Mission:
Public Agenda's two-fold mission is to help American leaders better understand the public's point of view, and to help citizens know more about critical policy issues so they can make thoughtful, informed decisions.

Background:
Public Agenda — a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization — was established in 1975 by social scientist and author Daniel Yankelovich and former Secretary of State Cyrus Vance to provide unbiased research that bridges the gaps between what American leaders perceive and what the public really thinks about a range of issues, including education, foreign policy, immigration, religion, and civility in American life. The organization, which is consulted frequently by members of Congress, partners with policy groups, communities, corporations, school districts, and other groups.

Outstanding Feature:
Thousands of journalists, policy makers, students, teachers, and citizens visit Public Agenda Online everyday for up-to-date information on critical issues. The recently redesigned Web site features online polls, red flags on public opinion research that may be misleading, and a search function for research reports. The site also includes Public Agenda's collection of Issue Guides, which provide facts and figures, as well as different perspectives and analysis, from surveys conducted by Public Agenda and other respected polling and news organizations. The twenty-one guides cover a range of subjects, including abortion, the federal budget, gay rights, and Social Security.