Friends of Democracy - the Iraq Democracy Project

Contribute to the success of free elections and democracy in Iraq.

Spirit of America supported a range of projects and activities intended to increase voter participation in Iraq’s January 30th election; and (2) encourage the Iraqi people to make informed decisions on the candidates.

Read our FRIENDS OF DEMOCRACY UPDATE for information on Friends of Democracy activities and results.

The original project description follows below.

Friends of Democracy lecture for women at the College of Physical Education in Baghdad

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“Friends of Democracy” – The Iraq Democracy Project
We are supporting efforts by Iraqis inside Iraq that have two main goals: (1) increase voter participation in Iraq’s January 30 election; and (2) encourage the Iraqi people to make informed decisions on the candidates. Some of the projects that will be supported (with direct funding, equipment and technical assistance) under this initiative include:

• Production of radio and television Public Service Announcements by the Iraq Ministry of Women’s Affairs to encourage women to vote.
  
• Securing the rights to and subtitling in Arabic documentaries about elections in post-dictatorship countries for broadcast in Iraq. For example, “Milosevic: Bringing Down a Dictator.”
  
• Providing $1,000 microgrants to 150 Iraqi women community leaders identified by the Iraqi Women’s Educational Institute. The grants will be used for grass roots pro-democracy projects created by the women.
  
• Production and broadcast of citizen roundtables and townhall meetings.
  
• Support for Iraqi intellectuals who wish to publish and create public dialog on constitutionalism and the new Iraqi constitution. This is similar to the role of the Federalist Papers in the development of the United States.
  
• Creation and hosting of an Arabic blogging tool to enable more free voices to be heard.
  
• Support of a network of pro-democracy student groups and community organizations called “Friends of Democracy” by providing Internet access, blog hosting, copiers and paper.

In many cases we will not be able to publicize the specifics of the projects or people we are supporting as part of this effort. We will need to work quietly and we won’t be able to provide our normal level of transparency. Those who are visibly associated with Americans are much bigger targets for the terrorists.

This makes a difficult situation for you – our donors. In the near term we won’t be able to tell you about some of the best things your donations make possible. Unfortunately, there is no other way. Otherwise we would get the brave Iraqis we are supporting kidnapped or killed.

Help repeat the miracle of the Afghanistan elections.

Afghan men waiting to vote in nation's first election

Background
The Iraq Democracy Project is the result of much work behind the scenes since last spring – working both with both Americans serving in Iraq and Iraqis committed to advancing freedom and democracy. The Iraqis we are working with have mostly come to us through referrals and introductions by American military and civilian personnel.

In this project we are supporting the ideas and efforts of leading Iraqis. We have provided some assistance in brainstorming and developing plans but these are the projects of the Iraqis on the front lines of the struggle for their country’s future. The projects are what they believe will make a difference and what they are willing to risk their lives for. Spirit of America is purely in a support role.

These projects will not advocate specific candidates or parties. But there is a good chance the days of Saddam Hussein and the Baathist regime will be accurately portrayed as a crime against humanity that the Iraqis should never again allow. That message is something Iraqis wish to communicate to their countrymen and encourage them to vote accordingly.

Use of funds
We are a 501c3 nonprofit and your donation is tax deductible. 100% of all project donations (excluding credit card processing fees) will be used for direct project expenses (i.e., purchase and shipping of the needed goods and services). We do not deduct fees or expenses for organization overhead. Those expenses are funded separately.

Donation Policy
Your donation will be earmarked for this project. Donations in excess of those needed by this project will be used to support other Spirit of America projects.