AHEPA Grassroots Network Helps to Grow Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Affairs





Supreme President Leads Way, Contacting Six House Members


WASHINGTON-The Congressional Grassroots Network of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) is helping the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Affairs in the 109th Congress, a bipartisan body in the U.S. House of Representatives aimed at strengthening relations between the U.S. and Greece, surpass its membership total from the 108th Congress, announced Supreme President Franklin R. Manios.

“Our grassroots has been active and effective all across the United States,” said Manios, who personally sent letters to six members of the Ohio delegation of the House of Representatives. We are able to reach not just urban areas, but also rural parts of the country. It’s our greatest asset and I’m proud of our effort but more work is needed.”

According to Manios, whose own member of Congress joined the Hellenic Caucus for the first time, sometimes the process is as simple as a constituent picking up the phone or faxing a letter requesting a representative to join or rejoin. However, sometimes follow-up calls are needed also. He added AHEPA family members have outreached to as many as 30 representatives within the last month.

Currently, the Caucus has 122 members.

“Obviously, a task of this size needs the involvement of the entire community,” Manios said. “That’s why I’ve personally asked for the help of fellow Greek American organizations to achieve this common goal.” Yesterday, the supreme president sent letters to presidents of Greek American organizations requesting and encouraging them to participate in this campaign.

Manios adds that members who join the Hellenic Caucus will be identified and credited for doing so in the AHEPA Congressional Scorecard.

“The Scorecard is our way of letting our constituents know where their member of Congress stands on issues of concern to the Greek American community,” he said.

Also, Manios praised the organization and leadership of the Co-Founders of the Caucus, Reps. Michael Bilirakis (R-9-FL) and Carolyn Maloney (D-14-NY), both of who are vital to the Greek American community’s success on Capitol Hill.

“Without them, the Caucus would be nowhere near 122 members,” Manios said.

A listing of current members of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Affairs can be found at www.ahepa.org <http://www.ahepa.org> by clicking on the “Action Alerts” web page

To join the AHEPA Grassroots Congressional Contact Network, please visit the official AHEPA website at http://www.ahepa.org and click on "AHEPA Capitol Hill."

The mission of the AHEPA Family is to promote the ideals of Hellenism, philanthropy, education, civic responsibility, and family and individual excellence. Fore more information about AHEPA or to read additional articles or press releases about AHEPA, visit the AHEPA Family section of the HCS archives.



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