Political Advocacy Groups

This category includes associations and organizations that endeavor to influence policy and legislation.

Resources in this category:

Alliance for Community Media
http://www.alliancecm.org/blog.php

The Alliance for Community Media is dedicated to ensuring access to electronic media. This site contains public policy and legislative information, news releases, links to regional chapters, and membership information.

American Cetacean Society
http://www.acsonline.org/

"ACS works to protect whales, dolphins, porpoises, and their habitats through education, conservation, and research." Wesite contains information about the society, its activities and publications, and cetacean fact sheets.

American Civil Liberties Union
http://www.aclu.org/

³The American Civil Liberties Union is the nation's foremost advocate of individual rights -- litigating, legislating, and educating the public on a broad array of issues affecting individual freedom in the United States. The ACLU is not a public defender like Legal Services or Legal Aid. It does not handle criminal cases or civil disputes or choose sides according to financial criteria. Nor do we take political sides; we are neither liberal nor conservative, Republican nor Democratic. The ACLU is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, 275,000-member public interest organization devoted exclusively to protecting the basic civil liberties of all Americans, and extending them to groups that have traditionally been denied them. In its almost seven decades in existence, the ACLU has become a national institution, and is widely recognized as the country's foremost advocate of individual rights.² This site provides current new and events, position papers, current cases, online membership regitration, and congressional information on pending issues.

The American Conservative Union
http://www.conservative.org/

³The American Conservative Union is the nation's oldest conservative lobbying organization. ACU's purpose is to effectively communicate and advance the goals and principles of conservatism through one multi-issue, umbrella organization. ² This site has an on-line membership registration, internship information, press releases, online newsletter, and legislative hot issues.

American Indian Movement
http://aimovement.org/

"Things will never be same again and that is what the American Indian Movement is about... They are respected by many, hated by some, but they are never ignored... They are the catalyst for Indian Sovereignty... They intend to raise questions in the minds of all, questions that have gone to sleep in the minds of Indians and non-Indian alike." The web site features information on the AIM movement, a speakers bureau, AIM news archives, related organizations, a special section on Leonard Peltier (an AIM member convicted of killing two FBI agents), and an online store where you can order AIM merchandise.

American Jewish Congress
http://www.ajcongress.org/

"American Jewish Congress is motivated by the need to ensure the creative survival of the Jewish people, deeply cognizant of the Jewish responsibility to participate fully in public life, inspired by Jewish teaching and values, informed by liberal principles, dedicated to an activist and independant role, and committed to making its decisions thorugh democratic process." This site provides information on the "advancement of the security and posterity of the state of Israel and its democratic institutions, advance social and economic justice, women's equality, and human rights at home and abroad." AJCongress strives to educate and provide a forum for American Jews interested in Israeli and American politics.

American Public Transit Association
http://www.apta.com/

"The international association of mass transit interests. APTA's mission is to promote the use of public transportation and to ensure the vitality of the transit industry. APTA's 1100+ members include operating transit authorities, their suppliers and other advocates of improved public transportation. More than 95% of transit passengers in the U.S. and Canada are carried by APTA members."

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer

"Ever since The ASPCA was founded in 1866, it has worked to alleviate pain, fear and suffering in animals through means such as humane law enforcement, legislative advocacy, education and hands-on animal care... The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is the oldest humane organization in the Western Hemisphere. It was founded by Henry Bergh, a diplomat in the U.S. delegation to Russia under President Lincoln, in 1866, and was modeled after England's Royal SPCA. Driven by Bergh's mission to 'provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States,' The ASPCA committed itself to alleviating pain, fear and suffering in all animals." This site contains information on pet care, pet overpopulation, issues and advocacy. Also contains an essay contest.

Amnesty International
http://www.amnesty.org/

"Amnesty International is a worldwide campaigning movement that works to promote all the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international standards. In particular, Amnesty International campaigns to free all prisoners of conscience; ensure fair and prompt trials for political prisoners; abolish the death penalty, torture and other cruel treatment of prisoners; end political killings and 'disappearances'; and oppose human rights abuses by opposition groups." This site provides recent campaign information, international country reports, news releases, and recent Amnesty Publications information.

Arab American Institute
http://www.aaiusa.org/

Founded in 1985, the Arab American Institute represents Arab American interests in government and politics. "The Institute provides leadership training and strategies in electoral politics and policy issues that concern Arab Americans." The site includes information on hot topics and political action; background about Arab Americans; publications; and links.

