Drum Major Institute
2007 Annual Benefit
For Public Policy
At Cipriani, 23rd St NY NY
June 21st 2007

The Drum Major Institute for Public Policy is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to challenging the tired orthodoxies of both the right and the left. The goal: progressive public policy for social and economic fairness. DMI's approach is unwavering: We do not issue reports to see our name in print or hold forums for the sake of mere talk. We seek to change policy by conducting research into overlooked, but important social and economic issues, by leveraging our strategic relationships to engage policymakers and opinion leaders in our work, and by offering platforms to amplify the ideas of those who are working for social and economic fairness.

Originally called the Drum Major Foundation, DMI was founded by Harry Wachtel, lawyer and advisor to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the turbulent years of the civil rights movement. DMI was relaunched in 1999 by New York attorney William Wachtel, Harry's son, Martin Luther King III, and Ambassador Andrew Young. Today, energized by the leadership of Wachtel, Young and Executive Director Andrea Batista Schlesinger, DMI is committed to adding a rigorous progressive voice to compete in the marketplace of ideas.

Conservative think tanks and foundations spent $1 billion to influence public opinion and thought from 1990 to 2000. Their investment has clearly paid off. From tax cuts inspired by "trickle-down" economics to disinvestment in public institutions to the silence that remains the norm in the face of the poverty crippling our society, conservatives have reshaped this nation. Progressives remain on the defensive, communicating their ideas only to the choir or resigning themselves to caring for victims of unjust policy instead of also changing bad policy. The institutes that do exist produce research and analysis that too rarely reach the policy makers who could act on it, the advocates who could use it to support their agendas, or the public whose opinions could be informed and energized.

The left laments the lack of presence of progressive thinkers in the media, though relatively little time and energy is spent cultivating those thinkers or providing them with a platform to disseminate their thoughts and to promote their successes. Many thumb their noses at the right's emphasis on messaging, despite the clear success it has had in packaging issues to promote its policy agenda in a way that resonates with the public.

The Drum Major Institute, an organization with a rich legacy in the civil rights movement, has a very present-day approach. We utilize the successful elements of the right's strategy to promote progressive public policy. We unite the best ideas with the best research and the best messages and messengers to convey them. We measure our success exclusively by our impact on public policy.

"There is one thing stronger than all the armies in the world, and this is an idea whose time has come," said Victor Hugo. The time for the Drum Major Institute for Public Policy, retooled as a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting social and economic fairness through progressive policy, has come.

On June 21 the Drum Major Institute for Public Policy, along with Rev. Dr. James Forbes and Dr. Cornel West,  presented the Drum Major For Justice awards to Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, for PlanNYC - his sweeping plan to make New York City a model for environmentally sustainable cities in the 21st century - and talk show host and author Tavis Smiley, for being an outstanding voice for social change in the news media and beyond. over 250 supporters who were in attendance at Annual Benefit. 
On June 21, 2007 the Drum Major Institute for Public Policy, along William B.Wachtel,Founder Drum Major Institute,  Rev. Dr. James Forbes, Dr. Cornel West, Hon.Christine Quinn,City Council Speaker, Randi Weingarten,President ,United Federation of Teachers, presented the DRUM MAJOR FOR JUSTICE awards to:

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor, City of New York or PlanNYC - his sweeping plan to make New York City a model for environmentally sustainable cities in the 21st century
Tavis Smiley, Talk Show Host & Author for being an outstanding voice for social change in the news media and beyond.

The Music was handled by William Ruiz and Jay Rodriguez, 2 time Grammy Award Nominee, for more information about the Drum Major Institute feel free to log onto their website at http://www.drummajorinstitute.org

Gloria smith is a School teacher for the past 25 years based here in Queens NY,with a masters degree in Education, she loves to travel allover the world, & writes about different topics,on International Business, Cultural events, & All Kind of Women Issues. & Events pertaining to women of all nationalitys.If you are interested in having Gloria cover one of your events,please send an email 1 week inadvance, @ LNGloria@lnom.org or tel: 718 507 7616 between 8am to 8pm EST.