American Hellenic Council of California

Position Announcement – Executive Director (Part-Time)

Position Description:

The American Hellenic Council (AHC) is seeking a dynamic, energetic, responsible, and self-starting individual to serve as its Executive Director on a part-time basis. The Executive Director will serve as the face of the AHC, and liaison between the Board of Directors, public officials, and community members. The individual should have familiarity with the Greek Communities of California, and with the major issues identified for political advocacy for Greece, Cyprus, and Hellenes around the world.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Working closely with the AHC President and Board of Directors, support the development and implementation of the organization’s strategic plan, annual priorities, and critical issue areas for action or advocacy.
  • Assist the Board President and Advocacy Committee with coordinating outreach to elected officials and their staff on advocacy priorities, coordinate in-person and virtual meetings with legislative offices, work with relevant Board members to develop talking points and meeting materials.
  • Staff office, handle all administrative responsibilities including responding to phone calls and emails on behalf of the organization.
  • Maintain organizational contact lists in Constant Contact and draft, format, and distribute biweekly newsletter.
  • Revise, maintain, and update the AHC Website using WordPress. Work with Board members and other partners to develop written articles and other content relevant to the organization’s mission for the website.
  • Handle all membership activities on an ongoing basis, including renewal of membership status, collection of dues, updating donor lists, etc. Implement a system for automating dues payment and donations via the AHC Website.
  • Spearhead donor development efforts, build new relationships and expand fundraising partnerships and opportunities in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
  • Collaborate with partner organizations in organizing joint events.
  • Coordinate and implement all aspects of the organization’s Annual Awards Gala. This includes supporting the Board in securing honorees, reserving location, coordinating food, decorations, program development, videos, invitations, seating, fundraising, etc.

Requirements:

Proven record of working independently while exercising good judgment and professionalism; strong writing and research skills; excellent communication skills; ability to work with elected officials, community organizations, and members of the public; and proficiency with traditional office software programs.

Preferred:  A degree from an accredited college or university; minimum of two (2) years professional experience in political advocacy, public affairs, or related field.

Schedule:     

Hours are flexible. Support will be needed as follows:

  • Part-time (50%) ten (10) months per year;
  • Full-time (100%) two (2) months per year (leading up to annual Gala Fundraiser)

*Note: Monthly meetings of Board of Directors and occasional other events will be on weekends or after business hours.

Salary:

  • 50% time: $2000/month
  • 100% time $4000/month

Telework:

This is a hybrid position. The individual may work remotely at the direction of the Board of Directors. In-person presence will be required for monthly meetings and occasional other events and convenings on an as-needed basis.

How to Apply:

Qualified candidates should submit cover letter and resume to ychassiakos@outlook.com

All applications will be screened by the Search Committee of the AHC Board of Directors; all information will be kept confidential by the Board of Directors and not released to the public or the general membership without written consent of the applicant.

About the AHC:

The American Hellenic Council is a 501(c)3 non-partisan political advocacy organization established in 1974 with the goal of promoting democracy, human rights, peace, and stability in Southern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean, with an emphasis on Greece and Cyprus. Since its inception, the American Hellenic Council has been the focal point of political activities of Greek Americans in California. The AHC has become an effective and respected political lobbying group whose sole purpose is to advocate the U.S. Congress for the protection and promotion of Greek-American interests

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Andreas Farmakalidis

Farmakalidis Andreas and Family

Andreas Farmakalidis, a longtime Los Angeles resident, and member of the AHC announced recently his intention to run for Los Angeles Unified School District Board in District 3, comprising of several areas in the San Fernando Valley..

The AHC is proud for Andreas’ venture into public life and urges its members who vote in the LAUSD District 3 to support his candidacy in the upcoming elections. Andreas brings a wealth of experience and dedication to education, making him a strong contender for the upcoming elections. With a proven track record in education advocacy and a deep-rooted commitment to enhancing the quality of education for all students, Farmakalidis is poised to make a significant impact in District 3.

As an educator with 15 years of experience, Farmakalidis has demonstrated his passion for fostering innovative learning environments. His tenure as music educator in all levels of education, business owner, LAUSD vendor, rotarian, freemason and executive director of the chamber of commerce, underscores his unwavering commitment to promoting student success and educational equity.

