About Demos

Demos is a public policy organization working for an America where we all have an equal say in our democracy and an equal chance in our economy.

Our name means “the people.” It is the root word of democracy, and it reminds us that in America, the true source of our greatness is the diversity of our people. Our nation’s highest challenge is to create a democracy that truly empowers people of all backgrounds, so that we all have a say in setting the policies that shape opportunity and provide for our common future. To help America meet that challenge, Demos is working to reduce both political and economic inequality, deploying original research, advocacy, litigation, and strategic communications to create the America the people deserve.

Demos’ work is guided by three overarching commitments:

1. Achieving true democracy by reducing the role of money in politics and guaranteeing the freedom to vote,
2. Creating pathways to ensure a diverse, expanded middle class in a new, sustainable economy, and
3. Transforming the public narrative to elevate the values of community and racial equity.

HOW WE DO IT

At Demos, we believe that progress occurs when the power of ideas and the power of people align. We regularly collaborate with changemakers in states and community-based organizations to bring policy closer to the people. We also believe in generating ideas that are not always tempered by what’s currently possible—but instead driven by what’s necessary. We regularly move ideas that have been excluded from the debate, on behalf of people who have been excluded from the conversation.

As a result, we take the long view. We champion ideas powerful enough to improve the lives of millions, shift the narrative to clear the way for their acceptance, and advocate until they take effect. We use the right strategy for the right moment, whether it’s research or communications, supporting organizers or litigating. This commitment to the full cycle of change has resulted in real victories, such as landmark credit card reforms and nearly 2 million new low-income voter registrations.

Throughout all of our work, Demos is advocating not just for people but for the very idea of the people—of one nation, united by a shared fate.

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DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Demos celebrates the diversity of American society. Our work on social, economic, and political equity and the pursuit of a just society is informed and inspired by the gender, racial, ethnic, age, sexual orientation, class, and religious diversity of our staff. We are committed to maintaining a work environment that recognizes, understands, respects, and encourages the unique contributions of each member of the Demos family.

DEMOS & THE AMERICAN PROSPECT

Between 2010 and 2012, The American Prospect and Demos affiliated in a two-year agreement, while remaining separate 501c3 organizations. Demos and The Prospect sought to enhance their impact by collaborating on a variety of projects and working jointly to shape a progressive narrative.