The Rockridge Institute's mission is to deepen and broaden the public's understanding of the political world. Rockridge studies the worldviews, values and ideas behind conservative and progressive policies, issues and political discourse.

Rockridge promotes the effective articulation of progressive values. They do this by monitoring public debate and suggesting both long-term and short-term options for framing that offer a progressive perspective.

In short they are a think tank about getting the progressive word out!

They could use any support you can throw their way.

See the institute at www.rockridgeinstitute.org
See the blog at www.rockridgenation.org

See below for more information about donations and what they do.

Dear Rockridge Community,

Stacey in Los Angeles tells us: "...I'd rather be inspired than pissed off."

Lois in Richmond, VA gives to Rockridge "...to support work for long-term change rather than band-aid fixes."

Susan writes from Austin:

"I am a progressive Democrat who has been searching for a means of getting fellow citizens to participate in the political process so as to ensure that our government truly serves the needs of the society."
Nearly 1,000 people have contributed to Rockridge. Like Lois they support lasting social change and the work it will take to get us there. Others are hungry for some real discussion about what it means to be an American: the values and dreams we share as a country. Still others give to build the infrastructure critical to transforming the progressive movement. Uniting all of us is the understanding that for Rockridge to continue our work we depend upon the support of our community.

Some of you are already committed to making regular monthly or quarterly gifts, providing an essential layer of stability. Right now, today, 68 of the nearly 7,700 of you who are receiving this email have -- without our asking -- stepped up and set up a recurring monthly or quarterly donation through your bank or credit card.

Imagine if 1,000 of you commit to a $5 to $200 monthly gift. If your average gift is a mere $25 a month, as a community you'll generate about $300,000 a year, ensuring that we have the ability to continue our critical work into the future. We can do this. It's a realistic goal that can change America.

Take one simple action - contribute online now. After clicking, you may need to scroll down to find the form.

As the External Relations Director here at Rockridge, I think of some parts of my job as a kind of intellectual matchmaking: I introduce our Fellows to individuals who will both advance and benefit from their thinking.

In large part though, my job is to find the funds that keep those Fellows on the job. Like many an organization, we depend upon a combination of large gifts, foundation grants and small donations. Typically, the lead-time for large gifts and foundation grants is three months to a year and the competition is fierce. Usually, the grant-seeking process begins anew every year. Small recurring gifts, once you take action, keep on giving. Which is why I'm urging you to establish a recurring gift, of whatever amount seems right to you.

Let's do it! Let's start by doubling the number of recurring donations from 68 to 136. Sign on and ask someone else to join you in signing on to Rockridge and stepping up to a manageable donation. I'll be back in a few weeks to tell you how we're doing.

Take one simple action - contribute online now. After clicking, you may need to scroll down to find the form.

The staff will breathe easier. You may, too, knowing that we will continue to do our best thinking on behalf of the progressive movement.

Share this email with your friends and colleagues. Please. And be sure to tell them -- and us -- why you decided to pitch in.

Sherry Reson
Director of External Relations
Rockridge Institute