Building Partnerships believes that models of social change organizing that eschew electoral action are obsolete. To effect real change, organizing and policy development must be integrated with political action. To do this, Building Partnerships works to transform the ideas developed at institutes into compelling platforms progressive candidates can run on ... and win.

Unlike organizations that address only the mechanics of campaigns, Building Partnerships helps local activists access the expertise of peers and use it develop winning political action programs that reflect the culture and unique needs of their community. Rather than focus on electing "good people" to office, Building Partnerships works to elect candidates who are committed to good public policy.