This all-day celebration is designed to push back against book banning, underscore rights and freedoms under the First Amendment, and preserve intellectual freedom.

Learn more and be a voice for democracy. If you can, come to the UU Congregation of Venice. Be a part of something big. Learn more about the event here. Help reinforce that the majority of Floridians do not want our freedoms stolen. Banning books is a warning sign of authoritarianism. This is not acceptable. 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.

There will be an impressive line-up of speakers.

If you can't get to Venice, participate virtually. Get together with friends and host a watching party. Enjoy the camaraderie, have some snacks, and maybe write a few postcards to elected officials while you're all together (Florida legislature is in session until March 8)!

Want to learn more about banned books in Florida and other states? Watch this video on YouTube. 

DONOR OPPORTUNITIES

We received a $25,000 matching contribution.

Double YOUR gift to protect and preserve democracy. Time is running out to take advantage of this match!

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.

This year’s winner is Jim Hightower, an American syndicated columnist, political activist, and author.

Tickets are going fast for those attending in the Sarasota area. Food and Drink: A Mexican-style buffet is included in the ticket price. Sodas, tea, coffee, beer and wine are available for purchase.

Florida Democracy at Risk Series

Florida’s Assault on Trans People

March 12, 2024

7 PM - 8:30 PM EST

Statewide Webinar register here

Featuring

Brynn Tannehill

Naval Pilot, Author, Defense Analyst, Advocate

Organize a community watch party! Learn! Share!

You will be fascinated by Ms. Tannehill's historical comparisons of the 1930s versus the current growing authoritarian movement in the U.S. and beyond. You will be appalled by how this American veteran and patriot has been treated. Her story is of value to each of us.

Brynn Tannehill is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and the Air Force Institute of Technology with degrees in computer science and operations research. She served over 10 years in the Navy as a pilot, with four deployments to locations such as the Adriatic, Middle East, and the North Atlantic. She left active duty as a Lt. Commander, continued to work in defense research, and as an advocate, writer, and researcher on LGBT civil rights issues and policy. She currently works at a think-tank in the Washington D.C. area as a senior analyst, where she lives with her wife and three children.

Read her blog and watch interviews here.

Brynn is the author of numerous books, including American Fascism: How the GOP is Subverting Democracy.

Her articles have been published widely, including in Slate, the New York Times, and Huffington Post; this one discusses anti-trans legislation.

The event will be entirely virtual due to severe Florida anti-trans legislation.

*We are thrilled to have such an impressive and accomplished speaker for our March series.

Ms. Tannehill has faced deadly risks as a naval fighter pilot, but as a transgender person, traveling to Florida (the only state with a "Do Not Travel" recommendation) puts her at unnecessary risk.

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" explores how Americans are working towards strengthening democracy and renewing the spirit of a more informed and engaged citizenry through interviews and real-life examples.

For proof that you're not in this fight alone, watch this PBS video. There is so much to cheer about - including Teen Fact-checkers' Project "Is This Legit" debunking viral social media claims.

See more about the series here.

See the list of 10 Habits and book discussion here.