Political Advocacy Groups

"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)

"The mission of the Alliance for Retired Americans is to ensure social and economic justice and full civil rights for all citizens so that they may enjoy lives of dignity, personal and family fulfillment and security. The Alliance believes that all older and retired persons have a responsibility to strive to create a society that incorporates these goals and rights and that retirement provides them with opportunities to pursue new and expanded activities with their unions, civic organizations and their communities." (http://www.retiredamericans.org/about/mission-statement)

"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)

"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)

"AFBF is the unified national voice of agriculture, working through our grassroots organizations to enhance and strengthen the lives of rural Americans and to build strong, prosperous agricultural communities." (http://www.fb.org/index.php?action=about.home)

"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)

"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/)

"...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)

"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/)

"The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) is a civil rights organization committed to defending the rights of people of Arab descent and promoting their rich cultural heritage." (http://www.adc.org/about-us/)

"ADA is the nation's oldest independent liberal lobbying organization." (http://www.adaction.org/about.htm)

"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)

"The Arab American Institute (AAI) is a nonprofit organization committed to the civic and political empowerment of Americans of Arab descent. AAI represents the policy and community interests of Arab Americans throughout the U.S. through two primary focus areas: campaigns and elections, and policy formulation and research. " (http://www.aaiusa.org/pages/about-us/)

"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)

"We are devoted to creating an America free from gun violence, where all Americans are safe at home, at school, at work, and in our communities. The Brady Campaign works to pass and enforce sensible federal and state gun laws, regulations, and public policies through grassroots activism, electing public officials who support common sense gun laws, and increasing public awareness of gun violence. Through our Million Mom March and Brady Chapters, we work locally to educate people about the dangers of guns, honor victims of gun violence, and pass sensible gun laws, believing that all Americans, especially children, have the right to live free from the threat of gun violence. The Brady Center works to reform the gun industry by enacting and enforcing sensible regulations to reduce gun violence, including regulations governing the gun industry. In addition, we represent victims of gun violence in the courts. We educate the public about gun violence through litigation, grassroots mobilization, and outreach to affected communities." (http://www.bradycenter.com/about)

"Bread for the World is a collective Christian voice urging our nation's decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad." (http://www.bread.org/what-we-do/)

"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/)

"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/)

"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 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 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)

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

"CTJ fights for: fair taxes for middle- and low-income families, requiring the wealthy to pay their fair share, closing corporate tax loopholes, adequately funding important government services, reducing the federal deficit, [and] taxation that minimizes distortion of economic markets." (http://www.ctj.org/html/ctjdesc.html)

"Clean Water Action is a national citizens' organization working for clean, safe and affordable water, prevention of health-threatening pollution, creation of environmentally-safe jobs and businesses, and empowerment of people to make democracy work." (http://www.cleanwateraction.org)

"The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence (CSGV) seeks to secure freedom from gun violence through research, strategic engagement and effective policy advocacy." (http://www.gunfree.org --> Coalition --> About Us)

"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)

"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)

"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/)

"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 of Institutional Investors is an organization of large public, labor funds and corporate pension funds which seeks to address investment issues that affect the size or security of plan assets. Its objectives are to encourage member funds, as major shareholders, to take an active role in protecting plan assets and to help members increase return on their investments as part of their fiduciary obligations." (http://www.cii.org/)

"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)

"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/)

"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/)

"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/)

"Eagle Forum's Mission is to enable conservative and pro-family men and women to participate in the process of self-government and public policy making so that America will continue to be a land of individual liberty, respect for family integrity, public and private virtue, and private enterprise." (http://www.eagleforum.org)

"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)

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)

"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)

"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...)

"Gun Owners of America (GOA) is a non-profit lobbying organization formed in 1975 to preserve and defend the Second Amendment rights of gun owners. GOA sees firearms ownership as a freedom issue." (http://gunowners.org/protect.htm)

"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 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)

"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)

"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)

"LCCR consists of more than 180 national organizations, representing persons of color, women, children, labor unions, individuals with disabilities, older Americans, major religious groups, gays and lesbians and civil liberties and human rights groups. Its mission: to promote the enactment and enforcement of effective civil rights legislation and policy."(http://www.civilrights.org/about/lccr/)

"Mission Statement: 1. Increase public support for non-punitive, non-coercive marijuana policies. 2. Identify and activate supporters of non-punitive, non-coercive marijuana policies. 3. Change state laws to reduce or eliminate penalties for the medical and non-medical use of marijuana. 4. Gain influence in Congress. Vision Statement: MPP and MPP Foundation envision a nation where marijuana is legally regulated similarly to alcohol, marijuana education is honest and realistic, and treatment for problem marijuana users is non-coercive and geared toward reducing harm." (http://www.mpp.org/about/mission-statement.html)

"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 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)

"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)

"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 National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare was founded in 1982 to serve as an advocate for the landmark federal programs of Social Security and Medicare and for all Americans who seek a healthy, productive and secure retirement." (http://www.ncpssm.org/message/)

"Protect and enhance treaty and sovereign rights; secure our traditional laws, cultures, and ways of life for our descendants; promote a common understanding of the rightful place of tribes in the family of American governments; improve the quality of life for Native communities and peoples." (http://www.ncai.org/about-ncai/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 NCC works for peace and justice in the United States, addressing issues ranging from poverty and racism, to the environment, family ministries, and much more. It serves churches through a wide variety of educational ministries. And it coordinates the production of national network television and cable TV programming of religious interest..." (http://ncccusa.org/about/about_ncc.htm)

"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/)

"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)

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

"Founded in 1982, the National Motorists Association advocates, represents, and protects the interests of North American motorists. We are the organization that promoted federal legislation which eliminated the 55 mph National Maximum Speed Limit in 1995." (http://www.motorists.org)

"NORML's mission is to move public opinion sufficiently to achieve the repeal of marijuana prohibition so that the responsible use of cannabis by adults is no longer subject to penalty." (http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=3414)

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 SAFE KIDS Campaign is the first and only national non-profit organization dedicated solely to the prevention of unintentional childhood injury — the number one killer of children ages 14 and under."
(http://www.safekids.org/tier2_rl.cfm?folder_id=184)

"NTU was founded in 1969 to protect American's most fundamental right -- the right to keep what they have earned..." (http://www.ntu.org/main/misc.php?MiscID=3)

"The National Women's Political Caucus is a multicultural, intergenerational, and multi-issue grassroots organization dedicated to increasing women’s participation in the political process and creating a true women’s political power base to achieve equality for all women." (http://www.nwpc.org/about.htm)

"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/)

"Peace Action has worked for an environment where all are free from violence and war. We understand that long-standing global conflicts require long-term solutions and that US foreign policy has a lasting effect on the world. We are working to promote a new U.S. foreign policy that is based on peaceful support for human rights and democracy, eliminating the threat of weapons of mass destruction, and cooperation with the world community. We organize against pre-emptive war and call for a full withdrawal of American troops, bases and contractors from Iraq and Afghanistan." (http://www.peace-action.org/our-mission)

"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)

"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/)

"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/)

"The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse is a nonprofit consumer education, research, and advocacy program. Our publications empower you to take action to control your personal information by providing practical tips on privacy protection." (http://privacyrights.org)

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)

"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)

"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/)

"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 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)

"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)

"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 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)

"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)

"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/)