AEA NJ Chapter Meeting, Sunday October 17, 2010

Attendance:

Absence:

1) The attendees discussed the goals and objectives of AEA. Emphasis has been that for AEA to be strong and effective, it must focus as a primary goal on the empowerment of the Egyptian American (EA) Community. This should be the primary objective of the Alliance and as a result AEA will be more effective in helping Egypt development in all aspects. Careful and thoughtful planning and clear goals should safeguard the coming planned delegation trip to Egypt.
2) An immediate goal is to increase membership and to attract the second and third generation of EA’s.
3) However for AEA to have presence in the EA community, it must provide services such as health care (through health-fare day for example), education, job training, legal advice, and have events including seminars. Idea of having store-front was debated. Other ideas included Egyptian movie night, inviting movie star from Egypt.
4) We should also have been active before the US November election in inviting Congressmen, however it’s too late now to organize such event. We should also encourage EAs to run for local elections and rally the EA community for that cause. Mahdi Afifi is considering to run for one such office.
5) Financial transparency and accountability are emphasized.

Action items;

Monthly meeting
Next meeting November 14 at 1PM and a Speaker will be invited; Michelle Dunn, or Tamara Kaufman-Wittes (Sherif suggestions) or prominent speaker such as Prof George Saliba. Meeting tentatively will be held in Sultan Restaurant, Clifton NJ until another alternative is determined
Potential Topic: “Women Empowerment in Egypt”