American Hellenic Council of California



Mission Statement Membership Information Board of Directors Word of Support Volunteer Contact AHC Current Action Alerts Current Legislation Find Your Elected Officials Register to Vote Articles & Presentations Press Releases Key Legislation Congressional Scorecards Hellenic Caucus Churches in California Greek Organizations Businesses Weekly Photo Archive Upcoming Events Past Events & Photos	Mission Statement The American-Hellenic Council is a non-partisan political advocacy organization. Our goal is to promote democracy, human rights, peace, and stability in Southern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean, with an emphasis on Greece and Cyprus, by informing the American public and the government about on-going issues and conflicts in the area. Serving Since 1974 Since its inception, the American Hellenic Council has been the focal point of political activities of Greek Americans in California. The AHC has become an effective and respected political lobbying group whose sole purpose is to lobby the U.S. Congress for the protection and promotion of Greek-American interests. During its existence, the American Hellenic Council has supported numerous Hellenic issues, has made political donations and raised significant contributions for members of Congress who support Hellenic issues. The American Hellenic Council Supports: Religious Rights and Freedoms for the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Greek minority in Turkey Reopening of the Halki Patriarchal School of Theology Freedom and sovereignty for the Republic of Cyprus Immediate removal of Turkish occupation troops from the Republic of Cyprus Implementation of conditions on all military and economic aid to Turkey and economic sanctions against Turkey until it removes its troops and colonists from Cyprus and complies with United States, United Nations, and international law The security of Greece's sovereign rights in the Aegean A 1:1 or 0:0 ratio in U.S. military aid to Greece and Turkey Recognition of the Pontian Genocide by Turkey Recognition of the Armenian Genocide Awareness and proper recognition of the destruction of Smyrna, the murdering of 450,000 Greek civilians, and the expatriation of 1.5 million Greeks by Turkey in 1922 Protection of human rights in Northern Epirus Return of the Parthenon marbles to Greece Lobbying the Senate Whenever any of the aforementioned issues come before the Senate or any Senate committee, the Council will inform all Senators and/or Senate committee members of our position on these issues. After each vote, we will convey to all voting Senators our gratitude or disappointment regarding their votes. Lobbying the House of Representatives When Hellenic issues come before the House or any relevant committee, the Council will inform all 53 U.S. Representatives from California and/or House committee members of our position on these issues. After each vote, we will convey to all voting Representatives our gratitude or disappointment regarding their votes. Hellenic Caucus We encourage all members of the Congressional delegation from California to join the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues. In 1996, Representative Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) and former Representative Michael Bilirakis (R-FL) formed the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues to foster and improve relations between the United States and Greece. Members of the Caucus introduce legislation, arrange briefings on current events, and disseminate information on topics such as U.S. aid to Greece and Cyprus, the division and ongoing occupation of Cyprus, U.S. relations with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the status of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and developments in the Aegean. We are proud that 60 percent of the members of the CA Congressional delegation are currently active members of the Hellenic Caucus. Lobbying The Administration We consistently communicate to the President and members of the administration our concerns on issues of interest to Hellenism. Receptions and Fundraisers Every year, we hold several fundraisers and receptions for Members of Congress and candidates who support Hellenic issues. Over the years we have also made contributions to and held many fundraisers for Hellenic-American candidates who have run for political office. Congressional District Committees The Council has successfully organized the thirty-one congressional districts of Southern California and is expanding its lobbying activities to the northern part of the state. We urge our members and friends to become active in the promotion and support of these committees. Through the AHC's Congressional District Committees, our community has reached out to our Representatives and Senators through meetings, written correspondence, telephone calls, and emails to communicate the importance of Hellenic issues and ask for support when these issues come for a vote as bills or resolutions before Congress.
AMERICAN HELLENIC COUNCIL OF CALIFORNIA 8124 West Third Street Suite 200 • Los Angeles, CA 90048 Telephone: 323.651.3507 • info@americanhellenic.org Home \| About AHC \| Upcoming Events © 2012, American Hellenic Council, All Rights Reserved. Website Designed by Image Cube Design