In case you've missed what we've been up to this year...
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** In the Loop
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** Year at-a-glance
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Democracy is not a given — it’s a nonstop collective effort. As we step into a pivotal year with a presidential transition on the horizon, it’s crucial to reflect on the strides we've made and the work that lies ahead. Below, you’ll find our key highlights from last year.
Thank you for your steadfast support.
NICK PENNIMAN, CEO & Founder, Issue One
** ELECTION PROTECTION
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① Partnered with 85+ organizations to deliver clear, trusted election information, reaching over 30 million people in key states with innovative ads ([link removed]) , resources like HowElectionsWork.org ([link removed]) , and social media campaigns. Read more ([link removed]) .
② Hosted events like “Women Who Make Democracy Work ([link removed]) ,” to honor election officials, particularly the women who make up 80% of our election workforce, and celebrate their essential role in safeguarding democracy.
③ Launched our “Democracy Fix ([link removed]) ” podcast, featuring expert discussions on the challenges and opportunities facing our democracy. Tune in on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.
④ Through our National Council on Election Integrity ([link removed]) and Faces of Democracy ([link removed]) , we amplified trusted, bipartisan voices — former election officials, military leaders, and civic leaders — in the media to counter misinformation, defend election integrity, and build trust in the electoral process.
Learn more about our Election Protection efforts ([link removed])
** HOLDING BIG TECH ACCOUNTABLE
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① Shaped this year’s Senate Judiciary hearing with Big Tech CEOs by providing strategic guidance ([link removed]) and spotlighting affected families — mothers and young people — front and center, turning the moment into a powerful call to action covered by Axios ([link removed]) , MSNBC ([link removed]) , and NBC ([link removed]) .
② Celebrated a historic legislative win ([link removed]) with the Senate’s overwhelming passage of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) by a vote of 91-3, a monumental step toward accountability for Big Tech.
③ Launched our “Big Tech’s Broken Promises ([link removed]) ” tracker — a database that catalogues 130+ examples of empty proclamations and covert policy changes by the world’s largest technology companies.
④ Through the Council for Responsible Social Media ([link removed]) (CRSM), we brought together bipartisan leaders to push for reforms that address the harms of social media, from protecting kids online to combating disinformation. We also hosted virtual events tackling urgent issues like how social media fuels radicalization ([link removed]) , is failing election officials ([link removed]) , and poses national security risks ([link removed]) .
Learn more about Issue One’s Tech Reform efforts ([link removed])
** MONEY IN POLITICS
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① Launched a series that exposes the impact of Big Tech lobbying, revealing that the industry spent $51 million to influence Congress last quarter ([link removed]) . Notably, Meta alone employs one lobbyist for every eight members of Congress. Read more ([link removed]) .
② Our “Who’s Behind the Only Citizens Vote Coalition?” Report uncovered secretive donors who spent $590 million in dark money ([link removed]) to fuel misleading election narratives. Read more ([link removed]) .
③ Led a crosspartisan coalition advocating for major party presidential candidates to disclose their top campaign fundraisers ([link removed]) , known as “bundlers.” This election marked the first time in 25 years that neither nominee voluntarily disclosed this information.
Learn more about Issue One’s Money in Politics efforts ([link removed])
** ADVANCING OUR DEMOCRACY
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① Published the “Bipartisanship Reinvigorated ([link removed]) ” symposium and co-hosted a virtual event ([link removed]) with Democracy Journal focused on reimagining democracy and revitalizing bipartisanship.
② Our “The Road to Fair Pay ([link removed]) ” report advocated for equitable pay for congressional staffers, essential for a truly representative democracy. Our 2022 report helped raise the pay floor for House staffers ([link removed]) .
** Fund Democracy
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** Stand with us
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The work to protect our republic continues, and we need your support to ensure a brighter future for American democracy.
Donate ([link removed])
** BEFORE YOU GO
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Did you know you can read regular commentary and analysis from Issue One staff on The Reform Compass?
This year, we published 45 articles tackling topics like profit-driven policies in Big Tech, the rise of AI, and election policy.
** New on The Reform Compass ([link removed])
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* Celebrating Our Impact: Issue One’s director of philanthropy Mike Piel invites you to delve into our latest impact report to see how your support has empowered our nonpartisan efforts to strengthen democracy amidst ongoing partisanship ([link removed]) .
* Championing Child Safety Online: Alix Fraser and Isabel Sunderland from Issue One’s Tech Reform team highlight the ongoing, significant legislative efforts behind the Kids Online Safety Act ([link removed]) .
* Navigating a Democratic Renaissance: Megan O'Halloran, Issue One tech reform associate, explores how we need to move from digital feudalism to a democratic renaissance through reform ([link removed]) .
* Election Day Contingency Plans: Our Election Protection team spoke with Michelle Hawley, director of the Milwaukee County Election Commission, on the robust contingency plans that kept the 2024 election on track ([link removed]) despite numerous challenges.
* Big Tech’s Vulnerabilities Exploited: Issue One Tech Reform team members Liana Keesing and Jamie Neikrie reveal how Big Tech’s policy rollbacks and trust and safety cuts left the 2024 election vulnerable — creating openings for foreign adversaries ([link removed]) .
* Breaking Campaign Finance Milestones: Senior Director of Research Michael Beckel exposes record-breaking campaign spending in 2024 ([link removed]) and troubling failures by Trump and Harris to disclose their top fundraisers.
* Building Momentum for Change: Jamie Dillon, Issue One’s senior director of advancement, highlights how democracy nonprofits are uniting people around shared values to drive progress ([link removed]) , even in challenging times.
Visit The Reform Compass ([link removed])
With gratitude,
The Issue One Team
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