JOIN US IN A STATEWIDE FFD

CALL TO ACTION

Florida Legislature

Is Meeting Now Through March 8.

Don't Let Them

Steal More Freedoms Without a Fight!

We are nearing 1000 FFD participants.

FFD Statewide Call to Action! Invite others!

February 5, 7-8:30 P.M. EST

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89880907646?pwd=L2YyZDlDRE84Si91TnNmSzZlL09odz09


Learn about the most recent draconian Florida legislative proposals that will take more of our freedoms. FFDI board member Bob Schaeffer, a lifetime political consultant and public policy communications expert, will share.

Identify ways to take action NOW from Nancy Terreri, President of Lee County NOW and revered as The Post Card Lady! See tips here.


At our January 13 Florida Democracy at Risk Series: "Assault on Our Freedoms" program, Bob Schaeffer provided an overview of recent Florida laws that infringe on our freedoms, and reviewed some proposed legislation that endangers our democratic values and reduces even more freedoms. (To see Bob's full slides, click here.)


Attendees were outraged to hear about proposed bills such as:

  • HB 1519 - ban ALL abortions after moment of conception with very few exceptions such as life of the mother
  • HB 395 - protect monuments to the Confederacy; allow Governor to remove local officials who vote to remove them
  • SB 1780 - declare accusation of homophobia to be "defamation per se" with possible damages up to $35,000


After hearing about these bills and others, Adrianna, a 7th grader, wrote this postcard to the Florida legislators:

Take Action!

Follow Adrianna's Lead

Call to Action - Fort Myers

February 10 - 2:30-4 P.M.

(Come at 2, socialize, bring friends)

UU Congregation of Fort Myers

Hobart Hall

13411 Shire Lane

Fort Myers, FL 33912



  • Interactive discussion on proposed Florida laws
  • Postcarding to state legislators; potential voters
  • Bob Schaeffer & Nancy Terreri will circulate and answer questions

Call to Action - Sarasota

February 12 - Public Invited


Postcarding - 6:30-7 P.M.

Meet Area Candidates - 7-8:30 P.M.


Hosted by Florida Veterans for Common Sense

Unity Church of Sarasota

3023 Proctor Rd.

Sarasota, FL 34231

Other February Calls to Action

Efforts are underway in other Florida Communities

to organize Call to Action events, including Jacksonville and Naples.


There is no need for FFDI to organize any Call to Action events. Gather your group - friends, family members, acquaintances - form social groups with anyone - all in pursuit of protecting our democracy. Big groups, small groups. Meet in homes, churches, libraries.

  • Host a postcarding party; let legislators know your concerns.
  • Collaborate with other pro-democracy groups; broaden the tent of engaged protectors of democracy.
  • Make sure others are registered to vote; educate them on the impact proposed laws will have on our freedoms.
  • Commit to expand FFDI participants.
  • Donate to the effort (contributions matched up to $25,000).
  • Have fun!


Now is the time for ACTION. The Florida legislature is only in session through March 8. Let your elected officials know how you feel. The window to persuade our elected officials is small. Don't miss this opportunity. Let's flood legislators with postcards from every corner of the state.

Upcoming Events

Right to Read Festival


February 24, 2024

10 A.M. - 4 P.M. EST

UUC of Venice - 1971 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL


FFD Florida Democracy at Risk Virtual Program: 11 A.M. - 1 P.M. EST

Learn more HERE

Hosted by the Social Justice Alliance of the Florida Suncoast (SJAFS) and the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Venice (UUCOV).

Each month in-person events will be hosted in different locations in Florida.

All programs will also have a virtual portion through Floridians for Democracy.

February's event will be in Venice, for The Right to Read Festival: All Books For All People.


Florida is #1 in the nation in banned books! To highlight, educate and counter this undemocratic action, the Social Justice Alliance of the Florida Suncoast will hold a family-friendly Right to Read Festival on February 24, with local and national experts and writers speaking against book banning. Live entertainment and music on site from 10-4. 


This is your opportunity to be a voice for democracy. If you can, come to the UU Congregation of Venice and be a part of something big. Help demonstrate that the majority of Floridians are not ready to give up our freedoms. We support parental involvement on behalf of what their children can read. We do NOT support others dictating to us what our children can read.


If you can't get to Venice, participate virtually (a Zoom link will be provided later). Get together with friends and host a watching party. Enjoy the camaraderie, have some snacks, and maybe write a few postcards while you're all together (see above Call to Action for info).

Tom Paine Party February 29 in Sarasota

Florida Veterans for Common Sense is holding its annual party celebrating the life of founding patriot, Thomas Paine, and tickets are going fast! If you are in the Sarasota area, don't delay.


Each year, FLVCS recognizes a patriot who follows in the legacy of Thomas Paine to defend our democracy and advance the promise of America. This year’s Thomas Paine Award winner is Jim Hightower.


Hightower is an American syndicated columnist, political activist, and author. From 1983 to 1991 he served as the elected commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture. He publishes a monthly newsletter that is notable for its in-depth investigative reporting, The Hightower Lowdown.


Click here for more info or to purchase tickets.

SAVE THE DATE


The March Florida Democracy at Risk Series event.

March 9, 2024

Sarasota, Florida

Virtual links and other community watching parties will be available!

DONOR OPPORTUNITIES

We received a $25,000 matching contribution.

Double YOUR gift to protect and preserve democracy.

Floridians for Democracy Institute

Consider supporting Floridians for Democracy Institute, Inc. (FFDI), a 501(C)(3) tax-exempt educational and charitable public charity. Your donation is tax-deductible.

VISIT FFDI

RESOURCES

Florida #1 in Book Bans


Check out this impressive slide presentation developed by Choose Democracy Now on Florida's Book Bans including books "removed for review!"


Look here: ASSAULT on FREEDOM TO TEACH & FREEDOM TO LEARN

Protect Democracy


Democracy is on a decline around the world. America is at risk. Protectdemocracy.org has produced a short but poignant video and provides resources and recommendations to protect and preserve democracy. Watch here.


A Citizen's Guide to Preserving Democracy


Based on Dr. Richard Haass' best-selling book "The Bill of Obligations: The Ten Habits of Good Citizens," explore how Americans are working towards strengthening democracy and renewing the spirit of a more informed and engaged citizenry through interviews and real-life examples.


View this excellent PBS Special here.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

We will collaborate with a Florida network of social justice advocates dedicated to saving and preserving democracy by helping link individuals and organizations to achieve shared goals, create connections throughout a wide community, and speak with a louder voice.

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