What is APV?

Alliance for Progressive Values is a newly formed, all volunteer organization, whose goal is to educate and influence the public, the media and elected officials at the local, state and national levels about important issues of the day. We are guided in this by our basic, common sense progressive values of economic fairness, social justice, and good government.

What does APV do?

We are active at the local, state and national level, lobbying law makers, and engaging the public through the media via letters to the editor, petitions, articles in newspapers and magazines and an internet site with aggregate and self generated content. We sponsor rallies and fundraisers and we will work to find new ways to spread our message and answer our friends on the Right.

Why do we need another progressive group?

The Right has done a remarkable job over the last three decades of building a network of various citizens' groups, PACs, foundations and think tanks. They all act separately, but often speak with one voice. The progressive side is just starting to construct this type of infrastructure. By adding our voice in the form of a new organization we are strengthening the entire progressive movement.

Is APV associated with any other groups or individuals?

APV is NOT associated with any other group or individual. We are the work of citizens just like you, coming together in alliance to form this group. In the future we may seek grants or funding from other groups or individuals, but we will do this with the full knowledge and consent of our membership.

What issues does APV work on?

APV is an omnibus educational group. We do not focus in on one specific area such as healthcare or the environment. Instead we decide as a group, with input from our board and public policy department, on a set of issues that we will work on. For practical purposes we choose to start out small, with only a few issues, but we reserve the right to speak out where we feel a topic is of interest to our members.

What do you mean by lobbying?

Lobbying is a term that often gets a bad rap. The Constitution guarantees the people the right to petition the government for redress. Politicians want to know what issues the public is interested in and what their views are. They also want information that can help them better understand issues that they may be unfamiliar with or that are very complicated. APV's lobbying team strives to establish strong working relationships with law makers and their staffs. We put factual information and the desires of our members before them and we help them reach positive legislative outcomes. We may propose legislation of our own or we may attempt to fix or defeat legislation that we identify as harmful to our cause. We are not alone in this. There are many, many conservative and corporate lobbyists out there and it is our right and our duty to add our voices to the debate.

How will my voice be heard?

The Board of Directors, the Public Policy department and the Membership Committee regularly seek input from members through surveys, polling and open meetings. APV is member directed and members may stand for election to the board and vote in elections. There are lots of opportunities to express opinions and change minds.

Will we work on elections?

NO. APV is in the process of filing for 501(c)4 status as a not for profit. As a 501(c)4, APV will be prohibited from endorsing candidates, donating money or working on campaigns, but we will monitor elections and we will comment on issues that arise during campaigns.

What is my money being used for?

Dues and donations will be used for various purposes including (but not exclusive to) lobbying, maintenance of the website, fundraising outlays, office expenses, educational materials and cooperation with other organizations on events. APV is a volunteer organization with NO paid employees. Any compensation or remittance of funds to individuals requires the unanimous consent of the board and all books are open.

Is anyone getting paid?

No, not at this time. (see above). If we are very successful and a time comes when we feel as a group that salaried employees are necessary, we will decide as a group, but that time is far in the future. Presently no one associated with APV will profit financially from that association by way of payment. Again, our books are open.

By progressive we mean liberal, left wing. We are interested in fairness, peace, a healthy environment, women's health and equality, healthcare for all, income inequality, human rights, civil liberties, GLBT rights, good government, ending poverty, and the list goes on. Our positions on specific issues are the result of input from members and the recommendations of the Public Policy department and the Board.

Do I have to participate or can I just give money?

As a member, it is up to you. We know that many of you will feel inspired to be involved and we welcome that participation. We also understand that some of us simply do not have the time or inclination to participate, but still want to help financially. All levels of engagement are welcome.

Why should I get involved?

Simply put, we need you. The other side has an enormous amount of money and a dedicated and aggressive base and they are not going away no matter how bad their policies fail and how much damage they do to the country. If we don't fight back, who will?

No. The Democratic Party is a large, national political party that contains lots of different perspectives and points of view, including some progressives. But we are firmly on the left and while we certainly work with Democrats on numerous issues where we agree and attempt to influence them over to our way of thinking on ones we do not, we do not take orders from them and call them out when they are wrong.

YES! Part of our mandate is to build bridges between various like-minded groups. One place APV can help is by focusing on the big picture. Groups that work exclusively on healthcare or the environment or race relations may not always be able to see how these topics may be interrelated. We can help with that, and by pooling resources and intellectual capital, we can multiply and enhance each group's effectiveness.

Do those who give more have more of a say in what APV does?

NO, we are a member driven organization and base membership entitles you to all privileges. One member, one vote.

What if I don't agree with a stand that APV takes?

It is unlikely that we will all agree all of the time. No one is required to say or do anything that conflicts with his or her personal beliefs. APV respects its members' right to disagree. Hopefully, we can reach compromises and find common ground. That said, I would hope that members would respect the decisions made by the group and work together on commonly agreed choices.

Is my donation tax deductible?

No.

Who's My Representative?

Who's My Senator?

In Virginia, Who's My Legislator?

Paid for by RVA Alliance Inc.. RVA Alliance Inc. DBA, APV, is a 501(c)(4) organization. APV primarily focuses on nonpartisan education and advocacy on important local, state and national issues.