20 Years of Progress

There is no dream we can’t achieve. Problems viewing this email? [View it in your browser]( [Center for American Progress]( InProgress from the Center for American Progress A Letter From President and CEO Patrick Gaspard Hi friend, When John Podesta founded the Center for American Progress 20 years ago, our country’s political trajectory teetered on a critical inflection point. Dominant conservative voices had set America on the fast path to war, and progressive voices on the issue were muffled by their powerful think tank messaging machine. The progressive movement was losing momentum. In establishing CAP, John offered the movement not just one big idea but a multitude of them. He created a powerful communication and advocacy program designed to get policy solutions in front of the public. John’s three-pronged approach—combining policy, communication, and advocacy—continues to make CAP one of the most powerful engines for generating and implementing progressive ideas. [John Podesta speaking at a podium with CAP Ideas written on it]( Under the fearless leadership of John and Neera Tanden, and behind the unwavering dedication of hundreds of experts and staff, CAP has established itself as an organization from which big ideas originate and become progressive policy. We have shaped the political discourse of the nation through our groundbreaking research reports, punchy talking points, and staunch advocacy—ushering in tangible change for hundreds of thousands of Americans. CAP has been on the front lines of some of the most impactful legislation in our country's history—such as the Affordable Care Act and the Inflation Reduction Act—from inception to implementation. Most importantly, we’ve built up 20 years of momentum behind a progressive, inclusive vision for America. This is the momentum we must call upon as we find ourselves at another critical inflection point in American history. [Neera Tanden sitting in a chair speaking with a man at the CAP Ideas conference]( While U.S. democracy faces threats from extremist forces, our neighborhoods suffer the effects of climate change, and economic and social justice is only accessible to a privileged few, we must harness the momentum we’ve built. We will push forward and prevail—not because the current circumstances demand it but because the future of America requires it. As we celebrate the momentous occasion of CAP’s 20th anniversary, we look to the next 20 years and the next 20 after that. We will continue to act as a nexus of experts, activists, and policymakers, collecting the best and biggest ideas from all corners of the policy arena to create long-lasting progress. We have come so far in the past 20 years, and I believe that if we continue to work together and harness the full-throated power of our collective voice, there is no dream we can’t achieve. In solidarity, [Patrick Gaspard headshot]( Patrick Gaspard President and CEO Center for American Progress [CAP20 Boldly Forward]( 1 Day Until CAP IDEAS [The 2023 CAP IDEAS Conference is just one day away!]( Join us for the special anniversary edition of our signature event, the CAP IDEAS Conference. We’ll be celebrating two decades of progressive policy solutions and addressing pressing issues such as climate change, artificial intelligence, and democracy protection. Tomorrow is the big day. RSVP now to join elected leaders, advocates, and cutting-edge innovators in charting a bold path forward to inclusive progress. [RSVP NOW]( October 25 CAP IDEAS The John D. Podesta Progressive Champion Award The Center for American Progress is pleased to announce that [Lorella Praeli]( will be given the first-ever John D. Podesta Progressive Champion Award at the 2023 IDEAS Conference. The John D. Podesta Progressive Champion Award will be given annually to a rising change-maker in the progressive movement. Through their creative, collaborative, and resolute work, these leaders are paving the way and writing the rules for progressive policymakers and advocates. The recipient is a trusted voice, powerful commentator, and leading visionary for building a stronger, safer, more inclusive, and healthier America. [Lorella Praeli headshot] [Lorella Praeli]( is the co-president of Community Change and Community Change Action. Previously, she served as deputy national political director at the American Civil Liberties Union and as Hillary Clinton’s national Latino vote director. In the past, Praeli was United We Dream’s director of Advocacy and Policy, a role in which she spearheaded the campaign to implement Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and was part of the driving force that persuaded the Obama administration to protect 4 million undocumented immigrants through Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents. [LEARN MORE]( Move Boldly Forward With Us Everyone deserves to live free from discrimination. Together, we can ensure that LGBTQI+ communities across the nation are protected from discrimination and have the same rights as everyone else. Tell your members of Congress: We need the Equality Act. [Take Action]( [Pride flag waving in front on the US Capitol]( The U.S. Supreme Court is facing a reckoning of its own making. Join the movement for accountability and transparency in the nation’s highest court. Sign our letter to demand a binding and enforceable ethics code for Supreme Court justices, ensuring a more trustworthy and fair judicial system for all. Take action now. [Take Action]( [Scales in front of the American flag]( We need President Joe Biden to issue an artificial intelligence (AI) executive order that requires federal agencies to implement the AI Bill of Rights. This would ensure that federal agencies, contractors, and grantees utilize AI systems with safeguards against potential abuses, ultimately shaping the future of AI technology in a responsible and transparent manner. Change is happening too fast to wait. [Take Action]( [President Biden being filmed on an iPhone.]( Want to secure a sustainable future for the planet and its people? Make sure President Biden knows you support prioritizing a 100 percent clean energy future that not only fights climate change but also upholds environmental justice. Act now for a greener, more equitable world. 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