Starting February 5, state and national leaders will speak out to the public on pressing topics affecting the public welfare -- national security, the environment, food supply, energy, taxes, ethics and more. Innovative technology tools used for broad access. Tallahassee, FL (PRWeb) February 5, 2007 -- What do a national security expert, state agriculture commissioner, technology innovator, former EPA chief, top planning official, and past House Speaker have in common? Each has had an important influence on public policy and quality of life for the state and nation. They are also part of an upcoming Distinguished Leaders Series being made available as a nationwide public service.

The series gets underway on February 5, 2007, and will be available both free-of-charge and in a highly innovative way: by phone and the Internet … for maximum reach and convenience to the public. It will address a range of pressing topics affecting the public welfare -- the environment, economy, public safety and more.

The kickoff event is a riveting interview with Senator Bob Graham on national security and the threat of terrorism. Senator Graham co-chaired the U.S. Congressional investigation into the events of 9/11. This is a "must listen" program for all Americans.

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson addresses a range of issues on another topic affecting all: our food supply.

Among the other guests in the program will be: Carol Browner, former US Environmental Protection Agency Administrator and current National Audubon Chair; FL Community Affairs Secretary Tom Pelham, on growth and its impacts on communities; and the Honorable Dick Pettigrew, a former state House Speaker, state sustainability commission chair, and senior Assistant to President Jimmy Carter.

Information and access is available at FPIF Leaders Series for these and still other programs and speakers in the 2007 series.

A similar series focused on growth and environmental topics also gets underway February 5. Called the Growth Leaders Roundtable, it too will feature a range of experts. Further information and direct access are available at: FPIF Growth Series.

The Florida Public Interest Foundation is sponsoring these programs as a way of informing and engaging the public on important topics affecting quality of life. The public-at-large can access these and other programs of the Foundation at their convenience free-of-charge. Questions may also be submitted to speakers in advance through the Web sites.

The Foundation has pioneered a variety of innovative ways to inform and empower the public. As one recent example, it sponsored a first in-the-nation-approach to introducing the public to candidates for statewide office in the 2006 elections.

Marcia Elder, Chair of the Foundation, is architect of the initiatives. Notes Elder, "an informed, empowered democracy is vitally important to the future of Florida, and the nation." She adds, "the speakers for these programs are absolutely top notch", and "we're bringing them into the homes and offices of citizens across Florida and the U.S." The Foundation also promotes town hall meetings and other gatherings for group listening and discussion. Its premise is that better informed citizens with an understanding of the issues and choices will make better decisions for the future.

The Florida Public Interest Foundation is a charitable non-profit organization that functions to inform the public on matters of public impact, and to support the non-profit community through training and capacity building services. It offers fee-based support to nonprofit groups and agencies in education and technology services. It is funded through grants from charitable organizations, contributions from the public, and fees for support services. Contributions may be made through PublicEmpower.com.


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