InspiringArab-AmericanGiving

“You give but little when you give of your possessions.

It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”

– Kahlil Gibran

A rab Americans have long cherished the tradition of giving to family, neighbors and religious institutions. Deeply rooted in a culture that values community and family, Arab Americans have founded community organizations, supported new immigrants and met the humanitarian needs of Arabs in the Arab world. While Arab Americans have always given informally, the community has only recently embraced formal philanthropy as a way to empower Arab Americans.

After years of a difficult political climate, the Arab-American com-munity has experienced a renewal of community activism to address long-standing stereotypes of Arab Americans. Strategic philanthropy is one powerful way to promote a positive image of Arab-American participation in our country’s civic life. Through philanthropy, Arab Americans are telling their own story about their contributions as Americans and are building institutions to support Arab-American history, culture and leadership. They are saying that when we give strategically, we strengthen the whole community.

Philanthropy

The voluntary giving of charitable

donations or time in support of the

common good.

An engaging, sustained activity

aimed at permanent social change.

This publication profiles five Arab-American philanthropistswho have inspired others through their leadership in giving and volunteerism. They give passionately with individual goals but a common commitment: empowering the Arab-American community. One message is clear: Arab Americans cannot afford to sit on the sidelines. Get involved. Whatever way you can, make a difference in our communities, our country and our world.

This publication also highlights the important trends in Arab-American philanthropy as well as giving strategies and resources. We hope that you will be inspired by these stories and resources to give more deeply of your time and money. Now is the time to build upon the strength of the Arab-American community, and to forge new opportunities for individuals and the community.

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What is Arab-American philanthropy?• Arab-American giving priorities include supporting

their families, religious institutions, education, youth development and humanitarian aid

• Arab-American giving is motivated by a strong cultural commitment to family and community

• Donors give to mainstream organizations, Arab-American organizations, and international causes

“Generosity is not giving me that

which I need more than you do, but it

is giving me that which you need more than I do.” – Kahlil Gibran

What factors do Arab Americans consider when donating?• Arab Americans give when there is a personal

relationship and trust has been built

• Arab Americans carefully consider the leadership, accountability, programs and reputation of an organization before giving

• After the attacks of September 11, 2001, Arab Americans focus on well-respected, well-known organizations in the community as a hedge against being targeted for their philanthropy

How do Arab Americans give?• Arab Americans give primarily through cash donations,

rather than the full range of financial vehicles

• Arab Americans give generously of their time, but do not usually label this as “volunteering”

• Arab Americans give generously in response to crises, particularly to civil liberties causes in the United States and humanitarian concerns in the Arab world

Giving StrategiesStrategic giving builds community by strengthening the Arab-American voice and by addressing the challenges faced by Arab Americans—and all Americans in need. You can give strategically in many different ways:

• Regularly donate cash or assets to an effective Arab-American organization or to mainstream organizations

• Volunteer your time in the Arab-American or mainstream community

• Establish a giving circle with your friends and family, coordinating your giving on behalf of local community organizations

• Start a giving program at your business that includes grants to Arab-American organizations and other non-profits

• Establish a private foundation for you and your family to focus your giving

• Establish a charitable trust, designating one or more non-profits or educationalinstitutions as the beneficiary

• Designate a non-profit organization as thebeneficiary of an insurance policy

Houeida’s philosophy is that you do not need to be wealthy to give. “If you cannot give money, you can give your time and expertise” she says. And she does, using her professional experience and time to make a lasting impact. “It is important to balance your professional life and to give back to community organizations. Our community cannot afford to not utilize our professional talent to the maximum.” Currently the Deputy General Counsel for Inova Health System in Northern Virginia, and Adjunct Professor at the Washington College of Law at Amer-ican University, Houeida always finds time to give.“Every year I dedicate time to a non-profit organiza-tion that can benefit from my work,” Houeida says.

Houeida’s philanthropic work began as a nurse working in international relief. Her passion is health and human rights. She is currently completing a pro bono project for the ADC Research Institute on the Violations of International Law in Lebanon during the 2006 war. “Arab Americans must participate in the legal and political process as a community. We cannot be complacent and assume others will protect our civil and human rights.” Houeida notes. As an immigrant herself, Houeida appreciates what this country has given her. “Americans give whether through their work, wealth or wisdom, and I want to be a part of that,” she says. And judging by her actions, she is.

collaboration

Houeida SaadWashington, DC

Since obtaining her law degree in 1992, Houeida Saad has given an enormous amount of her time,

energy and money to defending hu-man rights. In a landmark case in 1999, Houeida represented a Palestinian man detained on secret evidence while in de-portation proceedings. Houeida donated over 2,000 hours and sold her house to finance her work because she believedin protecting due process and the con-stitutional rights of all people. “My client had no where else to turn,” says Houeida. After 19 months in custody, her client was released and the case set legal precedent when a federal judge held that detention based on secret evidence is a violation of due process.

