In 2024, the American Pakistan Foundation (APF) celebrated its 15th anniversary with a series of impactful initiatives aimed at empowering the Pakistani American community and strengthening U.S.-Pakistan relations. Here's a comprehensive overview of our key activities throughout the year:
Enhanced Mission Statement To mark our 15-year milestone, APF unveiled an enhanced mission statement: "The American Pakistan Foundation (APF) empowers the Pakistani American community and its friends through fostering leadership, youth development, and civic engagement, while building bridges between the people of the United States and Pakistan."
This renewed mission underscores our dedication to community empowerment and cross-cultural understanding Experiential Learning Partnerships APF expanded its experiential learning opportunities through strategic partnerships: Stimson Center Collaboration: We partnered with the Stimson Center's South Asia Program to offer fellowships focusing on power dynamics in Southern Asia. Our inaugural fellow, Eman Kamil Omar, engaged in critical policy discussions under the mentorship of Dr. Sahar Khan. Human Development Foundation (HDF) Fellowship: In collaboration with HDF, APF launched a fellowship in Islamabad, where fellow Zahra Hassan contributed to sustainable environment and social mobilization initiatives, gaining insights into holistic community development. Youth Engagement and Development Our commitment to nurturing young leaders was evident through several initiatives: Pakistani Student Association (PSA) Competition: APF hosted its inaugural PSA competition, encouraging PSAs nationwide to organize events celebrating Pakistani culture. The top prize of $1,500 incentivized creative cultural programming among students. Leadership Council Expansion: We welcomed new members to our Leadership Council, fostering dialogue and supporting APF programs. The council played a pivotal role in mentoring youth and spearheading community initiatives. Civic Engagement Initiatives APF actively promoted civic participation within the Pakistani American community: Get Out The Vote (GOTV) 2024 Campaign: Our nonpartisan GOTV campaign empowered Pakistani Americans and the broader South Asian and AAPI communities to pledge informed votes in the 2024 elections. The initiative included webinars, informational resources, and community outreach to emphasize the importance of civic engagement. Community Service and Cultural Exchange We organized events to give back to the community and celebrate our rich heritage: National Day of Giving: On December 25, coinciding with both Christmas and Quaid-e-Azam Day, APF hosted a National Day of Giving. Volunteers across various cities, including New York, Washington D.C., and Dallas, served meals to individuals experiencing homelessness and distributed toys to underprivileged children, embodying the spirit of compassion and unity. Over 500 families were positively impacted by this initiative! Pakistani American Knowledge (PAK) Network: Launched in September, the PAK Network is a platform of podcasts and webinars on the APF YouTube channel. It integrates cultural exchange, leadership development, and community empowerment initiatives, serving as a knowledge hub for the Pakistani American community. Organizational Achievements APF received notable recognition and strengthened its leadership: Candid Gold Seal of Transparency: We earned the Candid Gold Seal, reflecting our commitment to transparency and effective stewardship of contributions. Board of Directors Expansion: APF welcomed esteemed professionals, including Malik Sarwar, Sahar Husain, Adil Husain, and Sarah Ashfaq, to its Board of Directors, enhancing our strategic vision and governance. As we reflect on 2024, APF remains steadfast in its mission to empower the Pakistani American community, foster leadership, and build enduring bridges between the United States and Pakistan. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our members, partners, and supporters for their unwavering dedication and look forward to continued collaboration in the years ahead.
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