Arms Control Association
http://www.armscontrol.org/

"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. Through its public education and media programs and its magazine, Arms Control Today, ACA provides policy-makers, the press and the interested public with authoritative information, analysis and commentary on arms control proposals, negotiations and agreements, and related national security issues. In addition to the regular press briefings ACA holds on major arms control developments, the Association's staff provides commentary and analysis on a broad spectrum of issues for journalists and scholars both in the United States and abroad." Website includes inforamtion about members, staff and board of directors, an online magazine, and fact sheets.

Association for Politics and the Life Sciences
http://www.hass.usu.edu/~apls/

"International, interdisciplinary association of scholars, scientists, and policymakers concerned with problems or issues that involve both politics or public policy and one or more of the life sciences." Site includes information about membership, officers, meetings and publications.

Business and Professional Women USA
http://www.bpwusa.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1

"Business and Professional Women USA (BPW/USA) is the most powerful organization in the United States for working women. BPW provides networking opportunities, resources, career positioning, educational programs and visibility for its members nationwide. For more than 80 years, BPW has worked on behalf of women and economic equity in the workplace." This site has informative articles addressing issues that women face in the workplace, including fair pay; information on government and policy; info on the BPW Foundation, a calendar of events; and membership information.

Capital Research Center
http://www.capitalresearch.org/

"Capital Research Center (CRC) was established in 1984 to study non-profit organizations, with a special focus on reviving the American traditions of charity, philanthropy, and voluntarism. CRC specializes in analyzing organizations that promote the growth of the welfare state ‹ now almost universally recognized as a failure ‹ and in identifying viable private alternatives to government welfare programs."

Center for Equal Opportunity
http://www.ceousa.org/

"As the only think tank devoted exclusively to the promotion of colorblind equal opportunity and racial harmony, the Center for Equal Opportunity is uniquely positioned to counter the divisive impact of race conscious public policies. CEO focuses on three areas in particular: racial preferences, immigration and assimilation, and multicultural education."

Center for Law and Social Policy
http://www.clasp.org/

"CLASP is a national non-profit organization with expertise in both law and policy affecting the poor. Through education, policy research and advocacy, CLASP seeks to improve the economic conditions of low-income families with children and secure access for the poor to our civil justice system."

Center for Science in the Public Interest
http://www.cspinet.org/

"The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is a nonprofit education and advocacy organization that focuses on improving the safety and nutritional quality of our food supply and on reducing the carnage caused by alcoholic beverages. CSPI seeks to promote health through educating the public about nutrition and alcohol; it represents citizens¹ interests before legislative, regulatory, and judicial bodies; and it works to ensure advances in science are used for the public good."

Center for Taiwan International Relations
http://www.taiwandc.org/ctir/

"The Center for Taiwan International Relations (CTIR) is a private, non-profit, non-partisan research organization established in Washington, D.C. in 1988. CTIR has always maintained that the sovereignty of Taiwan (including the Pescadores) belongs to 21 million people of Taiwan, and to no one else."

Christian Coalition
http://www.cc.org/

"Christian Coalition was founded in 1989 by Pat Robertson to give Christians a voice in government. We represent a growing group of over 2 million members and supporters who believe it's time for people of faith to have a voice in the conversation we call democracy."

Citizens Internet Empowerment Coalition
http://www.ciec.org/

"(A) large and diverse group of Internet users, businesses, non-profit groups, and civil liberties advocates, who share the common goal of protecting the First Amendment and the viability of the Internet as a means of free expression, education, and commerce. CIEC members believe that parents, not the United States Government, are the best and most appropriate judges of what material is appropriate for themselves and their children." Members include libraries, book and newspaper publishers, editors, advertisers, commercial online service providers, ISP's, non-profit groups, and civil liberties advocates. The site contains information about the failed Communications and Decency Act and links to its members' Web sites.

The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence
http://www.csgv.org/

"The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence (CSGV) was founded in 1974 to combat the growing gun violence problem in the United States. CSGV is a unique coalition of more than forty religious, professional, labor, medical, educational and civic organizations." The site provides statistics and information on gun violence, legislative issues related to guns, educational programs for children and adults about preventing gun violence, information on legal and community efforts to prevent gun violence, and information about CSGV's free newsletter, Stop Gun Violence News (SGVN).

The Concord Coalition
http://www.concordcoalition.org/

³The Concord Coalition is a nonpartisan, grassroots movement to eliminate the deficit and bring entitlements down to a level that's fair to all generations. Founded by former Senators Warren B. Rudman and Paul E. Tsongas, we have chapters in all 50 states, including numerous college chapters.² This site provides information about local chapters in all 50 states, information about joining the coalition, news and online information about the growing deficit.

