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AAI Digest

Job Forum at the White House, PATRIOT Act: The Time is Now

Posted on Thursday December 3, 2009

Time is running out for PATRIOT Act

The Hill is too quiet about the PATRIOT Act—if we’re not talking to them about it, who are they listening to?

The next few weeks are critical. There are three provisions of the PATRIOT Act slated to expire at the end of this year. These controversial provisions impact your businesses, your homes, and your freedom.

This is the time to tell our leaders: there is a better way to keep our country safe and secure without compromising our rights, freedoms and privacy.

CLICK HERE FOR WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Stay informed on what is happening on the PATRIOT Act. Become an expert on the PATRIOT Act today, so you’ll have the facts you need when you talk to your Representatives.

Why is this so important?

Massachusetts Special Senate Primary Elections to be Held December 8

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, December 8. Don’t forget to VOTE! Arab Americans are actively involved in this primary at every level to select the democratic candidate to run for the late U.S. Senators Ted Kennedy’s seat. There is still plenty left to do in the final days. Your participation in this special election is needed!

Learn about the candidates through the links below, then volunteer and vote.

Michael Capuano	Alan Kahzei
Martha Coakley	Stephen Pagliuca

Not sure where to vote, or if you are registered? Find out here .

Arab Americans on the Move

Congratulations to Fayrouz Saad, formerly the Civic Engagement Coordinator at the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) and the National Network for Arab American Communities (NNAAC), who is moving to the Department of Homeland Security as Special Assistant in the Office of the Director for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. Read More

And Bill Aossey CEO of Iowa-based Midamar logo is in Washington, D.C. this week to take part in the White House forum on job creation in the U.S. Bill is one of 150 small business owners selected to attend the summit.

The White House wants to hear from you: organize your own community job forum.

Did you know? AAI principles continue to meet regularly with the White House Office of Presidential Personnel to discuss vacancies in the Federal government, a process we started at the beginning of Obama transition.

25th Anniversary Kickoff

Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood with George Salem The official kick-off to AAI’s 25th Anniversary Campaign was held on December 1 under the patronage of AAI Chairman George R. Salem. The party at DLA Piper was co-hosted by several AAI Governors and welcomed AAI members from the Washington area, diplomats and special guest Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, who congratulated us on the launch of this milestone celebration.

View more pictures

AAI in brief

Washington Watch

"What Was He Thinking?" – I do not make a practice of using this space to express my disagreements with other columnists, but a piece last week by Abdul Rahman al Rashid was so off the mark that I cannot let it pass without comment. – read more here.

Highlights of Viewpoint with James Zogby

Seymour Hersh, contributor to The New Yorker; Michael Isikoff, investigative reporter for Newsweek; Ken Menkhaus, professor of political science at Davidson College. Watch here

Booz For Shoes

In cooperation with Booz Allen Hamilton’s Middle East and North Africa Forum, AAIF is collecting new or gently used shoes and new socks that will be donated to So Others Might Eat (SOME) a local homeless provider. To make a donation, please contact Kyle Haley

AAI Spring Internships

INTERNSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE is Friday, December 4th —- APPLY TODAY – AAI is looking for college students and recent graduates interested in public affairs, advocacy and ethnic politics.

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to be eligible. CLICK HERE to apply.

SAVE THE DATE!

2010 Kahlil Gibran “Spirit of Humanity” Awards Gala
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Washington, D.C.
Celebrate AAI’s 25^th Anniversary!

Arab American heritage at the White House

Thank you for your help and suggestions—our ornaments will hang in the White House this year!