AHEPA President Presents Organization's Agenda in Washington with Key Officials
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Gus J. James, II, national president of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), the largest and oldest American-based Greek heritage grassroots membership organization, met with various officials from the United States and the European Union to brief them on AHEPA's agenda for the administrative year.
"It was an opportunity for us to advance our mission and promote the programs and initiatives of our members," said James. "We spoke candidly and exchanged ideas for future cooperation that will benefit the American Hellenic community." On Oct. 10, James represented AHEPA at a formal dinner hosted by His Excellency Alexandros Mallias and Mrs. Mallias in honor of Under Secretary of Political Affairs R. Nicholas Burns. Also, President James introduced the AHEPA Family to the Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation in Washington, Minister Angelos Pangratis. According to James, areas of mutual interest provide the basis for a burgeoning relationship with the minister.	AHEPA Pres. Gus J. James, II meets with Angelos Pangratis, European Union Minister and Deputy Head of Delegation
In addition, James met with J. Baxter Hunt, deputy director, Office of Southern European Affairs, U.S. Department of State, and Ilan Goodman, Greece desk officer, to discuss the president's trip to Greece in November, the 2008 Supreme Convention in Athens, and issues that concern the U.S. - Greece relationship.
Moreover, he met former U.S. Senator Birch Bayh of Indiana as part of a "working lunch" with AHEPA's government relations team, Axela Government Relations, LLC. According to James, the senator expressed his fondness of the AHEPA Housing Program for senior citizens, and cited it as a great accomplishment that is worthy of praise, admiration, and ongoing federal government support. Finally, the national president visited the Offices of Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), U.S. Rep. Eric Cantor (R-7-VA) and the Department of Homeland Security as part of an ongoing, long-range campaign to raise AHEPA's visibility in the nation's capital.	AHEPA Pres. Gus J. James, II meets with Birch Bayh, former United States Senator from Indiana
"We are laying the foundation for many more future opportunities to raise the visibility of our community, our association, with key officials in Washington," said James. "We must stay on their radar. We must have a constant presence."
The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) is the largest and oldest American-based, Greek heritage grassroots membership organization in the world. Its scope is international with chapters in the United States, Canada, Greece, and Cyprus, and "sister" chapters in Australia and New Zealand under the auspices of AHEPA Australasia. AHEPA was founded on July 26, 1922 in response to the evils of bigotry and racism that emerged in early 20th century American society. During its history, AHEPA has joined with the NAACP and B'nai B'rith to fight discrimination. It also helped Greek immigrants assimilate into society. Today, AHEPA brings the ideals of ancient Greece, which includes philanthropy, education, civic responsibility, and family and individual excellence to the community. The AHEPA family consists of four organizations: AHEPA, Daughters of Penelope, Sons of Pericles and Maids of Athena. For more information about the organization or how to join, contact AHEPA Headquarters (202-232-6300) or visit the organization's newly redesigned website at http://www.ahepa.org. HCS maintains an extensive archives of AHEPA articles and press releases which readers are invited to browse under the AHEPA Family Releases section of the site archives at http://www.helleniccomserve.com/archiveahepa.html.
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