"In these challenging times, we need an advocacy think tank like Commonweal Institute to communicate our principles and programs in ways that will resonate with the broad public and empower citizens to take a more active role in our democracy. Commonweal takes a strategic approach to advancing issues in a way that will help decision-makers be proactive in confronting the challenges of the future."
-- Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, 8th CD-CA, Democratic Leader of the House of Representatives

"America needs a true marketplace of ideas, not a one-sided monologue by the right. At a time when airwaves and emails are filled with conservative voices, the Commonweal Institute is more important than ever."
-- Robert B. Reich, former U.S. Secretary of Labor, University Professor at Brandeis, co-founder of The American Prospect magazine

“In my political life, which bookends 51 years now, I cannot remember a darker time in public life where clarity, wisdom, and compassion were ever more needed. The Commonweal Institute is a public treasure, fostering dispassionate analysis, high intellect, progressive ideals, and most importantly, compassionate thinking.”
-- Peter Coyote, Actor and author

“For all of us who are tired of being on the receiving end of the Republican Noise Machine’s ongoing assault, the Commonweal Institute has provided an antidote. Their report Responding to the Attack on Public Education and Teacher Unions shows how progressives can organize to protect public education and much more. We should all read it and act.”
-- David Brock, President and CEO of Media Matters for America

“Quality information is the basis on which all good policy must be built. Commonweal Institute’s mission, to research, educate and communicate on issues of importance, is key for policymakers and activists alike.”
-- Joan Blades, Co-Founder, Moveon.org

"It's always good to put your brain in gear before you put your mouth in motion. The folks at the Commonweal Institute do the heavy mental lifting so agitators like me can arm ourselves on the front lines of the ideological battles taking place every day in America. For too long progressives have walked fearful of their shadows, whimpering and whining about what's wrong and fighting amongst themselves over crumbs. With the help of the Commonweal Institute, that time is over."
-- Jim Hightower, National radio commentator, writer and public speaker

"There is an urgent need today for a think tank to research and develop ideas and facts to inform the public and assist officeholders.  The Commonweal Institute's work is urgently needed and I welcome what they will do and the impact they will have during one of the most trying times in the life of our country." 
-- Congresswoman Anna G. Eshoo, D-Palo Alto, 14th CD-CA

"Moderate and progressive members of Congress need a substantial resource that can develop public support for our whole range of issues in a timely fashion, and defend our gains from right wing attacks. The Commonweal Institute is positioned to be that organization. I hope to see them grow quickly."
-- Congressman Mike Honda, D-San Jose, 15th CD-CA

"What you are proposing is critical to the well being of our state and nation. Thanks for taking on this incredible task." 
-- Carolyn Doggett, Executive Director, California Teachers Association

"The Commonweal Institute has taken on an ambitious set of tasks designed to ensure that progressive and just perspectives will be heard on the issues of the day. In a time when individual rights and basic democratic principles are under threat, the work of the Commonweal institute is particularly important."
-- Anne Firth Murray, Founder, Global Fund for Women

"Developing effective messages that speak to specific constituencies remains one of the critical tasks facing all think tanks today. As the founder of two think tanks, I am well aware of the challenges that arise when you propose to combine activism with lofty ideas. What does it matter how good our ideas are, if we can't speak in ways that broad-based, diverse constituencies understand? Concepts like Natural Capitalism aren't easy to communicate. As Commonweal Institute develops ideas and implements new, creative strategies for communicating moderate and progressive concepts, we'll all benefit. You have my heartfelt, best wishes for rapid success!"
-- L. Hunter Lovins, President, Natural Capitalism, Inc.

"Right-wing Republicans are a political minority in America but have taken control of the presidency, the Congress and the Supreme Court.  Their minority rule depends on the derailing of democracy and constant political propaganda to obscure their policy agenda.  We need to join the battle of ideas and language in a far more sustained and serious way.  This is why I am so glad the Commonweal Institute is committed to long-term democratic transformation by speaking truth and justice against corrupt power.  Let the struggle begin."
-- Jamin Raskin, Professor of Constitutional Law, Washington College of Law, American University; Maryland State Senator, (D-Montgomery County, 20th SSD)

“As a candidate for political office, I saw the pressing need for a large-scale think tank that can gain public and media support for progressive and centrist positions, and that will serve as a valuable resource for candidates and office-holders who take such positions. The Commonweal Institute will help office-holders put their progressive and centrist principles into action.”
-- Steve Westly, Chair, California Leadership Committee; former California State Controller

“Commonweal will play three critical roles in helping all of us and our organizations in making the world a better place. They will frame the debate, provide research for existing organizations and expand the base.”
-- Ted Lempert, Executive Director of Children Now, former California State Assembly member

“The Commonweal Institute's major goal is to promote moderate and progressive ideas widely, in order to counteract the ultra right movement's destructive influences upon our national policies. Armed with researched and validated facts, the Institute reveals the strategy of the ultra right and motivates us to develop a strong, effective response. I am in full support of this important organization.”
-- Mary Davey, Director, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District

“The Commonweal Institute seeks to blend grassroots activism and progressive policy thinking. Good for them!”
-- Joe Simitian, California State Senator (D-Palo Alto, 11th SSD)

“I like what you’re trying to do. It’s ambitious, bold, and very much needed.”
-- Rob Caughlan, Principal, The Roanoke Company, an advertising and PR firm