Arab American Advocates In Washington April 16-19

posted on: Mar 26, 2012

Arab Americans from throughout the United States will gather in Washington April 16-19 for four days of advocacy, organizing and strategizing. Participants will attend a White House policy briefing and meet with administration officials and members of Congress.

“This 4th annual Arab American National Advocacy Week represents a milestone for grassroots Arab American organizations because it demonstrates a significant and increased capacity on the part of these groups to speak out on behalf of their communities,” said Nadia Tonova, director of the National Network for Arab American Communities (NNAAC), which organizes the annual event. The number of Advocacy Week participants has increased annually, Tonova noted.

The visit is organized by NNAAC, which represents 23 Arab American organizations in 11 states. NNAAC is leading a national movement to increase Arab Americans’ participation in shaping the nation’s agenda, with a focus this election year on the economy, health care, civil rights, immigration and the arts. “Our issues are American issues that affect our entire nation,” said Linda Sarsour, NNAAC’s National Advocacy Director. “And we will ensure that our community’s voice is at the forefront of public debates around healthcare, immigration and national security reform.

Sarsour has played a leading role in efforts to hold the New York Police Department accountable for spying on Muslims in New York, New Jersey and other eastern states. The Associated Press and other news media have uncovered racial profiling tactics by NYPD and U.S. border patrol agents. Sarsour said these tactics discriminate, intimidate and marginalize Arab Americans. “Arab Americans are part of the vibrant diversity that makes this nation strong,” said Tonova. “Unfortunately, over the past decade we have witnessed passage of myriad laws such as the USA Patriot Act and, more recently, provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act, that appear to encourage surveillance and profiling of our community – laws that have a chilling effect on our free speech.

“This annual trip to Washington by NNAAC members serves as a reminder to our lawmakers that Arab Americans deserve and demand their respect, consideration and representation.”

To learn more about the National Network for Arab American Communities, please visit www.nnaac.org , follow them on Facebook at National Network for Arab American Communities and on Twitter at @NNAAC