Backgrounder

Who We are

Dēmos is a non-partisan public policy research and advocacy organization founded in 2000. Headquartered in New York City, Dēmos works with advocates and policymakers around the country in pursuit of three overarching goals:

A more equitable economy with widely shared prosperity and opportunity
A vibrant and inclusive democracy with high levels of voting and civic engagement
An empowered public sector that works for the common good

The American Prospect

Dēmos has recently established a new strategic partnership with The American Prospect, a leading DC-based magazine that provides insightful and timely policy analysis on the political issues affecting our nation. The partnership brings together our 10-year history of collaboration, shared values, and complementary strengths and allows both organizations to increase our reach and impact toward the shared goal of bringing about progressive change.

What We Do

A multi-issue national organization, Dēmos combines research, policy development, and advocacy to influence public debates and catalyze change. We publish books, reports, and briefing papers that illuminate critical problems and advance innovative solutions; work at both the national and state level with advocates and policymakers to promote reforms; help to build the capacity and skills of key progressive constituencies; project our values into the media by promoting Dēmos Fellows and staff in print, broadcast, and Internet venues; and host public events that showcase new ideas and leading progressive voices. Dēmos accomplishes its work through five core programs, as well as special projects and several affiliated partners.

Core Programs & Projects

THE DEMOCRACY PROGRAM works to strengthen democracy in the United States by reducing barriers to voter participation and encouraging civic engagement. Dēmos supports expanded democratic participation by conducting new research; supporting pro-voter litigation; providing information and resources to advocates and policymakers; and advancing a broad agenda for election reform.

THE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM addresses the severe economic insecurity and inequality that characterize American society today. The program offers fresh analysis and bold policy ideas to provide new opportunities for young adults and financially-strapped families to achieve economic security.

PUBLIC WORKS: THE DEMOS CENTER FOR THE PUBLIC SECTOR helps advocates, policymakers and community leaders across the United States re-envision the role of government. Dēmos believes in a public sector that acts effectively for the common good and plans for our future, with the public support and resources necessary to succeed in that critical work.

In partnership with CivWorld and U.S. in the World, our INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM advances the ideals of strong democracy, shared prosperity, and effective governance at the global level. This work challenges current patterns of globalization with the goals of democratizing global governance; ensuring that all people benefit from free markets and trade; and enabling immigrants to have a greater voice in the societies in which they live. The program also develops new messages to help build public support for responsible U.S. global engagement.

THE FELLOWS PROGRAM supports scholars and writers whose innovative work influences the public debate about crucial national and global issues. The program offers an intellectual home and platform for more than 20 fellows from diverse backgrounds: emerging public intellectuals, journalists, distinguished public figures, and academics whose research can be used to inform the policy world.

THE Dēmos BOOKS PROJECT supports the work of fellows, staff, and affiliates who are engaging public debate by publishing new books addressing the critical issues of our times.

THE Dēmos FORUM: IDEAS FOR CHANGE event series features prominent authors, scholars, and advocates addressing key national and global issues.