For 50 years, Common Cause has safeguarded the democracy we all deserve.

From Watergate to Trump, we’ve been on the front lines, holding power accountable and ensuring that our government answers to the American people — and nobody else.

Throughout the year, we’ll highlight the leaders, advocates, and ordinary Americans who make Common Cause who we are, and encourage you to join us as we carry our critical work into the future.

Common Cause Through The Years

Our Past

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Our Present

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Our Future

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"If we want to leave a free and fair democracy for the next generation, our action is critical in this moment."

Karen Hobert Flynn, Common Cause President

“Our liberty is protected by laws and institutional arrangements, but in the final sorting out, the conservatory of our freedom is the mind of the citizen who understands the hazards and disciplines of freedom.”

-John Gardner, Founder of Common Cause

In the summer of 1970, John William Gardner took what he called “the biggest gamble of [his] career,” and founded Common Cause, a citizen’s advocacy group.

Gardner saw that there were a lot of strong special interests, but no one pushing for the concerns of average citizens interested in the greater good.

With disenchantment in government growing, by the end of the year 100,000 people had signed on to Common Cause’s mission to hold power accountable.

We’ve been working for 50 years — and winning bold solutions to strengthen the people’s voice in our government.

Today, we are looking at the challenges ahead as we contemplate 50 more years of democracy as our common cause.

And… each of us has a critical role to play.

Common Cause 50th Anniversary Artivism Contest

My Voice, My Art, Our Cause

As a part of our 50th anniversary, we are honoring those who use their voice for a better democracy through art by hosting a youth artivism contest.

Artivism is a global phenomenon that bridges the creative power of art with the strategic design of activism to bring forth social transformation. Artivism takes art beyond museums and galleries and activism beyond demonstrations and state houses, providing a level of adaptability and access that thrives in our contemporary society. Our goal is to uplift youth voices and perspectives on democracy issues through their creativity.

Please complete this form to receive more information about submission, rules, and voting.

Today, our democracy seems challenged at every turn. But Common Cause stands vigilant and ready to defend it — as we always have — by working together to live up to our nation’s greatest ideals.

But, we can’t do any of this without you.

The animating force behind Common Cause has always been our members — ordinary, but extraordinary Americans just like you — who will speak up for what’s right, and work towards the democracy we all deserve.

50 Years Fighting For Democracy

Support Common Cause

Common Cause has been leading the fight for a fairer, more representative democracy for 50 years — and we’re dedicated to another 50 years of making sure we the people have the power.

Take Action

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Find Your State

50 More Years

For 50 years, Common Cause has safeguarded the democracy we all deserve.

From Watergate to Trump, we’ve been on the front lines, holding power accountable and ensuring that our government answers to the American people — and nobody else.

Throughout the year, we’ll highlight the leaders, advocates, and ordinary Americans who make Common Cause who we are, and encourage you to join us as we carry our critical work into the future.

Common Cause Through The Years

Our Past

Our Present

Our Future

“Our liberty is protected by laws and institutional arrangements, but in the final sorting out, the conservatory of our freedom is the mind of the citizen who understands the hazards and disciplines of freedom.”

-John Gardner, Founder of Common Cause

In the summer of 1970, John William Gardner took what he called “the biggest gamble of [his] career,” and founded Common Cause, a citizen’s advocacy group.

Gardner saw that there were a lot of strong special interests, but no one pushing for the concerns of average citizens interested in the greater good.

With disenchantment in government growing, by the end of the year 100,000 people had signed on to Common Cause’s mission to hold power accountable.

We’ve been working for 50 years — and winning bold solutions to strengthen the people’s voice in our government.

Today, we are looking at the challenges ahead as we contemplate 50 more years of democracy as our common cause.

And… each of us has a critical role to play.

Today, our democracy seems challenged at every turn. But Common Cause stands vigilant and ready to defend it — as we always have — by working together to live up to our nation’s greatest ideals.

But, we can’t do any of this without you.

The animating force behind Common Cause has always been our members — ordinary, but extraordinary Americans just like you — who will speak up for what’s right, and work towards the democracy we all deserve.

Take Action

Get Common Cause Updates

Take Action

Volunteer

Donate

Find Your State

50 More Years

For 50 years, Common Cause has safeguarded the democracy we all deserve.

From Watergate to Trump, we’ve been on the front lines, holding power accountable and ensuring that our government answers to the American people — and nobody else.

Throughout the year, we’ll highlight the leaders, advocates, and ordinary Americans who make Common Cause who we are, and encourage you to join us as we carry our critical work into the future.

50 Years Of Fighting For Our Democracy

Common Cause Through The Years

Our Past

Our Present

Our Future

What's Your Common Cause Story?

Karen Hobert Flynn, Common Cause President

“Our liberty is protected by laws and institutional arrangements, but in the final sorting out, the conservatory of our freedom is the mind of the citizen who understands the hazards and disciplines of freedom.”

-John Gardner, Founder of Common Cause

In the summer of 1970, John William Gardner took what he called “the biggest gamble of [his] career,” and founded Common Cause, a citizen’s advocacy group.

Gardner saw that there were a lot of strong special interests, but no one pushing for the concerns of average citizens interested in the greater good.

With disenchantment in government growing, by the end of the year 100,000 people had signed on to Common Cause’s mission to hold power accountable.

We’ve been working for 50 years — and winning bold solutions to strengthen the people’s voice in our government.

Today, we are looking at the challenges ahead as we contemplate 50 more years of democracy as our common cause.

And… each of us has a critical role to play.

Common Cause 50th Anniversary Artivism Contest

My Voice, My Art, Our Cause

Today, our democracy seems challenged at every turn. But Common Cause stands vigilant and ready to defend it — as we always have — by working together to live up to our nation’s greatest ideals.

But, we can’t do any of this without you.

The animating force behind Common Cause has always been our members — ordinary, but extraordinary Americans just like you — who will speak up for what’s right, and work towards the democracy we all deserve.

50 Years Fighting For Democracy

Support Common Cause

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