Congress for the New Urbanism
http://www.cnu.org/

"The Congress for the New Urbanism views disinvestment in central cities, the spread of placeless sprawl, increasing separation by race and income, environmental deterioration, loss of agricultural lands and wilderness, and the erosion of society's built heritage as one interrelated community-building challenge. We stand for the restoration of existing urban centers and towns within coherent metropolitan regions, the reconfiguration of sprawling suburbs into communities of real neighborhoods and diverse districts, the conservation of natural environments, and the preservation of our built legacy."
This site includes various resources, including bibliographies, news, task force reports, and membership information for the CNU.

Council for Agricultural Science and Technology
http://www.cast-science.org/

"The mission of the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) is to identify food and fiber, environmental, and other agricultural issues and to interpret related scientific research information for legislators, regulators, and the media for use in public policy decision making." The CAST site has news, information about the organization, a list of publications, and links to related resources.

Democratic Leadership Council
http://www.dlc.org/

"The Democratic Leadership Council is a national voice that is reshaping American politics by moving beyond the old left-right political debate. The Progressive Policy Institute (PPI), the DLC's think tank, provides the critical policy component for the DLC's political agenda. In a survey of Washington think tanks in 1994, PPI was found to produce 'more bang for the buck' than institutions many times its size." This site provides an online membership registration form, the latest news and a library of position papers.

Democratic Socialists of America
http://www.dsausa.org/index.html

"The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is the largest socialist organization in the United States, and the principal U.S. affiliate of the Socialist International. DSA's members are building progressive movements for social change while establishing an openly socialist presence in American communities and politics." This site provides information about the DSA's history, organizational structure, commissions, committees, and staff. It also includes a directory of locals, organizing committees, and youth section chapters and links to related political sites. DSA literature about general political topics as well as specific issues such as healthcare are provided.

Drug Policy Alliance
http://www.drugpolicy.org/homepage.cfm

Drug Policy Alliance works "to broaden the public debate on drug policy and to promote realistic alternatives to the war on drugs based on science, compassion, public health and human rights. The Alliance was formerly known as The Lindesmith Center - Drug Policy Foundation... The guiding principle of the Alliance is harm reduction, an alternative approach to drug policy and treatment that focuses on minimizing the adverse effects of both drug use and drug prohibition." The site includes an online library, news, research briefs, and bibliographies.

Duke Center for Health Policy, Law and Management: Foundations
http://www.hpolicy.duke.edu/cyberexchange/whats_what/foundat...

This comprehensive meta-list of Associations and Foundations dealing with Health Care Law and Policy provides a handy way to compare and access such resources.

Electronic Frontier Canada
http://www.efc.ca/

"Electronic Frontier Canada (EFC) was founded to ensure that the principles embodied in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms remain protected as new computing, communications, and information technologies are introduced into Canadian society." On the site, you can find out more about their efforts or read their press releases and news about relevant political issues.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation
http://www.eff.org/

³The Electronic Frontier Foundation: A non-profit civil liberties organization working in the public interest to protect privacy, free expression, and access to online resources and information.² This site has a downloadable membership form and an online membership form. This site provides membership benefits information, alerts, current newsletter, and archives.

Electronic Frontiers Australia
http://www.efa.org.au/

"Electronic Frontiers Australia Inc. is a non-profit national organisation formed to protect and promote the civil liberties of users and operators of computer based communications systems." The site has informational sections on censorship, cryptography, privacy issues, and intellectual property.

Electronic Privacy Information Center
http://www.privacyinternational.org/

"Established in 1994, EPIC is a project of the Fund for Constitutional Government and works in association with Privacy International, an international human rights group based in London, UK. Its goal is to focus public attention on emerging civil liberties issues and to protect privacy, the First Amendment, and constitutional values. The site includes postings of alerts, electronic privacy and cryptology resources."

The Emergency Committee to Defend Constitutional Welfare
http://www.welfarerights.org/

"The Emergency Committee to Defend Constitutional Welfare Rights, is a political-judicial action committee which opposes legislation, programs and practices depriving the involuntarily unemployed and their families of relief adequate to a dignified life; and opposes any workfare imposition legally constituting involuntary servitude or forced or compulsory labor." Visitors to the web site can learn more about this organization's efforts to defend welfare; check out related resources; or by become a member of the organization.

The Evergreen Foundation
http://www.evergreen.ca/

"Since 1991, The Evergreen Foundation has been dedicated to connecting people with nature through the enhancement of healthy natural environments in schools and communities across Canada. Our mission is to support and inspire community action that promotes the connection between a sustainable natural environment and healthy communities."

