Not all of these groups actively lobby. All have a strong interest in legislation and public policy.
This list will be periodically updated. Suggestions are welcomed.
Send Suggestions to kber@earthlink.net
NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION Has a membership in the millions. Considered by many observers the most potent lobbying organization in America. Opposes almost all limits on gun ownership, number of guns that can be purchased, limitations on types of ammunition, as violations of the Second Amendment right to bear arms.
HANDGUN CONTROL Organization headed by Sarah Brady. Her husband Jim was President Reagan's' Press Secretary. Jim Brady was shot in the head in the attempt on Reagan in 1981. Dedicated to eliminating gun violence in the U.S., this organization was principal proponent of the so-called Brady Bill, by which the Federal government required background checks to purchase handguns.
NATIONAL RIGHT TO LIFE COMMITTEE Principal group organizing opposition to abortion rights. Sponsors a march in Washington each January on the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion
NATIONAL ABORTION RIGHTS ACTION LEAGUE Dedicated to supporting a woman's right to choose an abortion, and to keep abortion safe and legal.
NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR WOMAN While not the largest women's organization in the country, NOW has often been the most vocal proponent and supporter of rights for women, both in the workplace and in society in general.
CONCERNED WOMEN FOR AMERICA The women's organization with the largest membership, this organization, headed by Beverly LaHaye, supports conservative, pro-family positions.
AMERICAN ISRAELI PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE This is the principal organization lobbying on behalf of aid for Israel, which has for years been one of the largest recipients of American foreign aid expenditures. It has been considered by many commentators one of the two most effective lobbying organizations (along with the NRA).
CHRISTIAN COALITION Founded by the Rev. Pat Robertson, this organization does not officially endorse candidates. It does distribute voting guides through churches, mostly those of a conservative theological persuasion. Its voter guides tend to be strongly favorable towards conservative Republicans. It is the largest single provider of voter guides in national elections.
NAACP The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, as this group was called, is the nations oldest organization dedicated to the civil rights of African-Americans.
EAGLE FORUM Conservative group founded by commentator Phyllis Schlafley
AMERICANS UNITED FOR SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE Headed by Rev. Barry Lynn, a United Methodist Minister, this group acts strongly to keep government and religion separated and unentangled. Often opposes policy positions taken by the Christian Coalition
PEOPLE FOR THE AMERICAN WAY Liberal public policy and lobbying group founded by Norman Lear, producer of the hit TV series All in the Family and The Jeffersons.
GREENPEACE International environmental group that became famous for disrupting whaling and seal hunting. One of their ships, the Rainbow Warrior, was sunk by French intelligence agents.
NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION Environmental group dedicated to the preservation of wild species and their habitats Many hunters belong to this group. American member group of World Wildlife Fund.
SIERRA CLUB Long standing, large, and influential pro-environmental group.
NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF MANUFACTURERS Association of large manufacturing firms. Positions taken are pro-business, pro-manufacturing.
AFL-CIO Umbrella organization that contains most of the major labor unions
RIGHT TO WORK LEGAL DEFENSE FUND Provides legal assistance to those opposing or attempting to overturn unionization of workplaces, and protecting those in union environments who don't wish to join unions.
NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION Largest national teachers union - most Prince George's teachers are members
UNITED FOR A FAIR ECONOMY A very liberal group that opposes most Republican and some Democratic economic proposals
CONSERVATIVE ACTIVIST'S HOME PAGE This is sponsored by The Conservative Caucus, an umbrella group for conservative and right-leaning groups in the United States. If you want a list of links to what this group considers appropriately conservative, their RIGHTLINKS hot button will provide a list of hotlines to groups such as Home Schooling organizations, the John Birch Society, newspaper columns by Pat Buchanan, etc.
NATIONAL CENTER FOR PUBLIC POLICY RESEARCH A well-organized and presented site with a strongly conservative point of view. Provides links to reports, publications and information on public issues from a conservative point of view.
CENTER FOR DEMOCRACY AND TECHNOLOGY (new) tracks technology issues and proposed or actual governmental actions, to see how they might affect democracy. Seems oriented to opposing actions such as Justice Department proposal to allow black bag break-ins to people's computers to bypass computer security.