 |
This article needs references that appear in reliable third-party publications. Primary sources or sources affiliated with the subject are generally not sufficient for a Wikipedia article. Please add more appropriate citations from reliable sources. (January 2008) |
 |
The neutrality of this article is disputed. Please see the discussion on the talk page. Please do not remove this message until the dispute is resolved. (March 2008) |
 |
|
| Founders | Norman Lear |
|---|---|
| Type | Interest group |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Headquarters | Washington D.C. |
| Staff | Norman Lear |
| Area served | United States |
| Focus | Progressive advocacy |
| Method | Media attention, direct-appeal campaigns |
| Website | PFAW Official Website |
People For the American Way (People For) is a politically liberal advocacy organization in the United States.[1][2] Under U.S. tax code, People For is organized as a tax-exempt 501(c)(4) non-profit organization.
Contents |
Purpose
The "Our Mission and Vision" page on their website[3] states:
- People For the American Way is dedicated to making the promise of America real for every American: Equality. Freedom of speech. Freedom of religion. The right to seek justice in a court of law. The right to cast a vote that counts. The American Way.
- Our vision is a vibrantly diverse democratic society in which everyone is treated equally under the law, given the freedom and opportunity to pursue their dreams, and encouraged to participate in our nation’s civic and political life. Our America respects diversity, nurtures creativity and combats hatred and bigotry.
- We believe a society that reflects these constitutional principles and progressive values is worth fighting for, and we take seriously our responsibility to cultivate new generations of leaders and activists who will sustain these values for the life of this nation.
- Our operational mission is to promote the American Way and defend it from attack, to build and nurture communities of support for our values, and to equip those communities to promote progressive policies, elect progressive candidates, and hold public officials accountable.
PFAW has been active in recent years in battles over judicial nominations and on issues including school class size, and actively support such proposals as the separation of church and state, civil rights, voting rights for Washington, DC in the U.S. Congress and equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) people and promotion of civic participation.
History
PFAW was founded by television producer Norman Lear (All in the Family, Maude, The Jeffersons, etc.) in 1981 specifically in response to what it felt was the divisive rhetoric of such increasingly influential televangelists as Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell. Co-founders included Barbara Jordan, Andrew Heiskell, and other leaders from the political, religious, business, and entertainment communities.
Figures such as actress Kathleen Turner and the Rabbi David Saperstein sit on the board of People For the American Way's affiliate foundation, People For the American Way Foundation.
The former presidents of People For are Anthony Podesta (1981-1987), Arthur Kropp (1987-1995), Carole Shields (1996-2000), Ralph Neas (2000-2007), and Kathryn Kolbert (2008-2009). Michael B. Keegan is the organization's current president.
Soon after its founding, People For the American Way launched an affiliated 501(c)(3) organization, PFAW Foundation, for the purpose of conducting more extensive educational, research activities for left-wing causes. Later, the People For the American Way Voter Alliance was launched as a political action committee, which, as opposed to its sister organizations, has the legal capacity to endorse candidates for office and typically endorses only liberals.
Scope of Activity
Located in Washington, D.C., People For the American Way monitors what it characterizes as "right-wing" activities, conducting rapid response, political lobbying, and volunteer mobilization. In addition, the organization's affiliated foundation (People For the American Way Foundation) runs programs designed for voter education and politically progressive infrastructure building. People For Foundation programs include Young People For, which identifies, trains, and supports future progressive leaders; the Young Elected Officials Network, which identifies and supports progressive elected officials from around the country who are under the age of 35; and African American Religious Affairs, which mobilizes and supports progressive activism in African American congregations and communities.
Leadership
- Michael B. Keegan, President
- Nick Ucci, Chief Operating Officer
- David J. Perlman, Chief Financial Officer
- Marge Baker, Executive Vice President for Policy and Program Planning
- Sharon Lettman, Vice President for External Affairs and National Programs and Outreach Director
Board Members, People For the American Way
- John Hall Buchanan, Jr., Baptist preacher and former Alabama Republican U.S. representative
- Howie Klein, Board Member
- Norman Lear, Board Member and Founder
- Carole Shields, Board Member (and former Executive Director)
Board Members, People For the American Way Foundation
- Alec Baldwin, Board Member
- Dolores Huerta, Board Member
- Rabbi David Saperstein, Board Member
- Kathleen Turner, Board Member
- Rev. Tim McDonald, Board Member
Notable Staff
- Alisha Thomas Morgan, YEO Network Membership Services Manager and Georgia State Representative
- Andrew Gillum, YEO Network Founder and City Commissioner in Tallahassee, Florida
- Elliot Mincberg, (former staff) Counsel to House Judiciary Committee
Coalitions, partnerships, and joint ventures
PFAW is a member of a number of progressive coalitions surrounding various issues, and it sometimes conducts joint campaigns with other organizations. Some of these partners and projects include:
- Election Protection
- Leadership Conference on Civil Rights
- Fair Taxes for All
- Partners for Public Education
- Emergency Campaign for America's Priorities
- The DC Vote Coalition
- National Coalition Against Censorship
Young People For
Young People For (YP4) is a leadership development program for college students and provides organizational and financial support for social justice work.[citation needed]
References
External links
PFAW on Social Networks
PFAW Media
This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)
