Since our founding in 1981, POGO has continued to grow, taking on new programs and entering into partnerships as we’ve expanded our effort to build a healthier democracy. Our projects and partnerships work in concert to expose problems in the federal government, develop reforms to address those problems and prevent similar abuses in the future, and champion change.?
Projects and Partnerships
Center for Defense Information
The Center for Defense Information at POGO aims to build a far more effective national security policy at a significantly lower cost. Since 1971, CDI has been fighting to build the most pragmatic national security strategy possible, regardless of politics, partisanship, or parochial interests. Since it joined POGO in 2012, CDI has advocated for a sensible defense budget, pushing Congress and the Pentagon toward policies that best serve the needs of our nation and the members of our armed services, not the interests of corporations or their shareholders.?
Congressional Oversight Initiative
POGO’s Congressional Oversight Initiative supports and enhances Congress’s ability to conduct effective oversight by offering trainings and? resources to hundreds of congressional oversight staff each year. This nonpartisan initiative uses POGO's unique expertise to bring Republican and Democratic staff together for trainings, seminars, and other opportunities to connect with one another and with experts from both parties.?
The Constitution Project
The Constitution Project at POGO seeks to safeguard our constitutional rights when the government exercises power in the name of national security and domestic policing, including ensuring our institutions serve as a check on that power. Established in 1997, The Constitution Project joined with POGO in 2017. Throughout that time, it has brought together people of diverse experiences and political philosophies to forge consensus-based solutions to some of the most difficult constitutional questions of the day.?
Open The Government
Open The Government, which joined with POGO in 2022, is a coalition of groups around the country that advocate for transparency and accountability in the federal government.? At POGO, Open The Government prioritizes advancing open government reforms that foster equity outcomes, with a focus on racial equity, and continues to support coalition members around the country. Explore Open The Government’s current advocacy actions.
Ridenhour Prizes
Awarded annually, the Ridenhour Prizes recognize those who persevere in acts of truth-telling that protect the public interest, promote social justice, or illuminate a more just vision of society. These prizes memorialize the spirit of fearless truth-telling that whistleblower and investigative journalist Ron Ridenhour reflected throughout his extraordinary life and career. POGO is one of several strategic partners to the Ridenhour Prizes. Learn more at
Ridenhour.org
.?