WASHINGTON (UNITED STATES) (ITALPRESS) – The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) and the Polish American Congress (PAC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that formalizes cooperation between two of the most historical European ethnic organizations in the United States. The agreement, signed by the President and CEO of NIAF Robert Allegrini and the President of PAC Hubert Cioromski, lasted three years, renewable.
Founded in 1975, NIAF is the main national organization that represents the Italian-American community, “provided to celebrate and promote the extraordinary successes and positive values of Italian culture and presence in America, as well as to strengthen links between the United States and Italy”, reads in a note.
The Polish American Congress, founded in 1944, is the national organization of reference for Polish Americans, “who fights for the interests of the Polish-American community and promotes Polish culture, heritage and history throughout the country”. ,
“This agreement with the American Polish Congress represents much more than just a formal pact: it is a declaration of values, history and shared goals – said Robert Allegrini, President and CEO of NIAF –. Both Italians and Poles know what it means to fight for freedom, build something lasting in a new land and carry out their own culture proudly. We look forward to doing everything we can do together.”.
The Memorandum of Understanding establishes a framework of collaboration in seven areas: beneficial initiatives to support the conservation of cultural heritage, including arts, history, language, literature, music and traditions of both communities; joint awareness-raising activities at US political decision-makers on issues of common interest; cultural exchange and heritage education programs; facilitation of academic and professional exchanges through participation in events of both organisations; involvement of youth and educational leadership The agreement also commits both organisations to work for the creation of a broader council of European ethnic organisations: an advisory body for knowledge sharing, coordination of efforts and collective defence of the interests of European communities in the United States.
“The Polish American Congress is proud to join the National Italian American Foundation in this new chapter of cooperation,” said Hubert Cioromski, President of the PAC. “Our communities share deep roots, lasting values and a common commitment to strengthen the American social fabric. Working together, we can do more for our communities and our country.”.
The NIAF and the PAC conceive this agreement as a first step towards an American League of European Ethnic Organizations (ALEEO), a unified coalition representing the entire range of European communities in America, from Italians and Poles to Greeks, Irish, Germans, Ukrainians, Baltics, Balkans, Nordics and beyond.
Drawing inspiration from successful coalitions such as UnidosUS and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, LEEO will expand the collective political voice of European communities, support cultural conservation, facilitate coordination in crisis situations and create opportunities for involvement for young people in the adhering communities. Both organisations intend to start contacts with other Euro-American groups in the coming months.
– Press office photos NIAF –
(ITALPRESS).
