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FAQs
Despite tremendous achievements in all aspects of American society over the past three decades, Iranian Americans have yet to forge a community that has an effective, nationally-recognized voice. We do no have an effective voice to impact inflexible immigration rules, to represent our point of view in the U.S. political process, and to impact negative media stereotyping. PAAIA was established to confront these challenges and create opportunities for future generations of Iranian Americans.
PAAIA's mission is to bring the Iranian American community together to project an accurate and positive image of Iranian Americans that truly reflects our values and achievements, and to build a highly respected and influential voice for our community in the U.S. political process. In short, PAAIA's mission is Community Building, Image Building, and Influence Building.
PAAIA will achieve its mission in three distinct ways:
Because we believe its mission and approach resonates with the Iranian American community; because it has the benefit of a highly professional, experienced and dedicated full time staff as well as a diverse, experienced and accomplished Board of Directors; and because it is utilizing the professional experience of public relations and lobbying firms. PAAIA's success ultimately depends on the support it receives from the Iranian American community.
To gain a better understanding of the Iranian American community, please visit 'Our Community' section of the website.
The 2000 U.S. Census estimates that there are 372,000 Iranian Americans in the United States. However, many community leaders believe that the number is as high as one million Iranian Americans with high concentrations in cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, New York, Washington D.C., Houston, Chicago, Miami, and Atlanta.
PAAIA is a membership organization. As such, we represent our community, not our personal views. Outreach to and communication with Iranian Americans throughout the U.S. is something which we pride ourselves in.
PAAIA's focus is on the domestic U.S. issues of concern or interest to the Iranian American community.
PAAIA will have an active local presence in metropolitan areas with significant Iranian American populations, will conduct regular town hall meetings, and will work closely with other Iranian American organizations. PAAIA will also conduct surveys of the community and engage with community members on its interactive website.
PAAIA focuses on domestic United States affairs as they relate to the Iranian American community and is not a platform for promoting foreign policy or influencing the domestic politics of any country other than the U.S. That said, PAAIA supports the rule of law, respect for human rights, and democratic government in all countries, including Iran and believes that the future of Iran must and will be decided by the people of Iran living in Iran.
PAAIA is an independent, non-partisan and non-sectarian group that is not affiliated with any political groups in the U.S. or elsewhere in the world.
No.
The governance structure of PAAIA has been designed to be democratic and transparent. The Board of Directors is elected by the membership every two years, and no board member may serve more than two consecutive terms. The Executive Director is appointed by and serves at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
PAAIA is supported exclusively by the generosity of its members. Our members are individuals who give at many different levels. PAAIA does not accept donations or any other kind of support from any political party or governmental entity.
PAAIA's membership is open to all upstanding members of the community and fellow Americans who support the organization's mission. PAAIA's Board of Directors is elected by its members.
Becoming a member of PAAIA means helping to bring our community together and to portray an accurate and positive image of Iranian Americans that truly represents our values and achievements. It also means helping to instill in the younger generations of Iranian Americans pride in their Persian heritage. Becoming a member of PAAIA also means having an influential voice with U.S. policy-makers, opinion makers and the media. As a member, you will determine PAAIA's direction and what important issues it should address. Join PAAIA to create a powerful a voice for Iranian Americans for generations to come.
PAAIA's annual membership dues start at $25 for students and senior citizens and $75 for others.
You can support PAAIA in a number ways, including by becoming a member, becoming a local representative, volunteering your time for PAAIA, and spreading the word to your family, friends, and neighbors about PAAIA and its efforts.
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