Federation of American Scientists
http://www.fas.org/

"The Federation of American Scientists is engaged in analysis and advocacy on science, technology and public policy concerning global security. A privately-funded non-profit policy organization whose Board of Sponsors includes over 55 American Nobel Laureates, FAS was founded as the Federation of Atomic Scientists in 1945 by members of the Manhattan Project who produced the first atomic bomb." Website contains information on Global Security, Governance, and Peace & Security.

Federation of Small Businesses
http://www.fsb.org.uk/

FSB is the United Kingdom's leading political lobby group for UK small businesses. They protect the interests and fight for the rights of small business owners. This site has information on membership, upcoming events, publications, and legislation and policy. The Be Your Own Boss section has tips and information on issues facing the small business person.

Feminist Majority Foundation
http://www.feminist.org/

³The Feminist Majority and The Feminist Majority Foundation are committed to empowering women and winning equality through research, the sharing of information of value to feminists everywhere, and effective action. Our work is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of caring feminists -- women and men -- all across the USA and around the world. ²

This site provides information about FMF programs and projects, it contains press releases and access to the Feminist Majority Report (newsletter.) Information about internships, conferences and key policy issues are also provided. The site is searchable.

Greenpeace International
http://www.greenpeace.org/international/

"Greenpeace is an independent, campaigning organisation which uses non-violent, creative confrontation to expose global environmental problems, and to force the solutions which are essential to a green and peaceful future." This searchable home page contains information on Greenpeace's toxics, nuclear, atmosphere and biodiversity campaigns, links to related resources and organizations, archives, and membership and office listings.

Handgun Control, Inc.
http://www.handguncontrol.org/

"Handgun Control Inc., is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization that lobbies in favor of common-sense gun regulations at both a state and national level. The Center to Prevent Handgun Violence was founded by Pete Shields as the educational and research affiliate of HCl. Since 1983, the Center has worked closely to educate the general public about the issues surrounding gun violence in the United States." This is the site for both HCI and for the Center to Prevent Handgun Violence, the "educational and research affiliate of HCl." The site provides information on legislative gun control issues, news items related to gun violence, information on legal efforts to control guns, efforts to assist law-enforcement agencies and private citizens in preventing gun violence and information for gun owners about HCI's advocacy of "common-sense gun policies that encourage responsible gun ownership."

Home School Legal Defense Association
http://www.hslda.org/

The mission of the HSLDA is to "preserve and advance the fundamental, God-given, constitutional right of parents and others legally responsible for their children to direct their education." Site includes news, articles, information on current lobbying activities, and a bookstore.

Independent Women's Forum
http://www.iwf.org/

A conservative women's political organization which seeks to identify key women's issues. The site provides commentary and links to press releases and portions of the Women's Quarterly magazine.

Indian Defense League of America
http://www.tuscaroras.com/IDLA/

"The Indian Defense League of America was established on December 1, 1926 to resist further erosion of the rights of Indians in North America. The IDLA was established to guarantee unrestricted passage on the continent of North America for Indian people. Unrestricted passage is considered an inherent right for indigenous people."

Institute for Global Ethics
http://www.globalethics.org/

"The Institute for Global Ethics is an independent, nonsectarian, and nonpolitical organization dedicated to elevating public awareness and promoting the discussion of ethics in a global context. This nonprofit think tank is an international, membership-based organization focusing on ethical activities for corporations, educators, professionals, and communities. The Institute's mission is to discover and articulate the global common ground of ethical values; analyze ethical trends and shifts in values as they occur worldwide; gather and disseminate information on global ethics; and elevate public awareness and discussion of global ethical issues." This site features a quarterly "dilemma" to be discussed by visitors, lists of publications, information on ongoing studies, membership, and training. However, a good deal of the focus is on selling the services of the Institute.

Institute for the Study of Civic Values
http://www.libertynet.org/edcivic/iscvhome.html

"The Institute for the Study of Civic Values is a non-profit organization established in Philadelphia in 1973 to promote the fulfillment of America's historic civic ideals. At a time when millions of Americans are struggling to identify the values that we share, the Institute for the Study of Civic Values believes that it is our civic values---the principles embodied in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights--that bring us together as a people. "

The Interfaith Alliance
http://www.interfaithalliance.org/site/pp.asp?c=8dJIIWMCE&b=...

