PAAIA Releases its 2023 Annual Report
Washington, DC – The Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA), a nonpartisan organization that represents the Iranian American community, recently released its 2023 Annual Report! The Report highlights the significant work the organization undertook last year to empower youth, educate policymakers and the public, and advocate on behalf of the Iranian American community.
Throughout 2023, PAAIA’s steadfast commitment to supporting the Woman, Life, Freedom movement is evident in its continued advocacy for the MAHSA Act and Internet freedom for the people of Iran. PAAIA’s Congressional briefings, over 140 meetings with Members of Congress and their offices, and easy-to-use action alerts that allow individuals to directly contact their elected officials have resulted in substantial policy gains. PAAIA’s 2023 efforts also did the following:
- helped ensure the passage of the MAHSA Act in the House of Representatives and its introduction in the Senate;
- led to the inclusion of language PAAIA drafted in an Internet freedom National Defense Authorization Amendment (NDAA);
- pushed forward the Temporary Family Visitation Act (TFVA); and
- increased the likelihood that a Middle East North Africa (MENA) category will be included in the next census and other federal forms.
In addition to its advocacy work, PAAIA used cultural films, briefings, media campaigns, and its National Public Opinion Survey of Iranian Americans to educate policymakers and the American public about the Iranian American community. This crucial outreach informs Members of Congress and individuals about the contributions of the community and the immense impact Iranian Americans have had on American society while also underscoring the community’s greatest concerns.
One of the most pivotal achievements in 2023 was the organization’s Civic Leadership Program. The Program directly impacted over 75 students through the following:
- hosting 33 participants for a week-long leadership Summit in Washington, DC;
- providing 7 students with internship opportunities in public service;
- welcoming former Fellows to PAAIA civic engagement events; and
- boasting 33 new enrollments in the Civic Leadership Credential — an online leadership course tailored to Iranian Americans.
Through the support of generous donors, PAAIA has been able to fund these youth opportunities and continue expanding this flagship program to empower the next generation.
Check out the details of PAAIA’s latest accomplishments in its 2023 Annual Report!
