Mission

Promote, Educate, and Connect

Promote

The Arab America Foundation’s (AAF) primary purpose is to promote the Arab heritage and empower Arab Americans. This mission is accomplished through the coordination of National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM) in April. NAAHM promotes an accurate narrative about the history, culture and identity of Arab Americans. AAF’s national activist grass-roots network plans celebrations and gathers proclamations and resolutions from school districts, municipalities, county, state governments, and law enforcement agencies. 

Additionally, AAF empowers Arab Americans through initiatives such as 40 Under 40, 30 Under 30, Rising Leaders, and Empowered Women of Arab America. These initiatives spotlight professionals in all fields including: education, law, public service/politics, non-profit, business leaders, entrepreneurs, students, engineers, medical professionals, artists, entertainers, writers, and media representatives.

Educate

Recognizing there is an inaccurate image of Arabs in the U.S., the Arab America Foundation seeks to provide an alternative narrative. AAF provides educational materials such as the Educational Curriculum Kit which details the history, religion, culture, contributions and issues of Arab Americans to institutions throughout the U.S. In addition, a resource guide is available online for teachers and parents throughout the year.

Members of AAF’s grass-roots network present diversity training about Arab Americans to school districts, libraries, municipalities, law enforcement, county, and state governments.

Moreover, the education committee is established to implement initiatives which promote the Arab identity.

Connect

With close to 4 million Arab Americans in the U.S., the Arab America Foundation connects Arab Americans regardless of their diverse Arab nationality, political affiliation, or religious background.

Arab America Foundation has engaged 21 state teams in: IL, NJ, VA, GA, DC, IN, New England, NY, MI, NC, OK, CA, OR, PA, AL, SC, KY, TN, IA, MD, FL, OH, and TX. AAF’s grassroots network consists of 250 volunteers who are involved in exercising their civic duty by approaching their representatives on a local, state, and federal level regarding initiatives such as National Arab American Heritage Month.

Efforts to bring Arab Americans together are coordinated on a weekly basis via social media and Zoom live meetings and events.

Finally, in addition to connecting with each other, AAF connects with other communities, building coalitions with diverse organizations across the U.S.