The Foundation for Democratic Advancement (FDA) is a non-partisan and independent democracy reform and advocacy organization. The FDA's reforms are centered on increasing the voice of the will of the people. FDA members embrace the following principles: progress, innovation, objectivity, and transparency. The mission of the FDA is to advance democratic processes all over the world in terms of transparency and fairness, thereby bringing the will of the people to the forefront of democratic discourse.

The FDA is divided into four departments: Finance, Marketing, Research and Project Initiative, and Technology. To maintain its independence and objectivity, the FDA only accepts donations and grants from individuals and organizations that do not compromise its independence and objectivity.

As a non-profit organization, we are always looking for members and volunteers. If you would like to help our cause, please click here.

The FDA grassroots advocacy movement informs the public on democratic concepts and issues by engaging the public in dialogue and discussion. The FDA is active in social networking, podcasts, audio and video interviews, and collaborates with other organizations to achieve its purpose of democracy reform.

Collaborative, In-depth Research:

The FDA conducts research on key issues in democracy including electoral processes and their application. This is done through analysis of constitutional and legislative material and real-world application. The intent of this research is to provide policy recommendations on electoral systems to key stakeholders and the general public. The FDA reports are based on defined methodology, matrices, and scoring scales. The FDA also researches both legislative documents and theoretical literature. The FDA audit process, comprised of audit teams and observers, forms the structure of the FDA reports.

The FDA also is striving to conduct on the ground assessments on electoral systems to determine their legitimacy. Because the FDA values the concept of "the will of the people," the more fair, impartial and equitable an electoral system is, the more likelihood the will of the people will be represented.

History:

The FDA was founded in 2007 in Kimberley, British Columbia by Stephen Garvey, a Canadian activist, author and writer. In 2009, Mr. Garvey moved the FDA to the larger center of Calgary, Alberta. The organization started with five members, but since 2009 has grown to over 40 members and volunteers worldwide. Earlier FDA projects focused on Canadian issues, but now the FDA has evolved into an organization and grassroots movement that promotes democracy reform globally.

FDA Executive Body:

Mr. Stephen Garvey, founder, FDA Executive Director, and Director of Research and Project Initiative.

Mr. Garvey has been with the FDA since its formation in 2007. He has spearheaded numerous FDA electoral projects and initiatives, and he is fully committed to the FDA cause. He has a bachelor degree in Political Science from the University of British Columbia and a masters degree in Environment and Development from the University of Cambridge. Also, Mr. Garvey has written several books on political theory and decision-making as pertaining to democracy. Mr. Garvey has an interest in the role of audit and evaluative processes in the functioning of society, with special emphasis on electoral processes.

Mr. Dale Monette, FDA Director of Finance.

Mr. Monette has over 6 years of experience as an entrepreneur and over 3 years experience in finance and accounting. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and is currently undergoing his Master of Professional Accounting degree. Mr. Monette has a passion for democracy, and he realizes fundamentally that democracy requires attention and work by citizens.

Mr. Aurangzeb Qureshi, FDA Director of Marketing.

Mr. Qureshi has worked in a marketing and communications capacity in diverse industries such as health care, chemicals, technology and utilities. With a passion for international politics, he joined the FDA in 2010 and has since helped the FDA raise its profile in Canada and abroad. Mr. Qureshi is also a freelance writer, and his work has appeared in publications such as the Edmonton Journal, The Canadian Charger, Al-Arabiya English and AntiWar.com.