The Club of Marid is an independent organization created for the purpose of promoting democracy and change in the global community. Its exclusive members are of exceptional merit, usually former heads of state and government who have the ability to work as catalysts for change. The Club of Madrid works with various governments and other organizations in search of effective methods to provide technical advice and recommendations to transitional nations taking steps closer to a democratic way of life. The Club consists of full members, who are preceding government officials who have full voting rights: including such distinguished members as former Soviet Leader Mikhail Gorbachev, former President of Brazil Fernando Henrique Cardoso, former President of the United States Bill Clinton, former President of Ireland Mary Robinson, and forty-four other former heads of government and state. Institutional members, who are members from various private and public organizations who share similar democratic objectives: such supporters include the Fundación para las Relaciones Internacionales y el Diálogo Exterior (FRIDE), founded by Diego Hidalgo Schnur and the Gorbachev Foundation of North America (GFNA), the original sponsors of the 2001 conference. Honorary members, who are notable members for their efforts and work with the Club; and fellows, who are experts in the area of democratic changeover.