About Demos

Who We Are

Demos is a non-partisan public policy research and advocacy organization founded in 2000. Headquartered in New York City, Demos works with advocates and policymakers around the country in pursuit of four 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;

and responsible U.S. engagement in an interdependent world.

What We Do

A multi-issue national organization, Demos 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 Demos Fellows and staff in print, broadcast, and Internet venues; and host public events that showcase new ideas and leading progressive voices.

Demos accomplishes its work through five core programs, as well as special projects and several affiliated partners:

Core Programs and Projects

The Democracy Program works to strengthen democracy in the United States by reducing barriers to voter participation and encouraging civic engagement. Demos 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. Demos 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, the 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 Demos 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 Demos Forum: Ideas for Change event series features prominent authors, scholars and advocates addressing key national and global issues.

Affiliated Partners

The Building Movement Project helps non-profit organizations integrate social justice principles into their work; strengthen their role as centers of democratic practice; and plan for the next generation of leadership.

Inequality.org is a resource center for journalists, legislators, advocates and citizens concerned about America's growing economic divide. Building on the work of Demos' 2004 conference and 2006 book, Inequality Matters, Inequality.org's tools outline the magnitude, causes and far-reaching consequences of this decades-long trend.