Saad on her research mission in Khaim, Lebanon in November, 2006.

the Library and Chamber of Commerce boards and recently started a Community Foundation in Ply-mouth to support local non-profits. Jim says, “When I get involved, I wear my na-tionality on my arm. A lot of people are afraid to do that. But when you get involved as an Arab American, people look at you differently and, by being involved, you break down the barriers and the discrimination that some people have about Arabs.” Jim not only gives of his own time and financialsupport, particularly to the Salvation Army, but he uses his skills and experience to make the greatest impact on the community. “Giving time is an indica-tion of your support and is an opportunity to be in-volved in your community. For those who are unable to give their time, we ask for their financial support.I believe that we take what life has to offer and give some of it back.”

Jim’s commitment to giving back to his community began as a teenager in his father’s grocery store in a small town in northern Michigan. “Our father was a very generous person. In a lot of instances, he gave credit to people, though he knew in his heart that he would not get paid.” Jim’s father instilled in him a sense of responsibility to community. He also taught his children the value of service and hard work. “Having been raised as a first generationAmerican with a strong work ethic was a plus that I did not realize until later in life.” Jim first started giving back as a young man inGrand Rapids by helping elderly neighbors with outdoor chores in the winter and the summer. Since moving to Plymouth, Michigan in 1959, Jim has started a Kiwanis Club, served on the board of directors of the Salvation Army for over 30 years, spent 16 years on the City Commission, served on

For Jim Jabara, the third child in a family of seven, philanthropy begins at home. “I start with the

community and try to set an example for others. Eventually, you can make changes in your community and the surrounding areas. Change does not happen overnight.”

Jim JabaraPlymouth, MI

community

From the moment Wafa Salah ar-rived in the United States, she has been directing her energy

and money to support organizations working for the good of Arabs and Arab Americans. Whether it is the United Holy Land Fund, the Detroit Chapter of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimina-tion Committee or ACCESS and the Arab American National Museum, Wafa is investing in building institutions that support, strengthen and share the story of the Arab-American community. successWafa’s philanthropic passion was shaped by her experience with the 1967 war. “I saw the Palestin-ian refugees wading across the Jordan River with their belongings on their backs, escaping the war. This scene has been imprinted on my mind. The tragedy of the Palestinian people has affected my entire life.” Wafa has spent countless hours raising funds and supporting organizations that are building the capacity of the Arab-American community. “As a community, we constantly have to prove ourselves, and this does not happen by doing nothing. We have to be involved in order to make a better life for our children and ourselves,” Wafa says. “I am very focused in my giving and volunteerism. In part, this is why I have achieved something.”

Wafa does more than get involved, she is a lead-er in giving and fundraising, especially for the Arab American National Museum (AANM). Currently, Wafa chairs the Friends of the AANM committee in the greater Detroit area, a committee that has raised over $500,000 for the AANM in the last two years. “We are founding something, an institution that the community is proud of. It is incredibly rewarding when I see a goal materialize and I know that I have accomplished something. What a great feeling.” “I feel very blessed. I have had the opportu-nity to meet some wonderful people and have made some incredible friends through my involvement. I have so many dreams for the future, and I hope to do so much more for our community.”

Wafa SalahBloomfield Hills, MI

Sam SaadNaples, FL

Most recently, Saad was active with the Network for Arab-American Professionals (NAAP) in Washing-ton, D.C., an organization bringing together Arab-American professionals for networking, celebration of Arab-American culture, and community service. For two years, Saad was the coordinator of the D.C. chapter, the political director and the chair of NAAP’s ART TV show. At the peak of his involvement, Saad was volunteering over 20 hours a week, in addition to his full time job as special assistant to the Solicitor at the Department of Labor. “I could have just written a check to NAAP, so they would have money. But, I said I am going to every meeting, I am going to be there. I am going to do what I can.” Saad approaches all of his giving strategically. “I like to be involved and on the ground to see that my decisions and my money are being used wisely. And,

If Sam Saad was to put a bumper stick-er on his car, it would simply read “Get ’er done!” A third generation

Lebanese American, Sam’s activism began as a child when he handed out stickers and candy in parades for local candidates. Since that time, he never passes up an op-portunity to share the concerns of Arab Americans with policy makers.

