Demos - A Network for Ideas & Action

Demos is a non-partisan public policy research and advocacy organization. Headquartered in New York City, Demos works with advocates and policymakers around the country in pursuit of four overarching goals: a more equitable economy; a vibrant and inclusive democracy; an empowered public sector that works for the common good; and responsible U.S. engagement in an interdependent world.

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

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.

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.

Through its CivWorld project, Demos is engaged in an exploration of how to build a truly democratic global system. This work includes an annual Interdependence Day Forum in which leading thinkers and practitioners convene to exchange ideas, and research that examines how globalization is challenging traditional conceptions of national sovereignty and how interdependence must inform a "new global social contract."

To promote healthier global democracy and a more inclusive economy, Demos is partnered with the U.S. in the World Initiative (USITW) to unite international advocates around a shared story of responsible global engagement, create connections across issue areas, and use new communications research to reach broader audiences.

The World Policy Institute (WPI) is a close partner in all of Demos' international work. WPI's Fellows Program, regular public and private events, research and policy development, media activities, and flagship World Policy Journal provide a forum for solution-focused policy analysis and public debate.

Demos is collaborating in the Project on Shared Global Prosperity, which seeks to forge a new approach to trade and development, advancing a "win-win" policy framework that protects the economic security of American workers while encouraging the growth and prosperity--often driven by exports--of developing countries.

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.

Business for Shared Prosperity is a network of business owners, executives and investors committed to sustainable public policies and business practices that broaden economic opportunity, expand wealth ownership, and reduce inequality.

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.orgs tools outline the magnitude, causes and far-reaching consequences of this decades-long trend.