OUR HISTORY

About Us

MoveOn is where millions mobilize for a better society—one where everyone can thrive.

We think big

We believe a more equitable, sustainable, and just society is possible—and that our members will be the ones to get us there. Whether it’s supporting a candidate, passing legislation, or changing our culture, MoveOn members are committed to an inclusive and progressive future.

We meet the moment

Together, we are both large and nimble, targeting our resources purposefully, yet pivoting quickly as we identify new opportunities for change and mobilize to seize them. Our rapid-response organizing, strategic campaigning, and culture of grassroots activism fuel real-world impact.

We’re stronger together

MoveOn members are a force for social justice and political progress, coming from all 50 states and walks of life. We are the many, and we are powerful. Every day, together, we fight to win. It’s what we’ve always done, and what we’re built to do.

MoveOn is more than our name.

It is our challenge to America: to move forward boldly and fearlessly, upholding and enacting the values that will make our country work for all of us.

Our Structure

MoveOn is made up of two entities: MoveOn Civic Action and MoveOn Political Action.

MoveOn Civic Action

MoveOn.org Civic Action is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization that focuses on education and advocacy, provides civic engagement tools to the public, and builds the progressive movement by encouraging and supporting the development of more grassroots leaders. MoveOn.org Civic Action is home to MoveOn Petitions, our online petition tool that empowers MoveOn members to lead and win their own MoveOn campaigns.

Most of MoveOn.org Civic Action’s funding comes in the form of modest contributions from MoveOn members. View our gift acceptance policy here.

Katie Bethell is the executive director of MoveOn.org Civic Action. To contact the staff of MoveOn.org Civic Action and access frequently asked questions, click here.

MoveOn Political Action

MoveOn.org Political Action is a federal political action committee (PAC) which primarily helps members elect candidates who reflect our members’ values through a variety of activities aimed at influencing the outcome of elections. We are focused on running powerful progressive advocacy campaigns and demonstrating MoveOn members’ power at the ballot box.

In contrast to most PACs that funnel industry contributions to candidates in exchange for access, MoveOn.org Political Action collects hundreds of thousands of small donations together to elect progressive candidates who will represent the American people.

Katie Bethell is the executive director of MoveOn.org Political Action. To contact the staff of MoveOn.org Political Action, click here. click here.

A Short History

For more than two decades, MoveOn members have organized and mobilized together, putting our collective people power to work. We have been at the forefront of innovating digital tech to empower ordinary people from all walks of life to make their voices heard.

1998-2000
Founding

In our first couple of years, MoveOn launched a historic online petition and established MoveOn Political Action. We redefined the landscape of political fundraising while helping to elect four new senators and five new House members in the 2000 election.

2000-2009
Historic Actions

After the attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001, MoveOn Civic Action ran anti-war campaigns and joined the Win Without War coalition. In 2003, MoveOn Political Action hosted its first virtual primary. During the virtual primary, more than 300,000 members voted, resulting in Howard Dean’s endorsement and laying the foundation of MoveOn’s modern endorsement structure.

Ahead of the 2006 midterms, MoveOn members placed over 7 million calls to registered voters during phone banks.

In 2008, MoveOn members endorsed a candidate in the presidential election for the first time: Barack Obama.

2010-2019
Movements Against Hate

In the 2010s, MoveOn pushed for unity over hatred. In 2016, MoveOn began more than a decade of anti-Trump resistance that continues on today. Campaigns like United Against Hate and Families Belong Together mobilization push for peace and unity in a time of division and uncertainty.

2020-today
Moving Forward

With the endorsement and election of Joe Biden for president in 2020, MoveOn launches a campaign to “Mobilize, Inspire, and Protect" the vote. Voting rights remain a keystone issue for MoveOn and its members. In 2025, MoveOn Civic Action joins the No Kings coalition, organizing three protests over the next year, each more historic than the one before it. In 2026, MoveOn Political Action launched its most ambitious election plan to date.

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Just a heads up!

You are being redirected to MoveOnEducationFund.Org

By clicking below, you will be directed to a website operated by MoveOn Education Fund, an independent 501(c)(3) entity.