WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama's political organization is forming an outside, nonprofit group to support the president's legislative agenda.

The unprecedented move gives Obama a way to promote his agenda outside the confines of the White House and seeks to harness the energy from his re-election campaign into support for legislation.

Democratic officials say the group, Organizing for Action, will be announced Friday. The nonprofit will work on key legislative battles, train future leaders and local issues around the country.

Obama campaign manager Jim Messina will be national chairman of the nonprofit, which will be separate from the Democratic National Committee.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the development ahead of the announcement.