Why will the Commonweal Institute model work?

The Commonweal Institute represents a new approach for centrists and progressives. It will deal with the challenges that traditionally have limited the effectiveness of moderate and progressive groups. We know this advocacy think tank model can work because a similar model has already been successfully employed by conservative and libertarian think tanks.

Since the early 1970s, conservative and libertarian think tanks organizations have steadily been promoting and marketing conservative ideas through a wide range of customized communications and expert speakers. The success of this strategy is evidenced by the increasingly conservative tenor of public debate. In the process, centrists and progressives have lost ground, and even the Democratic Party has become more conservative and retreated from a number of its core principles. Although the success of the conservative movement is regrettable from our perspective, it does provide useful organizational models that we can turn to our advantage.

Accordingly, the Commonweal Institute will be successful by doing the following:

  • Using a proven model for influencing public opinion and government action
  • Employing the latest advances in social science and cognitive research to reach specific audiences and to obtain actionable feedback from those audiences
  • Following a discrete set of core principles that will pull moderates and progressives together, and that will apply to a broad range of economic, social, and environmental issues
  • Maintaining discipline and focus in the development and communication of informational and advocacy messages
  • Having the financial resources necessary to carry out the broad range of programs central to the organization's mission
  • Applying effective management techniques to the operations of the organization
  • Developing strategies for the long term, such that our short-term goals and accomplishments build on one another
  • Forging alliances with other organizations and individuals that share Commonweal Institute's commitment to positive change
  • Developing collaborative relationships with other think tanks in Washington, D.C., and throughout the country
  • Winning the support and active participation of both the progressive business and labor communities
  • Pulling together a team of donors who will work together to support the institutions and processes necessary to change the public agenda.

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