³The Interfaith Alliance is a nonpartisan, interfaith organization committed to three main goals: promoting the positive role of religion as a healing and constructive force in public life; encouraging the renewal of values within our families and communities; providing people of faith with an alternative voice to that of the radical religious right.
The Interfaith Alliance believes that religion best contributes to public life when it works for reconcilliation, inspires common effort, promotes concern for the less fortunate, and upholds the dignity of all human beings. Because we affirm both the plurality of religious voices and the strength that diversity brings to our national life, we publicly challenge any canidate or political organization that explicitly claims to speak for all people of faith We encourage the active participation in the political process by people of faith and all people of good will, and insist that truthfulness, civility and compassion should always characterize their words and deeds.²
This site contains a printable membership form. This site provides legislative alerts, information about defending yourself against the religious right, a newsletter and voter information.

International Association of Fire Fighters
http://www.iaff.org/

"Legislative & political web site; up-to-date information for fire fighters including FIREPAC, Capitol Alert, Capitol Hill, and key bills of interest."

International Federation of Journalists
http://www.ifj.org/

"Promotes co-ordinated international action to defend press freedom and social justice through the development of strong, free and independent trade unions of journalists."

International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights
http://www.ihf-hr.org/

"The International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights is a self-governing group of non-governmental, not-for-profit organizations that act to protect human rights throughout Europe, North America, and the Central Asian republics formed from the territories of the former Soviet Union. A primary specific goal is to monitor compliance with the human rights provisions of the Helsinki Final Act and its Follow-up Documents. A secretariat based in Vienna, commonly referred to as 'the IHF', supports and provides liaison among thirty-four member 'Helsinki committees', and represents them at the international political level. The IHF also has direct links with individuals and groups supporting human rights in countries where no Helsinki committees exist. In addition to gathering and analyzing information on human rights conditions in OSCE participating States, the IHF acts as a clearing house for this information, disseminating it to governments, inter-governmental organizations, the press and the public at large. The IHF is even-handed in its criticism of human rights violations with respect to the political systems of states in which these abuses occur. Particularly since 1989, the IHF has also been active in promoting and supporting human rights in formerly totalitarian countries by organizing education projects, seminars, and international projects. Many of these have been implemented by Helsinki committees and other local human rights organizations." Website includes information about the federation and its activities, press releases, and links to and contact information for affiliated organizations.

International Indian Treaty Council
http://www.treatycouncil.org/home.htm

Includes international treties related to indigenous people in the world. Very useful resources.

The Jewish Defense League
http://www.jdl.org/

³The Jewish Defense League is the most controversial of all Jewish organizations. It is also the most effective. Founded in 1968 by Rabbi Meir Kahane, of blessed memory, the activist group has been responsible for bringing such issues as, but certainly not limited to, Soviet Jewry, Nazi war criminals, black Jew-hatred and Jewish self-defense to the front page of every major newspaper. Never Again, the JDL motto, opposes the mainstream opinion that Jews shouldn't make waves or fight back when they are under attack. Such an attitude was sold to the Jews of Europe 50 years ago and the result was the murder of the Six Million.² This site contains information about contacting JDL and membership information. The site provides latest news, some news concerning Israel, Nazi alerts, JDL news from America and around the world.

Joint Religious Legislative Coalition
http://www.jrlc.org/

"Guided by basic Jewish and Christian moral vision, JRLC strives to further the cause of social justice in Minnesota by proposing and promoting responsible legislation... JRLC now has an extensive body of public policy statements and continually influences Minnesota legislation in many policy arenas, including: welfare reform, housing, health care, human rights, criminal justice, environmental stewardship, tax policy, ethics in government, gambling, economic justice, bias crimes, firearms regulation and other policy areas."

This site includes "Justice Alerts" which pos timely activities for citizens to influence policy decisions, JRLC position statement papers, tools that citizens can use to coordinate social justice activities, and links to the Minnesota legislature.

League of United Latin American Citizens
http://www.lulac.org/

"The Mission of the League of United Latin American Citizens is to advance the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health and civil rights of the Hispanic population of the United States." The site has weekly policy updates and current news about issues such as affirmative action, education, and voter rights.

League of Women Voters of the United States
http://www.lwv.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home

"The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan, political organization, encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in goverment and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Any person of voting age, male or female, may become a League member." This site provides information about the league, its upcoming events and publications, a directory of state league offices and links to state and local league sites. It also provides information on how to register to vote, voter registration deadlines and contact information, and other election information. Testimonies and information concerning legislative issues such as campaign finance reform and links to related election web sites are included.

