Our Work and Mission
MAP is an independent, nonprofit think tank. We work to create a thriving, inclusive, and equitable America where all people have a fair chance to pursue health and happiness, earn a living, take care of the ones they love, be safe in their communities, and participate in civic life.
About MAP
Founded in 2006, the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) provides rigorous research, insight, and communications that help speed equality and opportunity for all. We power progressive movements.
MAP’s extraordinary impact comes from the way we fuse communications, policy and collaboration to help people better understand the critical issues we face – and also better understand each other. Our work is laser focused on changing hearts and minds. At a time of deep divisions, our work builds bridges across difference to advance equity and opportunity for all through the process summarized in our Theory of Transformation below. MAP’s programs:
Advance the conversation. We believe that to effectively reach and persuade people, we first have to understand them. How do they think? What are their hopes and fears? What inspires them? MAP conducts groundbreaking research to deeply understand our audiences and then develops transformative messages and communications based on that understanding. Our public education campaigns, multimedia content, graphics and media outreach are designed to shift people’s thinking and drive action.
Advance policy change. We believe in publishing reports and graphics that people read—and that actually shift hearts and minds. We don’t write long academic reports. We create graphics and narratives that are carefully tailored to be persuasive, easy to understand and actionable. By infusing our deep understanding of our audiences throughout our policy work, MAP frames problems and policy solutions for maximum impact.
Advance collaboration. MAP believes we’re stronger when we work together. We approach our work very collaboratively, engaging hundreds of organizations to work together for change. MAP is a leader in building coalitions and partnerships within the LGBTQ and democracy movements. Our policy and communications expertise empowers our partner organizations and advocates with the tools they need to work together for change.
