About the Center for American Progress

Who we are

The Center for American Progress is a think tank dedicated to improving the lives of Americans through ideas and action. We combine bold policy ideas with a modern communications platform to help shape the national debate, expose the hollowness of conservative governing philosophy, and challenge the media to cover the issues that truly matter.

Our work builds upon progressive ideals put forth by such leaders as Teddy Roosevelt, FDR, JFK, and Martin Luther King. We draw from the great social movements of the 20th century—from labor rights and worker safety, to civil rights and women's suffrage. We translate those values into new ideas and action firmly rooted in the economic and political realities of the 21st century.

Founded in 2003, CAP is headed by John D. Podesta, former chief of staff to President Bill Clinton and professor at the Georgetown University Law Center. CAP is designed to provide long-term leadership and support to the progressive movement. Our ability to develop thoughtful policy proposals and engage in the war of ideas with conservatives is unique and effective.

Our policy experts cover a wide range of issue areas, and often work across disciplines to tackle complex, interrelated issues such as national security, energy, and climate change. This year, we are pushing to keep four leading issues at the center of the national debate:

• Restoring America's global leadership to make America more secure and build a better world.
• Seizing the energy opportunity to create a clean, innovation-led economy that supports a sustainable environment.
• Creating progressive growth that's robust and widely shared, and restoring economic opportunity for all.
• Delivering universal health care so that quality, affordable health services are available to all Americans.

American Progress opened its first office outside of DC in California in 2007. American Progress’ mission in California is to advance and support a progressive national policy agenda and lay out our vision of a progressive America. The initial goals of the California office are to: 1) broaden American Progress’ policy development by drawing on ideas from California, a state often at the leading edge of progressive policy; 2) develop relationships with and actively engage influential audiences who shape the public and policy debate; 3) broaden awareness of American Progress and our progressive vision to help build a robust progressive movement beyond the beltway; and 4) expand American Progress’ donor base to ensure that we are building lasting institutional support for progressive change.

What we believe

We believe America is a land of boundless opportunity, where people can better themselves, their children, their families, and their communitiesAs progressives, we believe America is a land of boundless opportunity, where people can better themselves, their children, their families, and their communities through education, hard work, and the freedom to climb the ladder of economic mobility. We believe an open and effective government can champion the common good over narrow self-interest, harness the strength of our diversity, and secure the rights and safety of its people. And we believe our nation must always be a beacon of hope and strength to the rest of the world. Progressives are often described as idealistic enough to believe change is possible and practical enough to make it happen.

How we work

Through dialogue with leaders, thinkers, and citizens, we explore the vital issues facing America and the world. We develop a point of view and take a stand. We then build on that and develop bold new ideas.

We shape the national debate. We share our point of view with everyone who can put our ideas into practice and effect positive change. That means online, on campus, in the media, on the shop floor, in faith communities, and in the boardroom. Our progressive partners—including the CAP Action Fund—take our ideas to Congress and statehouses.

How can I help?

Learn

Educate yourself on the issues and help inform the national debate. Visit americanprogress.org for the latest progressive thinking on domestic and economic as well as national security issues. Read our progressive take on media and culture, and science, technology, and innovation. And enjoy our cartoons or browse through the listings of our compelling series of public events. To stay informed, subscribe to the Progress Report, a daily review of the reality behind the news produced by the CAP Action Fund.

Act

To be progressive is to be active. Get involved in campus or state and local political issues shaping our collective future with the help of our online resources: do research, download policy papers, and make a difference. We also invite you to apply to join our staff: We are always looking for bright, passionate thinkers.

Give

Without your generous support, we cannot do this important work. Visit our donate page to make a contribution. The Center for American Progress is a non-profit, non-partisan organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code. Donations are tax-deductible.

For more information, read our 2008 marketing brochure or 2007 annual report (PDF).