Log Cabin Republicans
http://online.logcabin.org/

"Log Cabin Republicans believe that protecting the dignity of the individual should be the highest aim of government. Preserving individual rights against government intrusion is the best guarantee of equal opportunities for gay and lesbian individuals. The mission of Log Cabin Republicans is to advance the legislative and policymaking interests of the gay or lesbian individual within the Republican Party. LCR and its members will work with elected and appointed officials to advocate the development of legislation and Republican party policies which: protect equal rights for gay or lesbian individuals; avoid discrimination against gay or lesbian individuals; encourage gay or lesbian participation in national and local Party activities." This site has press releases, campaign activities, directory of clubs nationwide and newsletter.

M. K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence
http://www.cbu.edu/Gandhi/

"In 1991 the nonprofit, nonsectarian M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence was founded in Memphis, Tennessee by the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, Arun Gandhi, and his wife Sunanda. Their vision is to foster the understanding, application, and practice of nonviolence. The mission of the Gandhi Institute is to promote and apply the principles of nonviolence locally, nationally, and globally, to prevent violence and resolve personal and public conflicts through research, education, and programming." The website includes information about the institute and its programs, links to other non-violence sites, and biographical material about Mohandas K. Gandhi.

Marijuana Policy Project
http://www.mpp.org/

"The Marijuana Policy Project works to minimize the harm associated with marijuana -- both the consumption of marijuana, and the laws that are intended to prohibit such use. MPP believes that the greatest harm associated with marijuana is prison. To this end, MPP focuses on removing criminal penalties for marijuana use, with a particular emphasis on making marijuana medically available to seriously ill people who have the approval of their doctors." The website features new articles on the latest efforts with legislation to get medical marijuana legalized. It also features informative facts on the health benefits of marijuana as well as the number of individuals who have been incarcerated in marijuan-related charges.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving
http://www.madd.org/home/

"The mission of Mothers Against Drunk Driving is to stop drunkdriving and support the victims of this violent crime. There are over 600 active chapters and community action teams across the country. MADD has 3.3 million members and supporters. The site providers an overview of MADD's goals and objects, programs and services and information on the extent of the problem of drunk driving."

National Artists Equity Association
http://artists-equity.org/

"National Artists equity Association is a non-profit, aesthetically non-partisan, national organization for professional visual artists. Founded in 1947...National AEA [works] for improved economic conditions for visual artists and for the expansion and protection of artists’ rights. National AEA operates at the federal, state, and local levels through headquarters in Washington DC, its chapter organizations, and members-at-large." Site includes Declaration of Artists' Rights, information on Central Coast and Washington, DC chapters, and an artist-dealer contract.

National Association for the Reform of Marijuana Legislation
http://www.norml.org/

"Since its founding in 1970, NORML has been the principal national advocate for legalizing marijuana. During the 1970s, NORML led the successful efforts to decriminalize minor marijuana offenses in 11 states and significantly lower penalties in all others. Though the decriminalization movement eventually fell victim to the "war on drugs," NORML has remained the nation's principal organization dedicated to ending marijuana prohibition." The NORML website includes links to information about the three main uses of marijuana - recreational, industrial and medical. NORML also features updated information related to the legalization of marijuana around the United States and in foreign countries. NORML also has information on legal help availble to those who get arrested for a marijuana-related offense. You may also join or support NORML through the website.

National Association for the Visual Arts
http://www.visualarts.net.au/home/default.asp

"NAVA is the national advocacy, lobby and research organisation for the visual arts, crafts and design in Australia. NAVA members cover a broad spectrum of the community including artists, visual arts organisations, the arts education sector, public and commercial galleries and arts manufacturers and retailers. NAVA undertakes to represent the professional interests of these sectors to advance the visual arts, crafts and design in Australia." Site includes art classifieds, artist professional issues, indigenous art info and contacts, and a listing of art organizations.

National Association of Counties
http://www.naco.org

"The National Association of Counties (NACo) is the national voice for America's county governments. Since 1935, NACo has represented the interests of counties before Congress and the Administration." This site contains a list of county and corporate members and links to state associations of counties, professional affiliates and other related organizations. It also provides information about member services, legislative issues and news affecting county governments.

The National Coalition for School Bus Safety
http://www.ncsbs.org/

The mission of NCSBS is to help enhance school bus safety, primarily by advocating the use of seatbelts and other safety features on school buses. Their Web site includes membership information, fact summaries and scientific reports, information about new technologies, related national news, resources, and related links.

National Defense Industrial Association
http://www.ndia.org/

"As the 'Voice of the Industrial Base,' the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) educates and provides a link for its members to defense officials and leaders of industry." The site has information about chapters and committees, news, a small business resource center, and selected articles from the association's magazine National Defense.

