About SPN

Founded in 1992, State Policy Network is the only group in the country dedicated solely to improving the practical effectiveness of independent, non-profit, market-oriented, state-focused think tanks. SPN's programs enable these organizations to better educate local citizens, policy makers and opinion leaders about market-oriented alternatives to state and local policy challenges.

SPN helps identify and develop the resources and leadership talent needed to equip state-based, market-oriented think tanks to be more effective, widely respected and successful champions of personal and economic freedom in their respective states. By strengthening the institutional capacity of state think tanks, these organizations are better positioned to advance sound ideas into public policy solutions.

Membership in State Policy Network is voluntary and by invitation-only. SPN neither directs nor manages its members' programs or activities. SPN members pride themselves on their independence and relevancy to their respective states and/or areas of public policy research.

Vision

To build a fifty-state network of free-market think tanks that are the most effective, widely respected and successful policy research and education institutions in their respective states. As a result of the investment, talent and strategic leadership that SPN provides, state-based think tanks will educate the general public and policy makers in every state to embrace market-friendly policies that maximize liberty and opportunity.

Mission

State Policy Network is the capacity building service organization for America's free market, state-focused think tank community. We advance a free society by providing leadership development, management training and networking opportunities for think tank professionals and by promoting strategic partnerships among market-oriented organizations.

Core Principles

State Policy Network is committed to preserving and strengthening a free society where all Americans enjoy the blessings of liberty and opportunity. The core principles of a free society include but are not limited to:

• Political, intellectual, religious and economic liberty
• Private property rights
• Limited government
• Competition
• Market prices
• Consumer and parental choice
• Entrepreneurship
• Personal responsibility

State Policy Network is further committed to strengthening America's federalist system. We believe that freedom is strongest when states take the lead on most domestic policy issues. The federalist system creates laboratories for democracy in the 50 states, resulting in the development, testing and improvement of innovative policy solutions.