Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 16, 2002
for more information, contact  Einat Sandman at (650) 330 1395

Ted Lempert to Speak at Event Launching Multi-Issue Think Tank

Organization seeks to influence national and state policy through research,
education and advanced communication outreach

MENLO PARK, CA - The Commonweal Institute will feature Former Assemblyman & CEO of EdVoice Ted Lempert as the key speaker at a July 25th after-work reception celebrating the opening of its Menlo Park office.  

The event is expected to draw about 200 guests, including community leaders, business executives, local government officials, activists and philanthropists.

Commonweal Institute is a moderate-progressive think tank that aims to persuade a broad spectrum of the public to think differently about vital issues and then to take a more active role in democratic processes.  

ãI am encouraged that we will have an advocacy think thank on our side of the issues that will have the resources and effectiveness of the most powerful conservative think tanks,ä said Lempert. ãThis will help candidates that support the environment, choice, public education, and a good balance between business and workers.ä

In addition to doing the research and education of a traditional think tank, Commonweal Institute will work directly at the grassroots level to communicate messages to various audiences in their cultural language, in their media, and in ways that are meaningful to their lives.  By stressing the relationship of national policy to everyday life, Commonweal Institute hopes to improve voter turnout.

ãThere is a critical need to give an effective voice to ideas that will better serve the public rather than the narrow interests of a few. Conservatives are currently framing the issues and moving public opinion while other ideas are not being heard. Commonweal Institute aims to give progressives and centrists the tools they need to compete,ä said Commonweal Institute President Leonard Salle.

The event will be held from 4:30-7:00 p.m. at 535 Middlefield Rd. in suite 150 and the Courtyard. There is no charge for the event but reservations are requested.  To reserve a spot please contact Einat Sandman at (650) 330 1395 or
esandman@commonwealinstitute.org.    

More information about Commonweal Institute can be found on their website at www.commonwealinstitute.org.

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