National Immigration Forum
http://www.immigrationforum.org/

The Forum advocates and builds public support for public policies that welcome immigrants and refugees and that are fair and supportive to newcomers in our country. The resources on this web site range from important immigration facts to current events and recent immigration legislation.

National Motorists Association
http://www.motorists.org/

"The National Motorists Association (NMA) was founded in 1982 to advocate, represent, and protect the interests of North American motorists." This site provides information about the NMA, its member services, and motorist issues. It also links to the NMA's Online Store and the WWW Scenic Roads Registry where users can "discover the most scenic driving in North America."

National Organization of Women
http://www.now.org/

³The National Organization for Women is the largest organization of feminist activists in the United States. NOW has 250,000 members and 600 chapters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Since its founding in 1966, NOW's goal has been "to take action" to bring about equality for all women. Both the actions NOW takes and its take on the issues are often unorthodox, uncompromising and before their time. NOW activists use both traditional and non-traditional means to push for social change. NOW activists do extensive electoral and lobbying work and bring lawsuits. They also organize mass marches, rallies, pickets, counter- demonstrations, non-violent civil disobedience and immediate, responsive "zap" actions. NOW re-instituted mass marches for women's rights in the face of conventional wisdom that marches were a technique that went out with the 1960s.² This site provides information about their national and local chapters. It also contains press releases and NOW newspaper, and information about internships, conferences and identify key issues.

National Rifle Association
http://www.nra.org/

³NRA members are Americans in the finest patriotic sense. They believe in the Constitution and uphold its tenets. They believe in fairness, equality, and the law. They actively pursue some of this country's oldest and finest traditions, including hunting and recreational shooting. They work hard to support law enforcement and fight hard to keep special interest groups from infringing on our Second Amendment rights.² The site has NRA news, printable membership application, and many files concerning issues and firearm information.

Native American Rights Fund
http://www.narf.org/

"The Native American Rights Fund (NARF) is the non-profit legal organization devoted to defending and promoting the legal rights of the Indian people." Includes useful legal reference materials and links to Native American Nations.

PAX
http://www.paxusa.org/

"PAX is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the vision of a society free of gun violence. PAX's mission is to create a powerful national movement which brings all Americans together in support of common sense social and political solutions to the gun violence epidemic." The PAX site has statistics on guns and gun violence, information about legislation and political activism related to guns and news about gun issues.

Peace Action
http://www.webcom.com/peaceact/

"Peace Action is the largest grassroots peace group in this country, doing education and lobbying in the areas of nuclear disarmament, reduction of military spending, and support of conflict resolution efforts. The site has Peace Action position papers on various topics relevant to peace and disarmament. The site is updated regularly."

Privacy International
http://www.privacyinternational.org/

"A human rights group formed in 1990 as a watchdog on surveillance and privacy invasions by governments and corporations."

Public Citizen
http://www.citizen.org/

³Founded by Ralph Nader in 1971, Public Citizen is the consumer's eyes and ears in Washington. With the support of more than 150,000 people like you, we fight for safer drugs and medical devices, cleaner and safer energy sources, a cleaner environment, and a more open and democratic government. We stand up for you against thousands of special interest lobbyists in Washington -- well-heeled agents for drug companies, the automakers, big energy interests, and the like. Our budget is small by comparison. But Public Citizen is respected and effective, precisely because we accept no government or corporate support. We speak only for you.² This site provides information from the Gloabl Trade Watch, current legal briefs for consumers, and current information about the movement away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy.

Results
http://www.results.org/website/article.asp?id=19

"Non-profit, grassroots citizen's lobby that identifies sustainable solutions to the problems of hunger and poverty and works to generate the resources necessary to make those solutions succeed." Site includes information about the issues, government news, and links to other sites.

The Southern Poverty Law Center
http://www.splcenter.org/

"The Southern Poverty Law Center is a non-profit organization that combats hate, intolerance and discrimination through education and litigation. Its programs include Teaching Tolerance and the Intelligence Project, which incorporates Klanwatch and the Militia Task Force. The Center also sponsors the Civil Rights Memorial which celebrates the memory of 40 individuals who died during the Civil Rights Movement." The site includes extensive information about the Center's programs.

Student Association for Freedom of Expression
http://www.mit.edu:8001/activities/safe/home.html

"We work to organize support for freedom of speech and other forms of freedom of expression." Included is an archive with information about censoring and labelling systems, writings protecting free speech, summaries of selected cases at universities and some other institutions, information about indecency, and more.

