PAAIA's blog

Setting the Record Straight: PAAIA Responds to Unfounded Attacks

PAAIA — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 16:44:05 +0000

"The Iranian Americans" Documentary

PAAIA — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 02:09:20 +0000

Good evening,

As the Executive Director of PAAIA, I would like to take this opportunity to respond to the concerns posted on this venue regarding the documentary, The Iranian Americans, that will be released by PBS in the fall of 2012.

Lawmakers Urge President Obama to Enable Humanitarian Assistance to Iran

PAAIA — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 01:31:14 +0000

August 16, 2012, Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Dennis Kucinich (D-10th/OH) and a number of other members of Congress sent a letter to President Barack Obama expressing concern over the possible hindrance of humanitarian assistance to the Iranian people and urging him to issue a general license for humanitarian aid to earthquake victims in Iran.

PAAIA Calls on Apple to Cease Discrimination Against Iranian Americans

PAAIA — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 16:04:10 +0000

Today, the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) received a statement from M. Khurram Baig, the attorney for Ms. Sahar Sabet, that contrary to other reports, an incident of discrimination did take place at the Apple Store in Georgia on June 14, 2012. Given this new information, PAAIA strongly and unequivocally calls on Apple to take immediate steps to cease any instances where members of the Iranian American public are inappropriately targeted for discrimination based on their language or national heritage.

Why PAAIA is Effective

PAAIA — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 03:04:14 +0000

On June 2, 2012, Iranian.com posted a blog entitled “The Problem with PAAIA,” signed by Kabriat (a pseudonym). Unfortunately, the blog is rife with misinformation and factual inaccuracies. While it is not PAAIA’s policy to respond to every blog or attack piece – especially ones made by individuals posting anonymously - we welcome the opportunity to correct the record so that readers may make their own informed and independent assessment as to whether PAAIA has been effective in fulfilling its mission.

Two-Thirds of Iranian Americans worried about military attack against Iran

PAAIA — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 22:44:15 +0000

PAAIA Releases 2012 National Poll of Iranian American Attitudes Toward Potential Bombing of Iran

Ready to Serve – Meet Milad Pooran Candidate for U.S. Congress

PAAIA — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:25:17 +0000

A doctor and Air Force veteran, Pooran brings compelling story to the election for the 6th Congressional District of Maryland

December 7, 2011, Washington, D.C. - Milad Pooran (D-MD), a physician who served his community and country as both a civilian doctor and as a member of the US Air Force Medical Corps, recently announced his bid for the 6th Congressional District of Maryland. If successful, he will become the first Iranian American to serve in the U.S. Congress.

PAAIA Chapters and Friends Take Nowruz to Local Schools Nationwide

PAAIA — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 19:09:49 +0000

PAAIA Webinar: College Admission Preview - Finding the Right Match

PAAIA — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 18:07:07 +0000

The PAAIA Webinar series, College Admission and You, debuts the first installment, College Admission Preview – Finding the Right Match, next month. This webinar will help answer any questions students and parents may have about the college admission process. More specifically, it will review university admission trends, different types of application procedures, as well as presenting ways to find the right college match.

One Week Left to Apply for a One-on-One Session with a Professional in our Field

PAAIA — Fri, 27 May 2011 17:41:17 +0000

Today, given an unstable economy and unprecedented unemployment rates, many college graduates are struggling to transition into the workforce, attempting to translate years of study into a concrete professional path. The PAAIA Mentorship Program helps college students and young professionals by matching them with an experienced mentor for a dialogue on how to identify and pursue desired career and professional goals.

PAAIA Mentorship: Next Generation of Iranian Americans

PAAIA — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 17:45:40 +0000

April 15, 2011, Washington, D.C. – The Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) is pleased to announce the relaunch of the PAAIA Mentorship Program as a benefit to our members and a cornerstone of our mission to help strengthen and empower the Iranian American community across the U.S.

Stanford University President Responds Directly to PAAIA Over Retired Professor’s Anti-Iranian Remarks

PAAIA — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 22:57:10 +0000

Stanford University’s president, Dr. John Hennessy, today assured PAAIA that controversial remarks made by a retired faculty member does not reflect the university’s views or admission policies.

Vote in PAAIA Board Election

PAAIA — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 21:52:56 +0000

The Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) is pleased to announce that the election for the organization’s 2011- 2012 Board of Directors will take place from January 6th through the 14th. PAAIA's Board of Directors manages and directs the organization's affairs and policies.

Census Coalition: Stand Up and Be Counted

PAAIA — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:15:37 +0000

Mindful of events in Iran following the June 12th presidential election, your voice as an Iranian American will matter even more. Decision makers and Americans nationwide are looking to our community for advice and direction. We the undersigned organizations have joined forces in a show of unity to promote the importance of civic participation among Iranian Americans so that our voices are heard. A critical component of empowering the Iranian American community is securing an accurate count of the total number of Iranian Americans residing in the United States.

A Time for Unity, Responsibility and Mutual Respect

PAAIA — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:36:09 +0000

In any democracy, media outlets assume an awesome responsibility of accurately and honestly investigating, collecting, synthesizing, and reporting the news and even giving voice to opinions while adhering to high standards of journalistic ethics and responsibility. Both historical experience and current events teach us that dishonest and reckless reporting brings with it only unfortunate and disturbing consequences.

Google's Omid Kordestani Speaks Candidly: "Life is Messy!"

PAAIA — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:08:15 +0000

Six of the most accomplished Iranian Americans in the world gathered at UCLA's Royce Hall on Mother’s Day to share the trials and tribulations of their lives with the next generation. The event was the first of what is to be an annual PAAIA sponsored tradition at the end of each academic year called “Passing the Torch of Success to the Next Generation of Leaders,” a forum aimed at inspiring Iranian American youth with lessons learned from the community leaders of today.

Rudi Bakhtiar Interview With Reza Aslan

PAAIA — Mon, 04 May 2009 20:40:07 +0000

Internationally renowned writer and scholar of religions Reza Aslan exploded into our collective consciousness a few years ago with his first New York Times Bestseller: “No god but God, the Origins, Evolution and Future of Islam,” offering up a uniquely positive perspective on Islam to a terrified post 9-11 audience.

Nowruz Resolution Continues to Gain Traction

PAAIA — Mon, 04 May 2009 15:23:56 +0000

April 30, 2009, Washington, D.C. - This week six additional members of Congress have become cosponsors of H.Res.267, bringing the total number of cosponsors to 38. Sponsored by Congressman Michael Honda (D-15th/CA), H. Res. 267 is the first measure ever introduced into the United States Congress that recognizes the cultural and historical significance of the Iranian New Year.

Urge Congress To Pass The Dream Act

PAAIA — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:00:53 +0000

Help Deserving Students Earn a Path to Legal Residency

Iranian American Front Running Candidate for Los Angeles City Council

PAAIA — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 21:00:19 +0000

April 14, 2009, Los Angeles, CA - The Iranian American community is pleased that one of their own, David Vahedi, came in first place in the March 3rd primary election to fill the vacant 5th District Los Angeles City Council seat. Running against five other well funded and politically connected candidates in the primary, David Vahedi was able to galvanize a powerful political base of community leaders to become the very first Iranian American to ever win a City of Los Angeles primary.