PAAIA Celebrates Our Third Civic Leaders Summit!
From July 8 – 14, PAAIA hosted our third annual Civic Leaders Summit in Washington, DC! Twenty-one Iranian American high schoolers and counselors came together for a transformative week of learning. The student advocates learned about the importance of civic engagement, explored our nation’s capital, and spoke to members of Congress about crucial legislation like the TFVA and IRAN Act.
The Civic Leaders Summit programming primed students for leadership positions through discussions, interactive workshops, and Harvard-crafted public narrative training. The students used the skills and knowledge they gained to further explore their Iranian American identities and employ their personal stories in their advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill.
One of the Summit’s highlights was the deep exploration of Iranian American identity and the history of the diaspora in the United States through structured public narrative training. Students learned about the evolution of the Woman, Life, Freedom movement in Iran, providing crucial context for their advocacy efforts. All programming was crafted to help students articulate their shared values and understand the challenges faced by the Iranian American community and our nation.
Some highlights from the week:
- Participating in public narrative training – a leadership model crafted by Marshall Ganz at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University – to use storytelling to encourage action.
- Visiting the U.S. Capitol and meeting with Members of Congress to gain an inside look at our democratic institutions while advocating for important policies like the TFVA and IRAN Act.
- Celebrating our Iranian American culture with delicious Persian dinners at Georgetown’s Peacock Café and Tenleytown’s Maman Joon.
- Hearing from senior executive Iranian Americans in public service discuss their careers, experiences, and professional advice about learning, working, and living in Washington, D.C.
- Exploring the role of think tanks in promoting change and educating Members of Congress and other policymakers.
- Visiting the Department of State and touring George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs.
- Cultivating skills in policy, advocacy, rhetoric, and persuasive storytelling.
After developing their public narratives, students visited Capitol Hill to meet with twelve congressional offices to advocate for the TFVA and IRAN Act. Additionally, students heard from Senator Alex Padilla on the steps of the Capitol where he discussed the importance of Iranian American youth involvement in civic engagement. They also spoke with Congressman Eric Swalwell about his leadership on the IRAN Act and the power of internet access around the globe.
The Summit was not just about learning and taking action – it was also about building lasting connections and having fun. Participants visited national monuments, explored Georgetown, and Partied Like Persians as part of the Summit’s closing celebration. Students formed lasting bonds with their Iranian American peers, creating a supportive network that will continue to inspire and empower them long after the Summit.
The 2024 Civic Leaders Summit exemplified the power of youth and civic engagement with our democracy. By the end of the week, students were equipped with the skills, knowledge, and inspiration needed to become proactive leaders within their communities. This immersive experience has set the stage for young leaders to continue their civic involvement and advocacy journey, ensuring a brighter future for both their local communities and the broader Iranian American community.
Explore more about CHIP and discover additional civic engagement opportunities for Iranian American youth and young professionals at IACivicLeaders.org or subscribe to PAAIA’s newsletter at PAAIA.org. As a nonprofit organization, our work is only possible through your generous financial support. Please consider making a contribution to the Civic Leadership Program today.
