Common Cause
Mission: To restore “the core values of American democracy, reinventing an open, honest and accountable government that serves the public interest, and empowering ordinary people to make their voices heard in the political process.” (At its founding, these values resonated with the public as within just 23 weeks, 100,000 people had signed on to its mission.)
For almost half a century, Common Cause has worked to end “legalized” political corruption by reducing the influence of money in politics. In 1974, the organization was instrumental in passing legislation that established the Federal Election Commission, rules governing political contributions, and public funding for presidential candidates. Today, Common Cause continues to link research with advocacy via a nationwide network of more than 400,000 members and offices in 36 states plus Washington, D.C.
Year Founded: 1970 • (202) 833-1200 • CauseNet@commoncause.org • commoncause.org
Current Democracy Work
Common Cause focuses on five areas: money in politics, elections and voting, ethics in government, government accountability, and media and democracy. Through research, policy development, grassroots organizing, coalition building, public education, lobbying, and litigation, Common Cause works to pass reforms at all levels of government. In nearly half the states, its work has contributed to state and local reforms to combat big money.
Recent Successes
In 2007, Common Cause helped to pass the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act, placing new disclosure requirements on U.S. lobbyists. In 2008, its work contributed to establishing the Office of Congressional Ethics, the first independent ethics watchdog in Congress. The organization also backed a January 2016 proposed clean elections ordinance for the City of Chicago, which has been introduced for debate in the city council.
Your Entry Points
Join the “citizen’s lobby” to get money out of politics and send a letter to your representative through Common Cause’s website. Make an impact in your community by interning or volunteering with your local Common Cause office or attending one of the many Common Cause-sponsored events around the country.