21 Reasons to Invest in Cascade Policy Institute

Many Oregonians donate to causes they feel deeply about or to politicians they think will best reflect their values and opinions on the role of government. But there is no greater influence that gives more bang for your buck than investing in freedom through supporting your local think tank. Below are 21 reasons why an investment in Cascade Policy Institute advances freedom more than any other donation.

LEADING SOURCE OF IDEAS: Cascade is the source of many of the ideas and facts that appear in editorials, news articles, and syndicated columns. We are the first place many lawmakers turn to for ideas and help when proposing legislation. The best and brightest journalists and lawmakers consume Cascade’s work voraciously and rely on it. 

EFFECTIVE INFLUENCE: Cascade has the complete package of skills needed to influence public opinion and the opinions of lawmakers and the media. We know how to communicate, whether in writing, public speaking, electronic media, talk radio, mail and email, testimony, or research.

POLITICIANS TRUST AND RELY ON US: Cascade is a third-party to public policy debates. We don’t have a material or financial stake in the outcome. Elected officials consequently trust us more than they trust spokespersons for businesses or trade associations. Candidates running for office and politicians currently in office consult us regarding public policy issues on a regular basis.

POWERFUL RESEARCH: Cascade research is applied to a current public policy controversy, often by starting with academic research and adding local or current facts, citing recognized authorities, and getting right to the point. It’s research produced for a purpose, to answer a question: What should policymakers do?

EARN MEDIA BETTER THAN ANYONE: Cascade gets op-eds and letters to the editor placed frequently in major dailies, small weeklies, trade publications, and magazines. The media frequently ask us for quotes on important public policy issues.

GRASSROOTS LIBERTY MOVEMENT: Cascade research and experts are the backbone of grassroots organizations. Our research informs citizen activists so they can spearhead a well-organized and well educated attack on legislation.

IMPERVIOUS TO ATTACK: Lobbyists often work for specific clients who operate at the mercy of a regulator or lawmaker, making them vulnerable to retribution for daring to criticize or speak out. Cascade is virtually immune to retribution. In fact, when public officials single out Cascade for criticism, our credibility generally goes up, not down.

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL INFLUENCE:There now exists at least one state-based think tank in all 50 states and a growing number throughout the developed and developing world. We share and consume each other’s work, support and encourage one another, and echo and amplify our messages. We can pull together state, national, or global coalitions on the most important public policy issues.

POWERFUL FRIENDS: Cascade directors and large donors have considerable influence and close personal relationships with elected officials. Politicians often are encouraged to contact Cascade or to embrace our ideas by Cascade donors and directors.

CLEAR FOCUS: Unlike university academics or consultants, Cascade experts have no distractions –no clients as such, no classes to teach, and no articles to publish in obscure academic journals. As a result, we can persistently follow an issue, and all its daily developments, on an ongoing basis. 

GREAT IN COALITIONS: Cascade experts are open and eager to cooperate with just about anyone to win – others in the free-market movement or people from another political or policy perspective. We don’t worry about protecting our turf or our intellectual property. We have no clients to gain or lose to another consultant or trade association. We just want to win.

PRE-PARTISAN: Cascade is not Republican, Democrat, or even bipartisan. We are pre-partisan. Cascade originates ideas before political parties have ever heard of them, and we are delighted for any party to promote our ideas. We often have more across-the aisle appeal than do business groups.

LEADING EDGE OF COMMUNICATIONS: Cascade is on the cutting edge of activist influence techniques — blogging, social networks, developing popular Internet sites, tweeting, and even investigative journalism.

WINNING IN THE COURTS: Cascade is a natural ally with public interest law firms — non-profit lawfirms that litigate landmark cases to preserve liberty. When the cooperation is close, there is no more powerful and cost-effective force to move public policy than a think tank and a p.i. law firm.

GREATEST ROLODEX: Cascade scholars know, know of, or work with virtually all of the major scholars in every emerging and established field of public policy research in the country, and many others around the world. Through this network, we can research and produce solid policy proposals more quickly than anyone. You definitely want us in the room when a bill gets written.

LONG-TERM ALLIES: The influence of lobbyists is often based on personal relationships with politiciansand political appointees. Therefore, their influence lapses when personnel change. Cascade and Cascade experts outlast politicians, appointees, and lobbyists, making us long-term allies.

DONORS ARE CONFIDENTIAL: The identitiesof Cascade donors are protected from involuntary disclosure. Most Cascade contributions come from concerned individuals or private foundations, and only thirdly from corporations. What’s more, donations are tax deductible.

Invest in freedom for Oregon, Invest in Cascade Policy Institute