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Transition 2009

Arab American Leadership Summit and the Transition

Posted on Friday December 19, 2008

On December 14th and 15th, the Arab American Institute hosted an Arab American Leadership Summit attended by over 80 community leaders from 17 states. Representatives from AAI’s partner organizations, community activists, and individuals who worked in political campaigns across the country brought their experience, perspective, and expertise to the panels.

The two-day summit covered a wide range of political and policy-related topics, including Arab American involvement in the election and how to further engage in the electoral process. Discussions focused on domestic policy priorities for Arab Americans, especially civil liberty issues; Middle East policy realties—in particular, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Lebanon, and Iraq; the role of Arab Americans on the Hill; and Arab American engagement in the transition process.

Attendees were afforded an opportunity to discuss issues that affect the community, within the context of the new administration. Senior staff from the Transition Agency Review Teams and Policy Working Groups sat in on the discussion to listen, take notes, and engage the assembled leadership, and spoke about the importance of Arab American involvement in the transition process, offering an open door policy.

In the coming weeks, AAI will be working closely with the transition teams, meeting with transition working groups for Homeland Security, the Justice Department, foreign policy, and other departments whose work deeply impacts the Arab American community. Visit our Transition Resources for information about the work that AAI is doing on your behalf with the new administration.

AAI continues to serve as a resource to Arab Americans seeking appointments in the new administration, acting as an additional conduit to submit qualified resumes. And AAI’s Inaugural celebration in Washington, D.C. is an additional opportunity for Arab Americans and the political leadership to come together to celebrate our achievements and forge strong relationships for the years to come.