Frequently Asked Questions about Seventy
1. How are you funded?
Our money comes from foundations, corporations, and individual donations. Our contributors are not affiliated with any one organization or interest.
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2. Do you give money to political parties?
No. As a 501(c)3 we are prohibited by law from giving money directly to a political candidate or political party. We work with political parties, but we do not financially support any.
3. Who do you work for?
You. We are an independent organization. Seventy is an independent, non-partisan organization committed to a permanent campaign of improving government in the city of Philadelphia and the surrounding region. It is our goal to make government more efficient, fair and transparent.
4. What exactly is a government watchdog?
There are lots of different definitions of “government watchdog,” or “good-government organization.” Basically, we keep an eye on elected officials and government operations to ensure the integrity of the democracy. Seventy is best known as the city’s dependable watchdog during election time - learn more here.
5. What does Seventy do for the Philadelphia area?
We make sure that elections are run fairly. We encourage government transparency and honesty. We want government to work better for you. Learn more about what we do.
6. What is government transparency?
“Government transparency” means helping citizens access and understand government. Seventy encourages this by making it easy for you to access government-related information, such as legislation, meetings, etc by publishing this information on our website and disseminating it through email distribution. We want government to be so open and honest that you can see right through it – no red tape, no road blocks.
7. What is pay-to-play?
When a political candidate gives government contracts in exchange for campaign contributions, he or she is engaging in “pay to play.” The companies or individuals who pay receive play, or work, from the government. This practice is undemocratic and unethical.
8. What else does Seventy do?
We educate and do civic programming in the community. We also conduct relevant research and investigations and release reports of our findings. We are a resource for the American and international public, as well as the media. We respond to illegal, unethical, and/or unjust actions in the government by exposure and sometimes litigation. Learn more here
9. Is Seventy a local organization?
Yes; we are based in the city of Philadelphia. Our first priority is to Philadelphia-area residents, but we are interested in and conscious of what’s happening in Pennsylvania and the nation as a whole.
10. How can I help?
You can donate, sign up to volunteer, or contact us. Most of all, you can help by keeping your eyes and ears open.
11. How can I contact you?
Our phone number is 215.557.3600. You can also email us.
12. Where did Seventy get its name?
The moniker “committee of seventy” is Biblical. Chronicling the Israelites’ journey through the desert, Exodus tells of seventy elders who were appointed to assist Moses in the governance of the people. In 1904, this Committee of Seventy was so named to represent an analogous function: to be the ethical backbone of a city forgetting its conscience. Philadelphia’s City Hall was then infamous, nationally labeled “corrupt and contented.” Public elections were routinely stolen by the dominant Republican Party. Civic organizations demonstrated apathy and impotence towards combating such political iniquity. By structuring itself as “an organization of permanent character” committed to good government, Seventy was immediately relevant and effective. Our first members were prominent civic leaders and professionals like Frederic Strawbridge and Samuel S. Fels; today’s constituents remain leaders of the region’s business, professional, and academic communities. Learn more here
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