what qualifies as a policy that “fights” corporate power?

Let’s start with what qualifies as a policy. Policies, in ROP’s universe, include legislation, administrative rulemaking, budgets, transactions, and practices (formal and informal).

A policy countering corporate power is one that directly alters or diversifies— either with carrots or sticks or both — corporate incentives. Interpret this expansively:

A mandate that corporate boards include 50% workers alters incentives. So does using prosecutorial discretion to regularly seek justice for corporate wrongdoing. So does tethering minimum wages to rent prices and housing costs. Or ending a subsidy. Or amending government procurement regulations. Or creating an entirely new corporate “form” — one legally required to price in certain externalities or exit to community ownership.

A policy countering corporate power is also one that increases the power workers have over employers or creates public competition for private sectors. Or a number of other things!

Challenging unchecked corporate power is as much about increasing the capacity of other powers — government, consumer, worker, civic — as it is about decreasing power available to corporations.

does rop endorse candidates?

No. Our policy database is open access for all candidates (and anyone else, for that matter). We are non-partisan. ROP’s values, and the values of its leadership, are progressive and strictly pro-democracy — as is an agenda to expose and challenge corporate power. We’re excited to work with any candidate, regardless of party or affiliation, in support of this agenda.

details on the organization? (TAX STATUS, FINANCIALS, ETC.)

Run On Power is a non-profit corporation, incorporated in the District of Columbia. We’re working diligently to set it up as a 501c4 social welfare organization under federal IRS tax regulations. Once this is complete we’ll be able to receive donations, although these will not be tax deductible. Until that time, we are not asking for financial support. Our services are free and ROP’s activities will be privately funded (by our Founder & Executive Director, Reynolds Taylor— no dark money here) until we have the right vehicle in place to solicit and accept additional monetary support.

what will success look like? (in 2026.)

• 5-10 candidates include ROP policy ideas in their platforms.

• 10-20 additional candidates request policy briefs, other research, or allyship.

• Positive attention from partner fields (corporate accountability, labor, human rights, pro-democracy, climate justice).

• Collaborations with 1-2 subject-matter experts and/or practitioners on developing new policy.

• Journalists, media platforms, and/or think tanks reuse language or cite ROP materials.