Common Cause (U.S.)

Common Cause is a non-profit advocacy organization committed to honest, open and accountable government and participation in the democratic process. The group was founded in 1970 by John Gardner, who served as the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under President Lyndon B. Johnson and later as chairman of the National Urban Coalition. Originally created with the intention of representing citizens’ interests in Washington, the group soon became a vehicle for protesting the Vietnam War. Since its inception, Common Cause has remained committed to the ideals of democracy and fair government, leading fights for campaign finance reforms, ethics and accountability, and open government at all levels, as well as civil rights legislation, wasteful weapons programs, and voting process reforms.

From the guide to the Common Cause Records, 1968-1991, (Princeton University. Library. Dept. of Rare Books and Special Collections)