Project Directory

AmericaWorks

Description

To work on issues of economic justice for people that work and for re-building the middle class. There is a tremendous need to rebuild a system of non-employer based retirement security, to fund progressive organizations without philanthropy as the major funder, and to find new organizational structures, policies, and incentives that reward Americans hard work. AmericaWorks will work on a series of issues: Retirement Security-In a world of decreasing security and where employers are fleeing defined benefit pension, what are 21st century ways to provide secure retirement with guaranteed benefits for individuals who move from job to job? Funding a Progressive Infrastructure with Less Dependency on Philanthropy-Major changes are underway of major funders of the progressive infrastructure that has been broadened and supported over the last 7 years. Some funders are spending down, others long term founding funders are in the midst of generational change, some Foundations have become the majority of many organizations and Tides Foundation projects, budget, and new organizations that have stepped in, like the Democracy Alliance cannot fully fill the gap. There is a need for major funders to review these matters and consider new funding models, and issues of efficiency and long term viability of organizations. Rewarding Work-Too many Americans who are working have experienced growing inequality and shrinking wage increases even before the recent economic collapse. Unions in the private sector now represent less than 7% of the workforce. Our tax and public policy are not geared to promote organization, ownership or profit sharing. What public policies can be created for the 21st century that reward work in the 21st century?

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Constituents General population Low-income Multi-racial Workers

Strategies Coalition work Direct services Education Leadership development Media Public policy/regulatory reform Research