what we do
We are working to integrate freedom of choice into the public decision-making process in Türkiye. Through numerous projects within our three core areas of focus, we blend realistic outcomes with effective strategies to achieve impactful results.
Our focus
democracy, public space & freedom of choice
Democracy, public space, and freedom of choice encompass the right of individuals to choose their own lifestyles and freely express these choices in the public sphere. At the Individual Choice Initiative, we actively work to protect and strengthen these rights. Increasing authoritarian tendencies in Türkiye and the shrinking of public spaces pose a threat to individuals' freedom of choice. In response, we advocate for the removal of legal, social, and political barriers that prevent individuals from expressing their lifestyle choices in public. We organize awareness campaigns and conduct public outreach efforts to inform the public about these rights.
These freedoms, which are the cornerstone of democratic societies, are crucial not only for individuals but also for the general well-being of society and the development of pluralism. Therefore, as ICI, we advocate for a public space that is equally and freely accessible to all individuals. We engage in legal battles against laws and practices that restrict freedom of choice in the public sphere, organize awareness-raising activities, and inform the public about the importance of these rights. Our goal is to make freedom of choice a norm in society, thereby contributing to the protection of democratic values and individual rights.
smart innovation & regulations
Smart innovation and administrative regulations aim to strike a balance between protecting individual freedoms and promoting social progress. At the Individual Choice Initiative, we advocate for the implementation of innovative solutions and the reduction of unnecessary administrative regulations that hinder individuals from freely making their lifestyle choices. In this context, we identify bureaucratic barriers to technological advancements and innovations, work to remove these obstacles, and support the implementation of policies that encourage innovation and improve individuals' quality of life.
We believe that the purpose of regulations should be to enhance the well-being of individuals and society. However, unnecessary or overly intrusive regulations can restrict innovation and individual freedoms. Therefore, as ICI, we conduct research, provide policy recommendations, and inform the public on these issues to develop smart and balanced regulations. Our goal is to contribute to the creation of a regulatory framework that both protects individual freedoms and promotes social progress.
lifestyle economics
Lifestyle economics examines the economic dimensions of individuals' daily life choices and the impact of these choices on market dynamics. At the Individual Choice Initiative, we analyze how economic policies affect consumers' ability to freely make lifestyle choices. We highlight the negative effects of high taxes, restrictive laws, and practices that limit market access on individuals' lifestyles and work towards advocating for the reevaluation of these policies.
In this area, our goal is to promote the creation of economic policies that protect and support the freedom of lifestyle choices. We strive to ensure that consumers can freely make choices, maintain a competitive market structure, and have access to innovative products and services. Through market analyses, public opinion research, and economic studies, we gather data on lifestyle economics. Using this data, we aim to educate individuals and help policymakers develop more equitable and pro-liberty economic policies.
our methodology
At the Individual Choice Initiative, our work is built on scientifically grounded analyses, strategic advocacy efforts, and public awareness campaigns. We begin by thoroughly examining the restrictions on lifestyle freedoms and their impact on individuals, producing data-driven reports and analyses.
These data not only form the foundation of our advocacy efforts but are also used to inform policymakers and raise public awareness.
Our advocacy and awareness activities aim to be effective at both local and international levels. We organize campaigns to increase societal awareness, conduct training programs and workshops, and provide legal support and case monitoring to defend individual rights. Through all these efforts, we remain steadfast in our mission to protect and promote lifestyle freedoms.
watchdog & monitoring
Monitoring is a critical process that enhances ICI's ability to understand what is happening on the ground and respond swiftly to these developments. We continuously monitor violations of lifestyle freedoms in Türkiye, documenting the extent and frequency of these violations and presenting them to the public. This process raises awareness by making individual rights violations visible.
Our monitoring efforts span a wide range, from tracking legal cases to conducting social media and media scans. These data are used to document how lifestyle freedoms are being violated and to strategically guide our advocacy activities. This enables us to take a concrete and up-to-date approach to protecting individuals' rights.
We present the findings from our monitoring process to the public through reports and infographics. In doing so, we aim to reach a wide audience and raise awareness of violations against lifestyle freedoms, making these violations more visible and fostering a collective consciousness against them.
research and analysis
Research forms the foundation of ICI's advocacy efforts. We conduct in-depth studies to understand the threats to lifestyle freedoms and develop effective solutions to counter these threats. By analyzing the social, economic, and political dynamics in Türkiye, we uncover how these factors impact individuals' freedoms.
Each of our research aims to measure the impact of policies and practices on individuals' lives. This allows us to clearly observe the outcomes at both the social and individual levels. Our research not only assesses the current situation but also helps us anticipate potential future scenarios.
We publish our research in the form of reports, articles, and data sets, sharing this information with policymakers, the media, and the public. These data-driven insights aim to contribute to the development of more liberal and fair policies.
campaigning
Campaigns are one of the most powerful tools that ICI uses to drive social change and build public support. We organize impactful campaigns to raise our voices against interventions targeting lifestyle freedoms and to educate individuals. These campaigns are conducted through various channels, such as social media, public relations, and community events.
Our campaigns are designed to encourage individuals to take action in defending their lifestyle freedoms. Through effective messaging, creative visuals, and compelling stories, we aim to reach a broad audience. The goal is not only to raise awareness but also to inspire people to actively defend these liberties.
The success of our campaigns is measured by social support and participation. The public support we garner through these campaigns plays a crucial role in achieving the social and political changes needed to defend lifestyle freedoms. In this process, we amplify the voices of individuals and strive for a more free society.
Our projects
The projects carried out by the Individual Choice Initiative encompass various initiatives aimed at defending lifestyle freedoms in Türkiye and raising awareness in this area. Each project is designed to promote the establishment of liberal values in society and aims to be effective both nationally and internationally.