Public Citizen
This article relies excessively on references to primary sources. (May 2021) |
Founded | 1971 by Ralph Nader in the US |
---|---|
Type | Think tank |
Focus | Consumer advocacy |
Location | |
Area served | Nationwide (US) |
Method | Research, lobbying, litigation and appeals, media attention, direct-appeal campaigns |
Key people | Robert Weissman (President) Mark A. Chavez (Foundation Chair) Jason Adkins (Inc. Chair) Joan Claybrook (emeritus President) |
Revenue (2019) | $17,885,184 |
Website | www |
Public Citizen is an American non-profit, progressive consumer rights advocacy group, and think tank based in Washington, D.C. with a branch in Austin, Texas.
Lobbying efforts
Public Citizen advocates before all three branches of the United States federal government. Its five divisions include Congress Watch; Energy; Global Trade Watch; the Health Research Group; and Public Citizen Litigation Group, a nationally prominent public interest law firm founded by Alan Morrison and known for its Supreme Court and appellate practice.
Broadly speaking, Public Citizen favors robust corporate accountability and strong government regulation, particularly in the areas of transport, healthcare, and nuclear power.[citation needed]The organization's priorities range from campaign finance reform to drug and auto safety and financial reform. The unifying theme is an effort to curb the impact of corporate power on American democracy.
For example, Public Citizen has been a public voice on matters related to drug policy and pricing, exemplified by advocacy surrounding Gilead Sciences and remdesivir, and the potentially cheaper alternative GS-441524.
Organization and history
Founded by Ralph Nader in 1971, Public Citizen is funded by dues and contributions from its members and supporters, foundation grants, and publication sales. It does not accept government or corporate funds.
Disassociation from Ralph Nader
In the aftermath of Ralph Nader's 2000 presidential campaign, Public Citizen disassociated itself from its founder. Progressive magazine Mother Jones wrote about the so-called "rank-and-file liberals” who faulted Nader's U.S. presidential run in 2000 for taking votes away from Al Gore, thus ensuring George W. Bush’s victory. Mother Jones also pointed out that Nader’s association with Public Citizen was causing fundraising problems. Mother Jones cited a letter by Public Citizen to its readership with the disclaimer "Although Ralph Nader was our founder, he has not held an official position in the organization since 1980 and does not serve on the board. Public Citizen—and the other groups that Mr. Nader founded—act independently."
People associated with Public Citizen
- Ralph Nader, founder
- Joan Claybrook, first executive director
- Donna Edwards, former U.S. Representative
- Robert Weissman, executive director
- Alan Morrison, co-founder
- Mark Green, former New York City Public Advocate
- Lori Wallach, director, Global Trade Watch
- Sidney M. Wolfe, director, Health Research Group
- Phil Radford, former organizer, Global Trade Watch
- Wenonah Hauter, executive director, Food & Water Watch
- Lisa Gilbert, Executive Vice President
- Omar Baddar, activist and commentator on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict