Aris Sahba Koumis, Rodd Farhadi and Zaul Moayedian have engaged American civic life in ways and at heights one might expect from politically active adults three times their age. Each has set an example that we can all aspire to and that should be encouraged in all Iranian youth in order to ensure our place in civil society.

From left to right: Aris Sahba Koumis, Zaul Moayedian and Rodd Farhadi

In the 2008 presidential elections, 11 year-old Aris Sahba Koumis was the top phone banker during the primaries for the entire state of California. He was ranked #1 across phone bankers of all ages after making 800 phone calls to prospective voters. Aris's commitment didn't stop there. He also traveled to Nevada with his parents to canvas for new voter registrations, knocking on hundreds of doors in the process. Aris made sure to spread his enthusiasm and experience to other phone bankers, training them on their responsibilities and answering questions on the phone dialing system. He was even recognized by Caroline Kennedy during a local fundraiser for Barack Obama.

"Aris has already exhibited exemplary leadership. His long hours, relentless trials and engaging of others are great qualities of a community organizer.  He gives me great hope for the future of our community," shared Nader Mousavi, PARSA CF Board Member.

Rodd Farhadi stays involved in government by attending local congressional town hall meetings. The 14 year-old has taken a leadership role as a Youth Commissioner in the Town of Los Gatos. The Youth Commission meets every month and advises Town Council on the matters pertaining to the youth in the Community.  In his role, Rodd promotes town events, participates in the summer of service program, supervises younger children at school performances or carnival booths and raises money for hospital patients and the military.

Zaul Moayedian is also a Los Gatos Town Youth Commissioner. In addition to his commitment to his town, 14 year-old Zaul has also mobilized his classmates to raise funds for quake survivors following the tragic 2004 tsunami and 2005 Kashmir earthquake. During middle school, Zaul was part of the student leadership program where he was elected as a lead Senator. He has exhibited incredible leadership through his community service work and along with Aris and Rodd has embodied active citizenship.

About: PARSA Community Foundation is the first Persian community foundation in the United States and the leading Persian philanthropic institution practicing strategic philanthropy and promoting social entrepreneurship worldwide.  Managing the largest independent endowment fund dedicated to Persian philanthropy, the California-based PARSA CF provides tax-advantaged vehicles to donors and grants to nonprofit organizations. Grants are awarded through semi-annual competitive grant cycles and are reviewed by an independent grant advisory committee. The organization is a nonpartisan, nonreligious, and nonprofit 501(c) (3) entity.  For more information, please visit www.parsacf.org.

... Payvand News - 01/14/10 ... --