About Us

About Floridians for Democracy Institute

To accomplish our Mission we are organized as two nonprofits:

  • Floridians for Democracy Institute (FFDI) is a 501c3 organization with charitable and educational purposes which provides education and awareness of the risks to freedoms for Floridians.
  • Floridians for Democracy (FFD) is a 501c4 organization, which promotes social welfare, education and awareness of the risks to freedoms for Floridians.

The organizations are driven by despondence over the most destructive legislative sessions in memory as well as hope and determination to protect democracy.

Mission

Educate Floridians about current assaults on our democracy and constitutional rights --- and promote effective advocacy that will protect both democracy and freedom.

Purpose

Educate Floridians about current assaults on our democracy (including the right to vote, the independence of the courts and the rule of law) and constitutional rights (especially freedom of speech, equal protection and due process) --- and promote effective advocacy to protect democracy and freedom.

How We Preserve Democracy

We fulfill our mission through civic education, advocacy campaigns and collaborative efforts with state and regional partners. We work to equip Floridians with the knowledge and support needed to effectively protect and strengthen our democracy.

Key Strategies

We connect individuals and organizations to amplify the achievement of shared goals to win the fight to preserve democracy. With greater collaboration, we speak with a louder voice to confront the erosion of democratic freedoms.

Florida flag and United States flag

Our Guiding Principles

  • We prioritize outcomes that increase voter participation across all demographics
  • We engage with civility and inherent dignity for all
  • We uphold a bipartisan approach in the pursuit of protecting and preserving democracy
  • We use non-violent and legal means to achieve our goals
  • We strengthen, amplify and accelerate but not compete with partners

Our Board

Dr. Michael Martin, Chairman

  • President Emeritus, FGCU
  • 50+ years in Public Higher Education

Jim Nathan, President

  • Retired president, Lee Health
  • Adjunct professor, Florida Gulf Coast University
  • Co-Founder, SWFL Voices for Racial Justice

Bill Petrarca, Treasurer

  • Board President, UU Congregation of Ft. Myers
  • Board member, UU Justice of FL network
  • Retired mgt. consultant, Strathman Associates

Jan Sommer, Secretary

Jan Martin

Ella Nayor

Geurt Peet

Bob Schaeffer​

Wayne Smith

  • President, Smith Family Foundation

Howard Simon

Trudi Williams