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In recent years , NDI assisted the ECWR in training women in the areas of elections and political party activism , provided the Center with the skills necessary to influence public policy through advocacy , held a study mission to train journalists on election coverage , and worked with civic organizations to increase their organizational capacity . NDI responded by establishing the Civic Network in 1996 to provide civic groups with access to hands-on democracy development materials and to facilitate an exchange of ideas , activities and experiences . Despite severe repression , grassroots democratic activists on the island continue to demand their fundamental rights and work to overcome the culture of fear that has permeated Cuban society for decades . These activities included a letter-writing initiative to strengthen the relationship between citizens and their elected representatives after which 88,000 letters were presented to the Council of Representatives . I had the honor to be received this morning by President Reagan , to whom I brought the very friendly greetings of President Bourguiba and to whom I expressed our thanks for the efforts that the United States has made to contribute to the social and economic development of Tunisia .