=2)

"Deliver to future generations an unspoiled legacy of wild places, with all the precious values they hold: Biological diversity; clean air and water; towering forests, rushing rivers, and sage-sweet, silent deserts."
(http://www.tws.org/ -->About our work)

"Third Millennium is a national, non-partisan, non-profit organization launched by young adults to offer solutions to long-term problems facing the United States. Our goal is to promote sustainable reform of Social Security and Medicare by informing and mobilizing the nation's opinion leaders." (http://www.thirdmil.org/about/mission.html)

"With an emphasis on the restoration of the values needed to maintain strong, unified families, Traditional Values Coalition focuses upon issues such as education, homosexual advocacy, family tax relief, pornography, the right to life and religious freedom."
(http://traditionalvalues.org/sections.php?op=viewarticle&artid=21)

"The work of TransAfrica Forum is summarized by the words from a section of the declaration of the 5th Pan-African Congress (1945), which reads in part: 'We believe the success of Afro-Americans is bound up with the emancipation of all African peoples and also other dependent peoples and laboring classes everywhere.' As such, the organization serves as a major research, educational, and organizing institution for the African-American community offering constructive analyses of issues concerning U.S. policy as it affects Africa and the Diaspora in the Caribbean and Latin America."
(http://www.transafricaforum.org/mission.html)

"Land conservation is central to TPL's mission. Founded in 1972, the Trust for Public Land is the only national nonprofit working exclusively to protect land for human enjoyment and well-being. TPL helps conserve land for recreation and spiritual nourishment and to improve the health and quality of life of American communities." (http://www.tpl.org/tier2_sa.cfm?folder_id=170)

"The Union of Concerned Scientists is a nonprofit partnership of scientists and citizens combining rigorous scientific analysis, innovative policy development and effective citizen advocacy to achieve practical environmental solutions." (http://www.ucsusa.org)

"The United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA) is a not-for-profit, nonpartisan organization that supports the work of the United Nations and encourages active civic participation in the most important social and economic issues facing the world today. As the nation's largest grassroots foreign policy organization and the leading center of policy research on the U.N. and global issues, UNA-USA offers Americans the opportunity to connect with issues confronted by the U.N.-from global health and human rights to the spread of democracy, equitable development and international justice. Through its work, UNA-USA educates Americans about the work of the United Nations, and encourages public support for strong U.S. leadership in the United Nations." (http://www.unausa.org/ --> About UNA-USA --> Who We Are)

"Its purposes under civil law are: 'To unify, coordinate, encourage, promote and carry on Catholic activities in the United States; to organize and conduct religious, charitable and social welfare work at home and abroad; to aid in education; to care for immigrants; and generally to enter into and promote by education, publication and direction the objects of its being.'" (http://www.nccbuscc.org/whoweare.htm)

"The Violence Policy Center (VPC), a national non-profit organization based in Washington, DC works to stop this annual toll of death and injury through research, advocacy, education, and litigation. The VPC approaches gun violence as a public health issue, advocating that firearms be held to the same health and safety standards that virtually all other consumer products must meet. Guns and tobacco are the only two consumer products for which there is no federal oversight for health and safety." (http://www.vpc.org/aboutvpc.htm)

"WAND was founded in 1982 as Women's Action for Nuclear Disarmament. With the end of the cold war, we became Women's Action for New Directions, and have been dedicating our energies to redirect federal budget priorities away from the military and toward human needs." (http://www.wand.org/wand_who_we_are.htm)

"Our Mission is 'to influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable." (http://www.iucn.org/about/index.htm)

"WRI's mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth's environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations."
(http://www.wri.org/human_nature.html)

"WWF's mission is the conservation of nature. Using the best available scientific knowledge and advancing that knowledge where we can, we work to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth and the health of ecological systems by protecting natural areas and wild populations of plants and animals, including endangered species; promoting sustainable approaches to the use of renewable natural resources; and promoting more efficient use of resources and energy and the maximum reduction of pollution. We are committed to reversing the degradation of our planet's natural environment and to building a future in which human needs are met in harmony with nature. We recognize the critical relevance of human numbers, poverty and consumption patterns to meeting these goals." (http://www.worldwildlife.org/who/index.html)

"The Worldwatch Institute is an independent research organization that works for an environmentally sustainable and socially just society, in which the needs of all people are met without threatening the health of the natural environment or the well-being of future generations..." [THINK TANK]
(http://www.worldwatch.org/about/mission/)