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Criteria for Inclusion

This Catalog will include the best national resources to which most mainstream Americans can relate.

We will priortize projects that are positive, collaborative, timely working models that point to possibilities for structural change in our social system.

As "progressives," we affirm that the government has a major, positive, important role to play in helping to “promote the general welfare,” as stated in the Preamble to the Constitution. When there is a compelling need, the government must act properly and effectively.

We include “liberal” resources that help us move in the right direction, even if they are limited to short-term goals. Both individuals and society can move forward step-by-step. Cataclysmic, violent revolution is not necessary. The system must not collapse before we change it. Incremental reforms can lead to comprehensive, fundamental, systemic transformation. We need to form alliances between "liberals" who focus on shsort-term reforms and "radicals" who affirm longer-term structural change that addresses fundamental causes.

By “progressive,” we also mean “humanistic.” Progressive-minded people respect human beings and believe that people are essentially good and naturally affectionate. Down deep, underneath our weaknesses, a core of compassion holds us together. Progressives have faith that most people, placed in a healthy environment, will do what is right and steadily help improve themselves, their communities, and their society. We accept our responsibility to help change the world. Not caring, doing nothing, and leaving it to others would be a denial of what it means to be human.

Progressives promote the empowerment of individuals rooted in compassionate communities. Autonomy, or self-determination, is fundamental.

But individuals are not separate and isolated. We are inter-connected and inter-dependent. Our actions can be either helpful or hurtful, often in ways that are unanticipated. We need to pay attention to those consequences, take responsibility for them, and do our best to aid others as much as possible. We need to love others as we love ourselves.

Progressive values are seen in all institutions. Educators, for example, have affirmed the value of individuality, self-expression, and community service. Progressive artists have been on the cutting edge, developing new art forms. In whatever arena, progressives have promoted humanistic values and pushed for positive reforms. This catalog continues in that tradition.

An upsurge of nonviolent “people power” is building grassroots democracy around the world. Given America’s position in the world, our responsibility for the future is enormous. We must lend a helping hand to other countries. And we need to set a positive example and take care of business here at home.

If you want a better America, this Catalog is meant for you. We invite you to help create a new America.

In particular, deciding whether to place a resource in the Select or Open catalog will not always be easy. We welcome your participation in helping to make those decisions. For more information on how to get involved, see How to Join the Staff.

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