1) To Raise the Level of Discourse:  The AVA stands for fair, civil, evidence-based discussion of public issues.  We stand squarely against any strategy for driving wedges between Americans or using hot-button issues to foment hostility or resentment.

2) To Provide Both Positive and Negative Correctives to Such Discourse:  On the negative side, we hope to use this website to "call out" those who attempt to profit from mischaracterizing their opponents or mistating the facts.  On the positive side, we will call attention to examples of public dialogue characterized by reason, civility, and fair play.

3) To Energize the Political Center: We do not intend to stir up political "liberals" or to convert political "conservatives."  We hope, instead, to energize thoughtful Americans of all philosophies. We believe that most Americans believe in rational, evidence-based debate, and the importance of the rule of law, and prefer inclusion and civility to exclusion and division.

In short, we hope to use the website to promote the kind of frank, but civil, civic discourse we envision and to draw attention to those who hope to undercut that discourse by inciting intolerance.