Their organizational purpose, as stated in their by-laws, is to carry out research and education. The three primary areas of interest have been support of public information, education and participatory democracy. Specific topics in village affairs in which they have expressed interest and concern include: the affordability of living in Yellow Springs, protection and expansion of their economic base, equality of opportunity for all sectors of the community, protection of public health through rational government policies including a workable water supply protection program and the health and welfare of public education. In all of these areas of interest, members have been and still are dedicated to discovering, defining and promoting the long-term benefits to the village as a whole rather than some specific sector or interest group.