ABOUT THE NORTHWEST PROGRESSIVE INSTITUTE
The Northwest Progressive Institute was founded in August of 2003 as a forum of thought on politics, government, and policy. NPI believes that America will only be a better place if our freedoms are kept safe, our country works for peace, not aggression, and we as a people come together to realize our place in the world.

NPI is a grassroots think tank. It's an unconventional concept, but basically, it's an institution created to research progressive ideas and promote progressive values and solutions to elected officials, opinionmakers, and the American people. We're not your typical think tank: we don't have a multimillion dollar budget, a grand office building, or a paid staff (although we're working towards ultimately having those things) but we believe we can be effective even without them. Our most important resources are volunteer energy and the Internet - the most democratic medium ever invented. We exist to organize and mobilize progressive thinkers, and give grassroots activists an outlet to make their voices heard.

What is NPI's Mission Statement?
We will work as a forum for progressive thought, an oasis for the promotion of peace and freedom, a warning against corruption and ignorance, and a light for others.

What does NPI do?
We pursue many different projects and interests, but ultimately they are all related to our guiding mission. Some of our major objectives:

  • Promoting progressive ideas and values. Right wing policies are slowly destroying the United Sates of Amercia. We face huge challenges: not only do we need to take our country back from the right, but we also need to take back the Democratic Party. Democrats can't win unless they can present a compelling alternative to the policies of the Republican right. Waiting for the other side to self destruct and get out of the way is foolish and ultimately not a strategy that will lead to future success. One of our major objectives is to promote progressive ideas and values that activists and candidates for office can use to present that compelling alternative we need to be effective and win.
  • Building progressive media. Another one of our major objectives is building progressive media infrastructure to counter the Republican Noise Machine. Two of our biggest projects to date have been in pursuit of this goal: our widely read Official Blog, which provides daily political news and analysis, and Pacific Northwest Portal, a regional information gateway and media center for progressives.
  • Defeating right wing strategic initiatives. Our Permanent Defense division exists to fight against right wing ballot measures (especially those that attempt to repeal funding for public services provided by the government) and advocate for true reform of our tax system so that everyone pays their fair share.

In summary, our most important work is creating, maintaining, and expanding a significant online presence where we can present progressive ideas, amplify progressive voices, and take on the right wing. Additionally, we use our online presence to coordinate offline action.

VISION & GOALS
NPI will be a liberal voice championing human rights, freedom, safety that does not endanger our liberty, cooperation with the rest of the world, understanding the value of public services, and working for an appreciation of all cultures and ethnicities.

  • Oppose the conservative right in their efforts to expand our dependence on fossil fuels, pass whopping tax cuts that benefit the rich, invade other countries pre-emptively, take away health benefits from our elderly citizens, and bring attention to problems which the right postpones or dilutes.
  • Criticize President George W. Bush and his terrible policies, hold his cronies accountable, and challenge the administration's grip on the American public.
  • Provide a Pacific Northwest perpsective and voice for the left at a time when the right, encouraged by President Bush's immunity in the aftermath of September 11th, is set seeking a ruinous course for our nation.

HISTORY
See a timeline of important events in NPI's history.

THE NPI NETWORK
The Northwest Progressive Institute's network of websites is among the largest and most well known in the region. It includes:
  • The Central Core. You're in the midst of the central core right now. This area includes NPI's home page, issue pages, and special reports.
  • Weblog. NPI's official blog, usually updated several times a day, is one of the most widely read political blogs in the Pacific Northwest.
  • Permanent Defense. This independent division fights for tax reform, promotes the value of public services, and opposes senseless initiatives from Tim Eyman.
  • Pacific Northwest Portal. NPI's most popular website, Pacific NW Portal, is the region's start page for progressives, with news, traffic, weather, and resources.



© 2006 Northwest Progressive Institute.

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