The Applied Research Center (ARC) is a public policy institute advancing racial justice through research, advocacy and journalism. Founded in 1981 to bridge efforts between analysts and activists, ARC has five program areas: Research, Public Policy, Media and Communications, Leadership Advocacy, and Journalism. With offices in Oakland, Chicago and New York City, ARC also publishes ColorLines, the national newsmagazine on race and politics.

Across the last two decades, the Applied Research Center has articulated a consistent vision for racial justice by providing analytical research, groundbreaking publications and policy models, and extensive support for racial justice campaigns.

Research
The Research program provides the analytical foundation for racial justice campaigns across the nation.

It conceptualizes and initiates research that uncovers the impact of public policy on communities of color. The Research program has produced many innovative reports in recent years, including:

* Falling Through the Cracks : How California's Welfare Policy Keeps Families Poor;
* Reporting on Race, Education and No Child Left Behind : A Guide for Journalists;
* Short Changed : Foundation Giving and Communities of Color;
* and Closing the Gap : Solutions to Race-Based Health Disparities.

Public Policy
The Public Policy program works to ensure racial justice at every level of government by crafting, analyzing and advocating for specific policies.

Based in Oakland, CA, the program addresses racial inequities perpetuated by a range of institutions by refocusing public debate and policy making on equitable outcomes. The Public Policy program develops creative, equitable policies that challenge "colorblind" policy-making and recommends proactive, race conscious alternatives.

Leadership Advocacy
The Leadership Advocacy program strengthens the cadre of leaders and organizations ready to confront, not ignore, the color line.

This program, coordinated from the Applied Research Center's Midwest office, combines leadership development and political analysis with strategic planning and organized action focused on addressing structural racism. Leadership Advocacy is providing consultation and support to address the ongoing challenges organizations face when confronted with the complexities and controversies associated with race.

Journalism
Currently in its 8th year of publication, ColorLines is the national newsmagazine devoted to the complexity of communities of color.

A platform for challenging points-of-view, ColorLines reads between the lines. It questions the lines. And it crosses the lines.

ColorLines features the best writing on the issues that affect these communities: the finest art and photography on the subjects that matter; the sharpest criticism on the cultural movements of our times; and the boldest coverage on the organizing that empowers us.

Media and Public Affairs
The Media and Public Affairs program works across ARC's program areas to amplify the voices of racial justice advocates in mainstream, alternative and ethnic media.Race, often central to our national political debate, is rarely named explicitly. Our program trains policy experts to deliver critical racial justice messages, builds the capacity for ARC and its allies to break into the fast-paced media cycle, and develops evocative messages that put racial justice front and center in critical discussions shaping public policy.