Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: What is IAD?
A: Iranian-American Democrats (IAD) is a non-profit organization run by volunteers who are committed to promote the democratic principles of freedom and civil liberties, as set forth in the Constitution of the United States. IAD is a chartered organization of the Democratic Party.
Q: Who are you?
A: We are Iranian Americans who are democrats (as opposed to republican) and we come from all walks of life from homemakers to corporate executives.
Q: Why have you formed IAD?
A: We, Iranian-Americans need a political voice, a voice that represents our interests and concerns, that can be heard in the American community, and recognized as a valid, fair, and credible voice.
We need representation at the local, state, and national levels of government. Politically, we need recognition as a collective entity that can contribute to advance democratic principals and support the Democratic Party.
Q: When was IAD established?
A: Iranian-American Democrats (IAD), was founded November 17, 2002.
Q: What are the principals of the Democratic Party?
A: The principals are:
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Better jobs
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Fair wages
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Quality and affordable education for everyone
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Tax breaks for working families
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Quality and affordable health care
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Clean environment
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Safer communities
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Keeping guns out of the hands of criminals
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Women’s and minorities’ rights
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Religious and political freedom
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Equal rights for all Americans (this is in reference to Civil Unions, etc).
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Other important ideals that have slowly and gradually been “compromised” during current Administration
Q: What do you want to achieve?
A: As Iranian-American Democrats, it is our civil and constitutional duties to better organize ourselves and to become more actively involved in the American political system.
Q: What are IAD goals:
A: The goals are:
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To advance the Democratic Party’s principles and philosophy.
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To create an effective political voice that represents the Iranian-American community in local, state, and federal politics.
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To educate, encourage, assist Iranian-Americans to join the Democratic Party, register to vote, and support the Democratic Party’s political candidates and campaigns.
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To identify, encourage, and support qualified members of the Iranian-American community to seek elected office at local, state and national levels of government.
Q: Why do we need IAD?
A: Democratic Party does not have any particular agenda to look out for our interests as a minority group (Iranians). Only through an organization such as IAD can we ensure that our specific interests can be voiced and advocated. If we become large and influential as one block "Iranian American Democrats" then the Democratic Party will take us seriously and consider advocating for our rights. There is power in numbers and unity.
Q: What gives you the right or authority to speak on behalf of the Iranian-Americans?
A: We are simply here to participate in the political process, since we believe that as a minority community we need to have a collective voice in the political system. And as Democrats, we have chosen to become active in the Democratic Party to voice our community concerns and ideals.
Hence, IAD volunteer board members have stepped forward. We do not have any monopoly, nor do we restrict others from joining and participating.
Q: Does US or Iranian Government support IAD?
A: No, IAD is a not-profit, independent organization whose sole support comes from membership dues and contributions.
Q: How can I help?
A: You can help in several ways:
Provide financial contributions or individual donations as a member or non-member (click here for information)
Provide your time and/or expertise (i.e. sponsor services, publications, web-services, and/or participate in other IAD committees) as a member or non-member (click here for information)
By: e-mail info@iadoc.org or visit http://www.iadoc.org.
Q: How will my contributions be utilized?
A: Your contribution or donation will be used by IAD to cover the cost of outreach, publications, meetings/events, etc. to support IAD and the Democratic Party. Your contribution or donation, as well as membership fee will not be used as payments, salary or bonus or for any other purpose to benefit or to promote any individual IAD members' ideas or cause.