NAAP-NY 2003 Planning Brainstorm Sessions
In order to build on the momentum of 2002, each NAAP committee is developing
a strategic plan of events for 2003. Each committee will hold a brainstorm
session within the next few weeks to generate ideas for projects which NAAP
should pursue in 2003. All members of NAAP-NY are encouraged to come to the
brainstorm sessions in order to become more involved with the overall
planning of activities. This is the opportunity for you to introduce ideas
that are dear to you, and manage projects from start to finish with the
support of NAAP. Your continued input and involvement is extremely important
as we plan for the future.
Please see the brainstorm calendar and information on committees below. If
you cannot attend a specific brainstorm session and would like to give any
input or project suggestions, please send an email to naap_ny@naaponline.org
outlining them and your ideas will be included in the discussion.
An outline and summary of the results of these brainstorm sessions will be
available at our next general meeting for those who will be unable to attend
all sessions, time and date TBA.
Please see below for the schedule of Committee Brainstorm Sessions:
(all sessions start @ 7:30pm and are expected to last between 1-2 hours. The
location is @ Denizen's, on 73 Thompson St., between Spring & Broome in
Manhattan. Train directions are: N/R to Prince St., C/E to Spring St.)
EDUCATION Session - Tuesday, December 3rd
* This committee serves to educate both the Arab-American and non-Arab
communities about Arab culture, identity, and concerns. Some past projects
and ideas include: setting-up Arabic Sunday school, visiting local schools
to discuss Arab issues and developing a reading/writing program for NAAP
members to learn Arabic
POLITICAL ACTION Session - Tuesday, December 10th
* This committee serves to coordinate political activities to promote the
interests of our community both home and abroad. Some past efforts include:
Voter registration and outreach campaign for 2002 elections,
organizing/endorsing rallies/protests, forming coalitions, the Palestine
Lecture Series
SOCIAL/CULTURAL ACTIVISM Session - Thursday, December 12th
* This committee serves to promote professional networking and social
interaction among young Arab professionals, as well as the preservation of
our culture. Some past projects include: Monthly social mixers, The Summer in
the City BBQ, Summer J'nun Hafla, How About Some Hummus Comedy Show and the
Williamsburg Bridges Palestine cultural exhibit
ALUMNI RELATIONS Session - Wednesday, December 18th
* This committee serves to provide resources to students and Arab student
groups, in the form of career guidance and cosponsorship of activities.
Past events include launching of the NAAP Alumni-Student Mentor program;
having events on campus in conjunction with student groups (i.e. Innocence
Under Siege, Alison Wier, Baladna)
COMMUNITY OUTREACH Session - Thursday, December 19th
* This committee works to organize volunteer efforts in which NAAP
members can serve those in need. This committee also focuses on bridging
communication between the various activist groups. Past programs include:
feeding the homeless efforts, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, Revlon
Run/Walk for breast cancer, working with Arab-American youth groups and
establishing working relationships with other groups within the community
FUNDRAISING/MEDIA Session - Monday, December 23rd
Please note that in the interest of time, we are having both Fundraising &
Media sessions back to back.
* The Fundraising committee works to find new fundraising opportunities
for NAAP in order to expand our event planning opportunities. Ideas include
selling NAAP branded merchandise etc...
* The Media committee works to create press releases for our events and
ensure that this information reaches appropriate media outlets. This
committee also serves to monitor the US media for news articles and opinion
pieces that are either inaccurate or biased on issues concerning our
community.
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For more information, please email naap_ny@naaponline.org.