Public Interest Group

An organization of like-minded citizens interested in a particular issue or group of issues, so called because they believe they are acting in the public interest. Examples of public interest groups include many environmental organizations (such as the Sierra Club or Defenders of Wildlife) or other social-issue organizations (like the National Rifle Association, the National Abortion Rights Action League, or Mothers Against Drunk Driving). Public interest groups also employ lobbyists to present their case to Congress on issues of interest to them. A number of these groups publish annual "report cards" on Member activities.