Institute for American Values


The Institute for American Values is a New York City think tank focusing on family and social issues.
The Institute’s mission is “to study and strengthen civil society.” Within the focus on civil society, the institute’s current priorities are marriage, thrift, and public conversation.

Overview

Its president is David Blankenhorn. It has influenced both liberal and conservative politicians. It has been critical of divorce and out-of-wedlock childbirth. It supports fathers' rights. It helped shape the family ideology of the Clinton administration. In 2014, Blankenhorn signed a shared public statement called "Freedom to Marry, Freedom to Dissent" which supported same-sex marriage but condemned efforts "to punish rather than to criticize or to persuade those who disagree". The center interpreted the September 11 attacks as an attack on American values. It has been supported by Philip Anschutz.

Braver Angels

Braver Angels is an IAV initiative working to depolarize US politics. Founded shortly after the 2016 presidential election, the organization runs workshops, debates, and other events where red and blue participants come to better understand each other's positions and discover their shared values. The name Better Angels was inspired by Lincoln's plea for national unity at the close of his first inaugural address. The name was changed to Braver Angels in 2020 pursuant to a trademark infringement suit.

Publications