LEADING POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS IN FL MERGE TO BECOME LARGEST GRASSROOTS POWERHOUSE IN THE STATE
MIAMI, FL — The New Florida Majority (NewFM) and Organize Florida, leading political organizations in Florida working to advance the lives of Black and Brown people, today announced the merger of the two organizations to become the largest grassroots powerhouse in the country — Florida Rising.
The merger will be effective on January 1st. Members of both organizations approved the merger as they move to infuse new power and energy into the movement to achieve justice through equality for marginalized communities.
“We are so excited about the future of Florida Rising,” said Stephanie Porta, Executive Director of Organize Florida. “New Florida Majority and Organize Florida have a proud history of support for human rights and building grassroots coalitions. This merger will take us on a new journey that will solidify our commitment to Black and Brown communities, and create more opportunities for a better quality of life. Florida Rising is the next logical step that combines our efforts to empower people to take control and give our causes a louder, stronger voice for change.”
Organize Florida was a nonprofit member-based organization focused on building grassroots connections to empower marginalized communities to take action and bring about real change. NewFM was an independent political organization with a mission to give power to the people through voter registration and political activism.
“The two of our organizations coming together means that Black and Brown communities and everyone excluded by the current status quo will have a vehicle to work together to win the policies and the representation that we deserve,” said Andrea Mercado, New Florida Majority Executive Director. “It is our duty to make a better, stronger, and more organized movement in Florida. We need to elect more progressive legislators, build stronger communities and organize more people in order to combat the stronghold the Republicans have built in our state. Our collective power, creativity, and love for our communities will get us to victory. Florida Rising will be a living and breathing entity created by the people for the people and a representation of the people who move us, not just an institution for our political idea. A decade after NewFM’s founding, we’re prepared to build power so that we can’t be ignored.”
The recent election revealed how much can be accomplished by joining forces. The coalition supported progressive candidates to get a seat at the table and won a $15 an hour living wage. But there is much more to do. With Florida Rising, both organizations will combine efforts to secure excellence for our communities.
Florida Rising is the answer to breaking the status quo. It will be a new and powerful model on how Black and Brown communities, womxn, femmes, LGBTQ+, and every voice left out of decision-making can be liberated. Together, Florida Rising can win the policies and representation we deserve.