Support Coalition International
http://www.MindFreedom.org/

"Support Coalition is an alliance of more than 70 grassroots groups in 11 countries united to win human rights in the 'mental health system.'"

Taxpayers League of Minnesota
http://www.taxpayersleague.com/main/index.php

"The Taxpayers League of Minnesota is a nonpartisan, nonprofit grassroots taxpayer advocacy organization which fights for lower taxes, limited government and full empowerment of taxpaying citizens in accordance with Constitutional principles." Site includes news, a legislator finder, and government waste watch.

The Tenants Union
http://www.tenantsunion.org/

"The Tenants Union is a Washington State organization that has been providing information to tenants and fighting for stronger tenants' rights since 1976." The site has useful information for tenants outside of Washington as well, such as online brochures describing tenants' rights and a directory of similar organizations in other states.

American Legion
http://www.legion.org/

"The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic, mutual-help, war-time veterans organization. A community-service organization which now numbers nearly 3 million members -- men and women -- in nearly 15,000 American Legion Posts worldwide. These Posts are organized into 55 Departments -- one each for the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Mexico, and the Philippines." Website contains a large body of information about The American Legion, its programs and concerns, including flag protection, support of troops in Bosnia, and gulf war health issues.

KIDS FIRST
http://www.cqcm.org/kidsfirst

"A national not-for-profit organization that is a voluntary collaboration between the media industry, educators and child advocacy organizations. The mission of CQCM is to enhance children's viewing experiences by making quality children's media more visible and more readily available." The site features a searchable database called Kids First, "the Coalition's program that evaluates and rates children's media: videos, CD-ROMs and television."

Progressive Directory at the Institute for Global Communications
http://www.jca.apc.org/~y-okada/igc/

A directory of organizations from The Institute for Global Communications, "your gateway to environmental and progressive resources worldwide." Includes five main networks: PeaceNet, EcoNet, ConflictNet, LaborNet and WomensNet, as well as a large alphabetical directory.

Seniors Coalition
http://www.senior.org/

The Seniors Coalition is a non-profit, 501c(4), non-partisan, education and issue advocacy organization that represents the interests and concerns of America's senior citizens at both the state and federal levels. They publish "The Advocate," an online magazine. The site includes information about Social Security and other issues faced by seniors, news updates, and articles from "The Advocate."

U.S. English
http://www.us-english.org/inc/

This site is for an organization dedicated to making English the official language of the US. It includes information on the political arm and services that the foundation offers, such as English as Second Language Classes.

The Violence Policy Center
http://www.vpc.org/

"The Violence Policy Center is a national non-profit organization working to fight firearms violence through research, education, and advocacy. As a gun control "think tank," the VPC analyzes a wide range of current firearm issues and provides information to policymakers, journalists, public health professionals, grassroots activists, and members of the general public." The site provides information about guns and gun violence in the United States, including information about gun manufacturers, litigation against gun manufacturers, news about guns and gun violence, and information about the VPC's publications.

The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
http://wwics.si.edu/

"The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars is the United States' official memorial to Woodrow Wilson, president of the United States from 1913 to 1921. Our Center aims, in a strictly nonpartisan fashion, to foster scholarship and promote the exchange of views between scholars and decision makers that was envisaged by Woodrow Wilson--a college teacher and university president, as well as a politician and international statesman. We sponsor research, meetings, and publications on history, economics, politics, international relations, the environment, literature, art history, and many other areas."

World Association of Persons with Disabilities
http://www.wapd.org/

"A Nonpartisan, Nonprofit World Association / Ministry under God, dedicated to approximately One (1) in Five (5) residents of earth that strive to be Alive! .. Involved! .. Effective! in their daily living. WAPD advances the interests of its members at national, state, local and home levels. We believe that everyone is entitled to decent and quality living. Over... ten years of "grassroots" planning and growth have catapulted the association into a world leadership position that will be, quietly but securely, advancing the soundness and happiness of the 'dis-ABLED' everywhere. WAPD links its members and their supporters to current and 'leading-edge' information via the various mediums of communication."

World Conservation Monitoring Centre
http://www.unep-wcmc.org/

The World Conservation Monitoring Centre studies and presents information on biodiversity, ecosystem and species survival. As part of the United Nations Environmental Program, this website has information on international environmental policy and decision-making.

World Without War Council
http://www.wwwc.org/

"Non-governmental organization working to promote American leadership in progress toward a world that resolves conflict without mass political violence." Site includes information on WWWC, its programs and publications.