NO. 1
WASHINGTON, DC — American Hellenic Institute (AHI) released an article authored by AHI President Nick Larigakis titled, “The Greek American Community and the Need to be Engaged in the Political Process,” which will appear in AHI’s forthcoming publication, The Future of Hellenism in America: Selected Conference Papers.
Larigakis presents how the Greek American community’s political and civic engagement, and advocacy efforts, have evolved since the community first organized in the early 20th century. However, Larigakis argues that despite a handful of policy achievements, there is still much more the Greek American community must do to become a more effective and active presence in policy circles, including enhanced support for Greek American organizations focused on foreign policy and geopolitical issues.
“We need the active engagement of Greek Americans who employ hundreds and thousands of American workers in their grocery stores, restaurants, real estate companies, construction companies, investment firms, law offices, medical offices, in the political process,” Larigakis writes. “This is especially crucial, as these persons are usually well respected, admired, and are viewed as leaders in their local communities and congressional districts.”