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The Askew Institute is named in honor of former Governor Reubin O'Donovan Askew (1971-1979). Designated one of the ten best governors of the 20th century by Harvard University, Governor Askew is known for his personal integrity and his commitment to racial justice, honesty in government and fair legislative representation. He remains an active participant in the Institute and holds the Eminent Scholar Chair in Florida Government and Politics at Florida State University.
The Institute was created in 1994 in recognition of the fact that the state needed a vehicle to bring people interested in the future of Florida together to discuss issues facing the state. Rapid population growth in recent years has meant that many Floridians are unaware of the state's history or the major issues which must be resolved to ensure a bright future for all citizens. Our state's geography also makes it difficult for community and civic leaders to come together regularly.
The primary event for the Institute is the annual meeting. Since 1995 community leaders from all over the state have participated regularly in Askew Institute activities. Governor Askew is the convener for each of the annual meetings, and he has been assisted by Mayor Glenda Hood of Orlando, William McBride of Tampa, Marshall Criser of Gainesville, Lynda Keever from Florida Trend, Mayor John Delaney from Jacksonville and Alex Sink from Tampa. Elected officials such as former Speaker of the House John Thrasher, President of the Florida Senate Toni Jennings and Secretary of State Katherine Harris have spoken at the annual meetings. Media and civic leaders such David Lawrence, former publisher of the Miami Herald, Jane Healy from the Orlando Sentinel and Jack Levine of the Center for Florida's Children have also helped our participants understand the issues under consideration at annual institutes. Faculty from most state universities have also provided background material for the meetings.
Since its inception, the Askew Institute has partnered with three statewide organizations which have similar goals. We appreciate the support and assistance each of these institutes and centers have given the Askew Institute. The Askew Institute is an affiliate of the John Scott Dailey Florida Institute of Government and works closely with the FIG each year. One of the goals of the Askew Institute is to complement the efforts of the other Institute Affiliates in order to improve the quality of life in the state both now and in the future.
It is also a goal of the Institute to collaborate with the Collins Center. The Askew Institute seeks to address issues of fundamental importance from a historical and philosophical perspective, while the Collins Center focuses primarily on public policy issues. The Askew Institute and the Collins Center thus have complementary goals and work together closely to bring Floridians together for informed discussions on important issues facing the state.
The third Institute partner is Leadership Florida. These two organizations work together to build a strong, diverse, statewide network of leadership a shared commitment to connect our communities and to make Florida a better place in which to live and prosper. The issues important to our state require diverse, knowledgeable and dedicated leaders.