Our Vision
Utah will remain a place of family, faith, and opportunity – raising a standard in the pursuit of happiness.
Our Mission
Protecting the cause of freedom, constructively influencing Utah’s decision makers, and promoting responsible citizenship.
Our Promise
We will remain true to our governing principles, back our work with honest and independent research, help decision makers to be better representatives of the people and responsible citizens to be more involved – and do so with candor and civility.
Our Governing Principles
To live as free people, Utah law, policy, and culture must cherish:
FAMILY | as the Fundamental Unit of Society
RELIGION | as the Moral Compass of Human Progeess
CHARITY | as the Origin of a Caring Community
PRIVATE PROPERTY | as the Cornerstone of Economic Progress
FREE MARKETS | as the Engine of Economic Opportunity
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY | as the Basis of Self-Government
LIMITED GOVERNMENT | as a Reflection of Good Government
Sutherland Institute is a conservative public policy think tank committed to shaping Utah law and policy based on a core set of governing principles. We strive to make Utah an example of good government for the rest of the nation and a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
On September 26, 1994, the Sutherland Institute was incorporated. On May 22, 1995, the Institute was granted tax-exempt status and began formal operations.
In the years since, the Institute has established a presence in Utah politics and law. It is a force for good. And though the words have changed with time, the Institute’s Mission Statement has retained the same ideals as when Sutherland was founded by Gaylord Swim.
Sutherland’s objective has been, and forever will be, to influence public policy in Utah according to enduring principles such as private initiative, self-reliance, and family as the fundamental unit of society. The Institute seeks to influence law and society, and provide an effective vehicle for fellow Utahns to influence public policy as well.
Sutherland’s message is transcendent: RISE above politics as usual. STAND for something good. TRUST in family and community to solve problems. LOOK for lasting solutions, not simply zero-sum results. The Institute’s message is inclusive and pluralistic, meaning that Sutherland will find value in the differing opinions of others if value is to be found.
