People for the American Way

People for the American Way, according to the organization's history, began in 1980 when "acclaimed television and movie producer Norman Lear began searching for an appropriate response to [what he perceived as] a new and disturbing political movement in America. The Religious Right was determined to impose a radical and extremist agenda, one that acknowledged only its leaders' religious beliefs, and that sought to diminish Americans' fundamental freedoms. Those who dared dissent, the Religious Right called 'atheistic,' 'immoral,' 'anti-Christian,' and 'anti-family' ... [i.e.] Jerry Falwell. Pat Robertson. The Moral Majority ... Religious bigotry. Anti-Semitism."

"Lear's unique approach was to create a series of television commercials celebrating difference. The ads featured a mix of recognizable faces - Muhammad Ali and Goldie Hawn, for example - with average Americans. The overwhelming response to the ads led Lear to create People For the American Way. And in the 20+ years that followed, through a variety of political battles, the organization has advanced the same basic themes - embracing America's diversity, respecting Americans' rights, defending liberty, democracy and the American Way."

Stanley K. Sheinbaum helped found People for the American Way.

Board of Directors

 * David E. Altschul - Co-Chair
 * Lara Bergthold - Co-Chair
 * James A. Autry
 * Alec Baldwin
 * Dr. Arthur Bellinzoni
 * Marilyn Bergman
 * Mary Frances Berry
 * Hon. John H. Buchanan, Jr.
 * Father Robert Drinan
 * Maria Echaveste
 * Ronald Feldman
 * Michael Gartner
 * Andrew Heiskell
 * James Hormel
 * Michael B. Keegan
 * Nancy Keenan
 * Norman Lear
 * Rev. Timothy McDonald
 * Dr. Jack Melamed
 * Ralph G. Neas
 * John Payton
 * Anthony T. Podesta
 * David S. Rose
 * Joshua Sapan
 * Carole Shields
 * Clyde Shorey
 * Margery Tabankin
 * Jay Weiss
 * Geraldine Day Zurn

Former:
 * David Saperstein former Board member

Contact details
2000 M Street, NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20036 Phone: 202-467-4999 or 800-326-7329 Email: pfaw AT pfaw.org Web: http://www.pfaw.org

Related SourceWatch articles

 * People for the American Way Action Fund
 * 501c3
 * 501c4
 * 527 committee
 * soft money
 * soft money groups
 * U.S. presidential election, 2004
 * U.S. presidential election, 2004: Active Advocacy Groups
 * Kirk Clay - Former Deputy Director
 * Mary Jean Collins - National Political Director