Directorio democratico cubano -est. 1990- The cuban democratic directorate

Directorio Democrático Cubano "Directorio",  is a non-governmental organization founded in 1990 that seeks to promote democracy in Cuba through various non-violent ways. The organization was created by exiled Cuban university students living in Miami. The objective of the non-profit is to exchange information with the Cuban people, form relationships with groups on the island that promote democracy, and give Cubans a voice and presence in the international community.

Directorio is in constant communication with Cubans on the island, and prioritizes documenting and publicizing the abuses the Castro regime consistently commits against the Cuban people. Human rights violations on the island can be difficult to track without testimonials because the regime controls all domestic information and press. The regime’s propaganda and relationships with other Latin American dictatorships allow the facade that Cuba has a legitimate government to be propagated not only in the Caribbean, but throughout the international community. By distributing the stories of countless political prisoners, dissidents, and the general oppression that citizens live in, the false narratives are debunked person by person. 

A key element of problem solving is unity, and this is one of the goals that Directorio consistently works towards. Within the exile community in South Florida, Directorio is a part of la Asamblea de la Resistencia Cubana, an assembled group of organizations working towards a democratic and just Cuba. Alongside these groups, initiatives and campaigns such as Justice Cuba and "Don’t Aid" are launched and promoted through media and conferences within the international community, which at times extends to the island. The goal is to make the world aware of Cuban suffering and oppression and garner support for projects that both weaken the regime’s stronghold on the island and empower the Cuban people in their plight.

In August of 2005, Directorio launched Radio República-- a radio station that broadcasts directly to Cuba via short wave transmissions. Radio República offers Cubans uncensored news and is widely recognized as "the voice of the Cuban resistance".

While Directorio is based in the United States and has a set of domestic aims, it also has an international purpose. Members aim to expose the corruption and abuse occurring on the island to the entire world, and join forces with other civically engaged movements within Latin America to take control from heinous dictators and put it back in the hands of the people. Apart from forming relationships with activists around the world, members also attend global conferences such as the latest Cumbre Peru (2017). By having a presence at such gatherings, Directorio is openly defying the will of the regime and calling their authority into question amongst world leaders. This exposes the regime for what they are-- a group of criminals holding an island hostage by force, with little influence outside of the island.

The ultimate goal of the organization is to achieve democracy and liberation from the authoritarian forces currently ruling the country. What happens after liberation is a period of reconstruction and development along with a multi-generational path to recovery that make to shape in a number of ways. Directorio will continue to expose the damage that the Castro military regime is causing its people socially, economically, and ethically. Through both a political presence and the use of media, Directorio will continue dedicating its efforts to secure the justice and opportunities for Cubans-- a reality that is past due.