The Iranian Freedom Institute is a private, nonpartisan, not-for-profit establishment dedicated to research in the fields of human rights and democracy. Our website, www.iei-ifi.com, chronicles our activities and offers more information on our programs and contributors.

The Iranian Freedom Institute’s goals are to spearhead academic activity and to promote intercultural dialogue on issues pertaining to human rights and democracy. While our programs maintain a specific focus on Iran and Iranians, they effectively engage all members of the international community, targeting government officials and legislators, teachers and students, journalists and authors, as well as any other individuals driven to research, contemplate, and discuss the roles of human rights and democracy in the modern world.

The Iranian Freedom Institute’s research addresses issues that lend to a better understanding and promote a greater awareness of the roles of human rights and democracy in Iranian society. These issues include, but are not limited to, the rights of women and children, the persecution of religious and ethnic minorities, the development of Iranian civil society, and the political organization and character of the Iranian state.

The Iranian Freedom Institute’s activities are funded by corporations, foundations, and individuals. Our research agenda is framed by our president in consultation with board members, scholars, fellows, and advisers. The substance and conclusions of our research and publications are determined by the individuals responsible for conducting the research.
In all endeavors, the Institute’s board members, president, scholars, fellows, and administrative staff are expected to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and excellence – and to reflect the Institute’s original commitments to investigation, exposure, dialogue, and progress in the fields of human rights and democracy.

Structure and Procedure:

Governing Board
The most senior body of the Iranian Freedom Institute is the Governing Board. It consists of five members, originally selected by the Institute’s founders. In addition to these five, two additional members stand prepared to fill any Governing Board vacancy that may arise. The Governing Board is responsible for electing, by way of unanimous vote, the Institute’s president, and for ratifying, by way of majority vote, the president’s nominations for positions on the Institute’s other two boards. In addition, the Governing Board formulates the Institute’s operating strategies and defends its intellectual independence. The Director of the Governing Board oversees the Board’s weekly meetings and communicates directly and regularly with the Institute’s president. The Governing Board meets with the president at least once every month, with additional meetings permissible at the request of the president or any three members of the Governing Board.
President
The Iranian Freedom Institute’s president determines the Institute's research agenda, selects its research faculty and administrative staff, and oversees all academic and intellectual operations. The president also nominates individuals for membership on the Institute’s two other boards: the Board of Trustees and the Board of Advisors. All nominations are subject to Governing Board ratification, which comes by way of majority vote.
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees comprises individuals who have made or continue to make considerable contributions to the Institute, which have enabled or supported its operations. The Board of Trustees manages the Institute’s finances and defends its financial integrity. The Treasurer of the Board of Trustees oversees the boards weekly meetings and communicates directly and regularly with the president. The Board of Trustees meets with the president once every month, with additional meetings permissible at the request of the president or a majority of the members of the Board of Trustees.
Board of Advisors
The Board of Advisors counsels the Governing Board and the president on the direction of the Institute’s programming and provides feedback on the Institute’s products. The Speaker of the Board of Advisors serves as the primary contact point for the board, representing the board’s members and ensuring that their concerns and suggestions receive due consideration and attention. The Speaker communicates directly and regularly with the president. The Board of Advisors convenes biannually, with additional meetings permissible at the request of the president and a majority of the board’s members.
Spokesperson
A spokesperson for the Iranian Freedom Institute, who works directly with all four major arms of the organization, shall serve as the Institute’s official mouthpiece, representing its positions and activities to all external parties.