SPN’s 50-Fifty-5 Campaign by Tracie Sharp

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State Policy Network celebrated its 15^th anniversary in 2007. During this crystal anniversary year, the board and SPN executives reviewed the achievements of the state-focused think tank movement, as well as deliberated the challenges we face as proponents of liberty and institutions.

With a forward focus, SPN launched the 50-Fifty-5 Campaign. The goal: to have a think tank in every state with combined revenues of more than $50 million within five years. The effort includes an expansion of resources to build a stronger and deeper foundation for advancing freedom throughout the country. SPN chairman Carl Helstrom asserts, "50-Fifty-5 is the boldest program SPN has undertaken since its founding. The campaign is not just goals for SPN. It is a rallying call for the entire state think tank movement."

The goals of the 50-Fifty-5 Campaign are well within reach, given the rapid growth of the state think tank movement in just the last few years,

Growth of market think tanks

State Policy Network's founder Tom Roe had the foresight to envision a 50-state network for freedom and limited government. He initially founded South Carolina Policy Council and worked to start other groups across the country. In 1987 Roe was part of the Madison Group, an informal coalition of state and national think tank leaders focused on supporting the growing state movement. Five years later, in 1992, the Madison Group had evolved into State Policy Network.

"The campaign is a rallying call for the entire state think tank movement."

Carl Helstrom, Chairman of the Board, SPN

At the time of SPN's founding, there were 25 state-based think tanks. Fifteen years later we count more than 50 organizations in 45 states. In 2007 alone six new think tanks were launched, four in states that previously did not have one. Additionally, SPN is currently working with credible leads in three other states that do not have a think tank.

Think tank revenues have also experienced significant growth. A decade ago, the combined revenues of state think tanks were a little over $12 million. There has been a significant upswing in revenue growth among the think tanks in the last 24 months, with combined 2006 revenues totaling $40 million. "Momentum is on our side," Helstrom says."The board and I believe state think tanks can achieve combined revenues of over $50 million within a year or two."

Importance of 50-Fifty-5

For a social or political movement to have impact, it must remain vibrant through expanded outreach and operations. The announced goals for growth of the state free market think tank movement come at a crucial time: Big government advocates are significantly investing in their infrastructure. For example, The Democracy Alliance, a collaboration of wealthy liberal donors, contends it will soon amass over $500 million to fund policy centers and grassroots strategies.

One of the most effective tactics utilized by those seeking government-based solutions has been in the area of mobilization and influencing opinion through blogging and media "watchdog" organizations. Once only directed towards national issues, pro-government advocates have realized the strategic importance of including state-focused efforts. Colorado is a test-case for liberal state affiliates to set-up shop. A Colorado Media Matters affiliate and several well-funded blogs focus solely on state issues.

There also has been a recent surge in progressive state-focused think tanks. Group such as the Progressive Legislative Action Network and Progressive States Network have made inroads in promoting policies based on government expansion and additional regulations.

Our Next Steps

The 50-Fifty-5 Campaign is more than a road map for SPN's future. The results of the Campaign will be additional opportunities for state think tanks to access training and other resources to grow their organizations and have greater impact.

Currently, think tanks are encouraged to tap into growing SPN programs, such as:

• Improved management resources housed on www.spn.org
• Organization building tools from within and outside the movement
• The successful policy grant program
• The expanded SPN / IHS Koch Summer Fellow Program
• Increased networking opportunities through in-person and on-line events

Other areas of member assistance slated for roll-out in 2008 include providing access to fundraising materials, discounts on products and services, leads on new funding sources and materials to strengthen organizations' management practices. Every program SPN provides is designed to support existing groups and guide start-ups into ongoing, viable organizations. "SPN's resources and support have been an invaluable component of our success," compliments Show-Me Institute vice president Jason Hannasch. "With its assistance we've been able to evaluate and adopt new methods that work and expand our efforts to promote economic freedom in Missouri."

Marketing the state think-tank network is a fundamental part of the campaign. This includes outreach to key supporters of free market ideas, ensuring they understand the importance of the state-focused movement and that a state strategy is a winning strategy. SPN will also make available the 50-Fifty-5 brochure to every think tank that wants to customize and use it for marketing or fundraising.

To complement the 50-Fifty-5 Campaign, SPN has developed partnerships with groups like the Sam Adams Alliance and others to expand the free market infrastructure. The goal is to reinforce the state think tanks' role as the source of ideas and develop communication channels in every state to ensure that the ideas are advanced. New technology will be developed, along with identifying and recruiting talent to fuel this expansion of efforts.

As we celebrate SPN's 15^th anniversary, it is with great expectations that the free market movement embarks on this new campaign to increase our numbers, grow think tank capacity and improve our effectiveness. Through the combined efforts of state groups, national partners and loyal supporters, SPN founder Tom Roe's vision will be achieved, economic opportunities flourish and liberty protected.

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Tracie Sharp is president of State Policy Network. She can be reached at sharp@spn.org.