Public Citizen is a nonprofit research, lobbying and litigation organization based in Washington, D.C. Since its founding by Ralph Nader in 1971, Public Citizen has fought for citizen and consumer justice and for corporate and government accountability. Public Citizen unites tens of thousands of individual citizens into one powerful voice for the public interest that is heard in every arena: the marketplace, the courts, national and state governments and the media.

Public Citizen does not accept government or corporate grants. Our primary funding sources are proceeds from the sale of our publications and individual contributions from our 100,000 members throughout the country who believe there should be full-time advocates of democratic principles working on their behalf. This diversified support makes it possible to challenge the unaccountable anti-d emocratic influences of lobbies for monied interests and political action committees. Through our five groups, Public Citizen fights for citizens in numerous areas:

Congress Watch lobbies for the public interest on issues of corporate and government accountability. The Health Research Group fights for protections against unsafe food, medications, medical devices, and workplaces and for greater consumer control over health decisions. The Litigation Group brings precedent-setting lawsuits on behalf of citizens against the government and large corporations to enforce rights and assure justice under the law. The Critical Mass Energy Project works for safe, efficient and affordable energy. Global Trade Watch fights for citizens' interests in consumer health and safety, environmental protection, decent wages and standard of living, and democratic procedures in international trade.