Common Dreams is a non-profit citizens' organization made up of a network of political activists whose goal it is to "promote progressive visions for America's future". It was founded in 1997 and is funded only by members and donations. Its contributors help give a perspective on worldwide events that are otherwise filtered, distorted or blatantly omitted by the corporate media.
The organization was founded by Craig Brown, a former chief of staff to a progressive member of Congress. He created a daily progressive newsclip summary from newspapers, magazines, journals, and briefing papers for the congressman and staff. This inspired what became the Common Dream NewsCenter, with a very organized, real-time, exhaustive website (www.commondreams.org)