I feel personally more fulfilled when I’m involved. Iwould rather give my blood, sweat and tears.” Most importantly, Saad understands that change does not happen in communities overnight. “Why should we get involved in our community? Because it is our community. Your community is your neighborhood, your town, your state, your country and the whole world, and in that order,” Saad says. “Leave a mark, no matter how small, on the society around you.” Saad believes that the Arab-American commu-nity can build strength by getting involved. “When it comes to integrating into American culture, par-ticipation is the key. Do something, volunteer for an organization you think does good work, write checks to organizations doing good work, or start your own organization. That is the social fabric of America.”

service

It was during the 1980’s, when Betty and Jim became more established that they began to contribute significantly to educational andcultural organizations. “Jim guided and edu-

cated me,” Betty says. “I was more cautious than he. He was convinced that in order to have the kind of impact that we wanted on how our money should be spent, it should be a significant amount.” With a strong commitment to education and a consciousness of their heritage, the Sams have given to their alma maters to provide programming and curriculum on the Arab world. Betty says, “With the funds we established at the educational institu-tions, we always gave them flexibility. We do notlock them solely into programming on the Middle East, but we advise that those are our interests. All have respected our wishes.” At Northwestern University, the Sams funded a speaker’s program with experts on the Middle East. Through the Sam’s giving, Smith College digitized a collection of photos from the Middle East from the 1800’s to the 1940’s. A portion of a faculty salary

underwrites a course on the Middle East at Sidwell Friends School in Washington. The University of Michigan Law School has used the fund for in-ternational conferences, scholarship aid and course development. “There is little knowledge about the Arab world, the people or the issues, and if we cannot address these as Arab Americans through volunteer efforts, or through strengthening ex-isting educational institutions, then who will?” Betty says. In addition to giving to educational institutions and the Arab world, Betty gives to organizations where she has a strong personal commitment, such as the Washington National Opera, the Smithsonian Ameri-can Art Museum and The Grameen Foundation. Betty’s commitment is more than just giving money. “Jim and I have always been workers, as well as givers. The good news is that our younger generation is becoming more and more involved in how funds are spent. It is encouraging more trans-parency in organizations and responsible leadership at all levels.”

Betty SamsBethesda, MD

Shortly after marrying, Betty Sams and her late husband Jim became involved in community activities.

Though without many resources at the time, Jim, a tax attorney, volunteered count-less hours in the 1960’s and 1970’s providing professional advice for new organizations that addressed needs in the Arab world and co-founded American Near East Refugee Aid, an organization still providing hu-manitarian services to Palestinian and other refugees in the Arab world.vision

The National Network for Arab American Communities (NNAAC) is a network of local, independent Arab-American social service organizations. The Network’s primary mission is the development of institutions that can meet the needs and represent the concerns of Arab Americans locally, while collectively addressing these concerns nationally. The Network supports the development of financially strong and effectively man-aged community-based organizations through a broad range of programs. By leverag-ing the collective efforts of its members, the Network is able to improve the lives of local communities, and empower the Arab-American community nationally. The Collaborative for Arab-American Philanthropy, a Network program, is the firstinitiative to build community strength by supporting strategic philanthropy in the Arab-American community. The Network encourages service and volunteerism through the National Arab-American Service Day, held annually in 15 cities across the country. The Network is a project of the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) in Dearborn, Michigan. For more information about strategic giving, resources and assistance contact the Collaborative for Arab-American Philanthropy at:

2601 Saulino Court • Dearborn, Michigan 48120www.nnaac.org

Jamie Kim, Director, Collaborative for Arab-American Philanthropy (313) 842-7010 • jkim@accesscommunity.org

Major support for this publication was contributed by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the C.S Mott Foundation.

Arab American Action NetworkChicago, IL

Arab Cultural and Community Center San Francisco, CA

American-Arab Heritage CouncilFlint, MI

Arab American Community CenterOrlando, FL

AACCESSCleveland, OH

Arab-American Cultural and Community CenterHouston, TX

Access California ServicesAnaheim, CA

Alif InstituteAtlanta, GA

ACCESSDearborn, MI

Arab-American Family Support CenterBrooklyn, NY

GLAASSLansing, MI

Philadelphia Arab-American Community Development Corp. Philadelphia, PA

Arab American Association of New YorkBrooklyn, NY

Arab American Family ServicesChicago, IL

PARTNERING ORGANIZATION

Arab American Institute FoundationWashington, DC

M E M B E R S