Source: Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA)

Irvine, CA - On October 11th and 12th PAAIA took part in this year's Mehregan Festival in Orange County. Organized by the Network of Professional in Orange County (NIPOC), the Orange County Mehregan is the largest Persian festival held outside of Iran. With the support and enthusiasm of the NIPOC and Mehregan committees, PAAIA presented to our community in Southern California a taste of "Who's Who in the Iranian American Community."

PAAIA's tent at Mehregan featured a museum-style showcase of over twenty Iranian Americans who have reached incredible success in fields as diverse as computers, banking, the arts, human rights, entertainment and sports. Additionally, video clips from PAAIA's "Profiles of Iranian Americans" -- a project led by the organization's Director of Public Relations, Rudi Bakhtiar, featuring mini-documentaries on the lives of successful members of our community -- were screened throughout the weekend.

PAAIA's participation at Mehregan was meant not only to introduce the organization to the Iranian American community in the area, but also to highlight for the community - and particularly our youth - that we Iranian Americans are amongst the most successful diaspora communities in the United States and we have much to be proud of. Throughout the weekend, PAAIA's staff also had the opportunity to interact with Mehregan visitors and provide them with information on PAAIA, it's goals, and how community members can join the organization and get involved.

We are very proud to have been able to work closely with the NIPOC and Mehregan team and are grateful for the incredible amount of support they provided for PAAIA. We look forward to working with them and other organizations across the country to bring our community together, improve our image, and create an influential voice for ourselves here in the United States. As one community member reiterated, "the need for an organization such as PAAIA for our community is long overdue."

About PAAIA

PAAIA is a 501(c)(4) "civic/social welfare organization" that is permitted by law to engage in issue advocacy and lobbying activities.  As a social welfare organization, PAAIA can and should ideally have an affiliated political action committee to enhance its political influence building activities.  The affiliated PAC will allow the organization to get directly involved in elections at the state and national levels by providing contributions to candidates running for public office.

... Payvand News - 10/28/08 ...

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