How a free society functions is as important as the principles that make it free. Sutherland also must focus on the processes of a healthy democracy. Principles are meaningless if responsible citizens don't know how to apply them effectively day-to-day. For this reason, Sutherland provides elected officials, community leaders, and the electorate with the tools of responsible citizenship. We reach out to attract responsible citizens and give them the proper tools to influence their family, neighbors, and political representatives in protecting the cause of freedom.

Sutherland's "theory of action" is to directly interact with and constructively influence Utah's state and local decision makers and to invite responsible citizens to help leverage this work. These actions will occur chiefly through The Center for Responsible Citizenship.

The Institute is only interested in effective change -- and truly effective change most often occurs through personal contacts: one-one-one or small group opportunities to meet with decision makers and responsible citizens. Sutherland uses its stable of resources to reach the hearts and minds of individuals.