Common Cause Education Fund

I first joined Common Cause in 1970 specifically to help create term limits for California legislators, who at that time served nearly for life (sound familiar?). It was a very tough battle, but after many years, prop.140 passed that limited terms in both houses. Subsequently prop.28 passed, limiting total legislative time to only 12 years total in either or both houses. Significant change takes time, because of entrenched interests fiercely protecting their gravy trains. Common Cause showed in this fight that they have both the persistence and plans to take on and win these very tough challenges.

Right now the issues are even larger because of the enormous swamps of dark money flooding our politics, and the massive size of the corporate players who are fighting to prevent meaningful change. I am hopeful, though, that slow and steady can save our democracy from those who don't believe that everyone should have a voice.

If you want your money to count, there are other charities that aren't as corrupt as this one! Once I followed the money trail, I realized I would not give to this organization, and I encourage others to NOT GIVE to it either!

Truly wonderful , sincere and honest people!
These courageous souls were sent here to care for and take action to generate and hold our integrity and values for the people , by the people. Goodness and Greatness will always be a target for the lost souls that clearly have self respect/esteem/worth torn from them through tragedies and cruel circumstances in their lives...please don't be afraid to speak up , they can help you all too! :)

In the last few years Common Cause has been instrumental in two areas: voting integrity and anti-gerrymandering at the state level. They've successfully challenged PA, NC, MD, and WS with their engineered districts that are rigged to protect incumbents rather than allow voters to freely choose representation. The result has been a new awareness by voters on state and county redistricting and its role in election outcomes and fairness. Common Cause has been on the front line, along with strategic partners, in advocating for voting rights and open government through education and civic programs that inform voters and help hold local and state officials to account. I have personally been involved in my state for two years and have experienced what happens when voters are empowered with information and tools through this organization. Powerful advocacy work at both the grassroots level and the national level.

Susan Schreiber, a staff member of the Common Cause Education Fund, would like to respond to the comment below. -- In January, the organization sent a small group of staff members to the Mohonk Mountain House in New York State for two and a half days of planning meetings as part of a major grant-funded project. Rates were signficiantly discounted because there are very few visitors at that time of year (only other nonprofit groups holding similar gatherings). The location was chosen because of the price break and because it was centrally located for staff coming from Maine, Connecticut, New York and Washington, DC. Supporters’ contributions were not used to fund this meeting.

Guess where the Common Cause staff is right now? At work? Nope: at Mohonk Mountain House -- a spa! -- for a retreat. Are you kidding me? This is what the organization spends it supporters' contributions on. Spa getaways for the staff.

Please call them and ask exactly how much this "retreat" to a very expensive resort cost. Keep in mind that when you donate, you are buying fancy vacations for a staff that has accomplished almost nothing in more than a decade.

The idea that Common Cause is a 4-star charity is a joke. This organization that claims to be working for more openness, honesty and transparency is hiding $4 million+ in direct mail, telemarketing and other fundraising expenses in their 501c4 arm (Common Cause) in order to boost the reputation of their 501c3 arm (Common Cause Education Fund). Not only that, but this organization has failed to achieve a single one of its national goals since the passage of the 2002 Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act. So if you have given any money to Common Cause in the last 10 years, please rest assured that it's gone either to fundraising or to the bloated 6-figure salaries of president Bob Edgar ($209k annually), Bette Marchant ($170k annually), Sarah Dufendach ($164k annually, not to mention whatever her jewelry making business brings in -- oh yes, that's done on the organization's time), Karen Hobert Flynn ($141k annually), Mary Anderson Boyle ($117k annually), Arn Pearson ($117k annually) or one of the other vice presidents -- the organization has had 2 others (Eileen Toback, Kathryn Wittneben) who left before their compensation was disclosed on the 990s. Over a million dollars a year just to pay the leadership of an unsuccessful organization. Disgraceful.