Friends and Patrons Circle

Democracy needs people who support it.

 

Referendums and elections are central expressions of our democracy. However, for democracy to remain vibrant, we also need spaces, knowledge and opportunities for interaction wehre democratic practice can be understood, nurtured and developed.

The Friends and Patrons Circle of the Swiss Democracy Foundation is aimed at people who wish to support this work in the long term: throught their interest, experience, networks and regular financial support. 

 

Below are two possible forms of participation  Icon_point-down_beige.png

 

Patron

As a patron, you ensure that our efforts are possible in the first place. You help to make the Foundation's work more predictable and independent. 


What do you contribute, what do we offer?

  • You support the Foundation with a regular financial contribution of at least CHF 240.- per year.
  • Students, people under the age of 30, or those with limited financial capacities pay a reduced contribution of CHF 120.- per year.
  • You will be invited, at no extra cost, to the annual meeting of the Friends & Patrons Circle at no additional cost.

friend

As a friend, you remain connected to the Foundation and can offer your expertise, provide feedback on our work and communications, and volunteer your time.


What do you contribute, what do we offer?

  • With a small contribution of CHF 60.- you support the annual meeting of the Friends & Patrons Circle and are invited to attend.
  • We will provide you with valuable information about the Friends & Patrons Circle and our newsletter, and invite you to attend selected events.
  • You are encouraged to share your thoughts, ideas and feedback with us.

First annual Gathering of the Friends and patrons circle of the swiss democracy foundation!

At the beginning of 2027, we are meeting for the first time at the annual gathering of the Friends and Patrons Circle of the Swiss Democracy Foundation! The event forsees a sociable evening with inputs and information about the role, the work and the plans of the foundation and a lively exchange between foundation board, operational office , donors and friends. 

program:

 

15:45

Arrival and opening of the hall for the FGK 2027 annual gathering
16:00

Welcome address

Adrian Schmid, President of the Friends and Patrons Circle
16:10

Opening session with information from the Foundation Board

Ann-Christine Vossberg-Straw, Co-President
16:30

Why is the Swiss Democracy Foundation needed, and what can and should it achieve with your support?

Panel discussion moderated by Bruno Kaufmann, Co-President

Confirmed panelists:

Roger de Weck (Zurich), journalist, author of 'Glanz und Elend der Konservativen' (Suhrkamp, 2026)

Ralf-Uwe Beck (Eisenach), theologian, author of 'Souverän – Plädoyer für mehr direkte Demokratie' (Oekom Verlag, 2026)

further interesting voices (update to follow)

> Input, questions and ideas from the Friends and Patrons Circle are welcome and will be incorporated into the discussion.
17:45

The Swiss Democracy Foundation in the New Year

Outlook with Delia Bazzigher, Director
18:00

Wrap-up and informal discussion over a generous aperitif
19:30 End of the FGK 2027 annual gathering

 

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 08 January 2027
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 16.00 – 19.30 o'clock
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 Restaurant sowieso

 Wesemlinrain 3a

 6006 Luzern

At this social enterprise, located right next to the Lion Monument / Glacier Garden, people who need support work hand in hand with catering professionals. The sowieso is a fifteen-minute walk away from Lucerne railway station, or can be reached by bus no. 1 to the Wesemlinrain stop.

Why regular support is important

Many projects are funded on a project-by-project approach. However, the Foundation also needs a stable basis for the work that takes place in between and behind the scenes: communication, coordination, relationship-building, infrastructure, preparation of new projects and international networking.

Regular contributions strengthen the Foundation's capacity to act – beyond individual project funding.

Personal contact

If you would like to speak to us first, we look forward to hearing from you. 

ADRIAN SCHMID, President of the Friends & Patrons Circle, Lucerne (Switzerland)

ANN-CHRISTINE VOSSBERG-STRAW,
Co-president of the Swiss Democracy Foundation, Arnegg (Switzerland)

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