PUBLIC-INTEREST GROUPS AND THE ROAD TO SURVIVAL

This article revists questions raised by the late Jack Walker in his l andmark study of group organization and maintenance and applies them t o public interest groups. Data from 62 interviews with public interest group leaders support the conclusion that there are distinct strategi es for starting and maintaining such groups. Patrons are crucial for i nitial mobilization, but the key to long-term public interest group su rvival is the ability to maintain a large membership base that can be tapped for dues and large contributions.