Farmakalidis, hailing from Cyprus, is deeply rooted in his Greek heritage. Raised by both Greek parents, his upbringing was immersed in the rich culture of music, sparking his passion for it at a young age. He delved into music studies early on, finding joy in playing Greek melodies in several instruments mainly piano, percussion and bass. At 18, he fulfilled his mandatory military service, joining the Greek army, where his musical talents led him to become a respected officer in the military band. Beyond music, Andreas has a penchant for Greek and Cypriot cuisine, indulging in cooking these traditional dishes. His musical journey expanded to collaborations with renowned Greek singers, and upon relocating to California, he engaged in shows and partnerships with the globally acclaimed Greek vocalist, Alexia Vassiliou, further amplifying his musical footprint.

Farmakalidis’ vision for LAUSD District 3 encompasses fostering an inclusive educational environment where every child has access to quality education. His priorities are strengthening support for music and arts programs essential for holistic development and enhancing resources for special education to ensure tailored learning experiences  for all. Moreover he aims to maintain fiscal responsibility to sustain these initiatives, ensuring equitable distribution of resources. His innovative strategies aim to create an inclusive, supportive, and high-achieving educational system for every student in the district.

As the election approaches, Andreas Farmakalidis stands ready to bring positive change and meaningful progress to LAUSD District 3. We invite you to learn more about his vision for edu–cation and the community.  The AHC endorses Andreas’ efforts and encourages our members to go out and vote and support his candidacy. For more information, reach out to @farmakalidis, his website or his campaign at 818-450-6014.

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Greek Independence Day

On behalf of the American Hellenic Council, I would like to pay tribute to the 202nd Anniversary of Greek Independence Day! March 25th is known to all Greek Orthodox Christians as the commemoration of the Annunciation of the Theotokos! It also marks the beginning of the Greek War of Independence! On this day, Bishop Germanos raised the flag of the revolution at the Monastery of Agia Lavra! The slogan of “Freedom or Death” became the slogan to free the Greek people of some 400 years under the Ottoman yoke.

With the help of the naval fleets of France, Britain and Russia, the Ottoman fleet was defeated at the famous Battle of Navarino. This ultimately would lead to Greek Independence declared in the Treaty of Edirne.

America’s early fathers praised the Greek War of Independence and victory. In the words of Thomas Jefferson, “No people sympathise more feeling than ours with the sufferings of your countrymen, none offer more sincere and ardent prayers to heaven for their success!”

Today, President Joe Biden issued an important proclamation on Greek Independence Day as “A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy.” He continued in stating that “the alliance between Greece and the United States has never been stronger!  As Greece and the United States meet the future together, the ties of family and the contributions of Greek Americans continue to strengthen our partnership at every turn.”

Senator Bob Menendez, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Senator John Barrasso introduced a bi-partisan Senate resolution commemorating the anniversary of Greek Independence Day!

On this Day of National Celebration, the American Hellenic Council call upon all Greek Americans to commemorate the memory of the heroes of the revolution and continue to be vigilant to protect against any future threat to Greece.

ZHTO ELLAS!
Dr. Jim Dimitriou
President & Chairman

 

Greece, personified as a woman in the painting, surrounded by fighters of the Greek War of Independence. “Grateful Hellas” by Theodoros Vryzakis, 1858. Credit: Public Domain

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“National Day of Remembrance” of the terrorist attack on 9/11

We must never forget the great tragedy suffered on this day 21 years ago when terrorists hijackers flew planes into the World Trade Center. This dark day in American history witnessed almost 3000 people killed that included the destruction of the historic St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and the deaths of 39 Greek Americans!
This year, however, also is a time of renewal of our faith and commitment when on July 4th, we joined with Archbishop Elpidophoros in the dedication of the beautiful “St. Nicholas National Shrine” as a symbol of peace and reflection for all Greek Orthodox Americans.

The Hellenic American Council continues to be dedicated to this spirit of peace and righteousness as we honor the memory of those lost during this tragedy. We further stand committed to working on strengthening United States and Greece relations to promote peace through strength & common purpose!

Dr. James F. Dimitriou
President & Chairman
American Hellenic Council

 

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Commemorating the 1955 Pogrom – The Istanbul Riots of September 6 – 7

On behalf of the Hellenic American Council, we are committed to supporting and participating in the Commemoration of the September 6-7 1955 Pogrom. This historical tragedy is most important and we must never forget.  We cannot be silent regarding the horrific events that were directly instigated by the Turkish State against the Greek Community of Istanbul. This attack was unprovoked and deliberate aiming at Greek owned businesses, homes, churches and even cemeteries. These were government instigated riots with hundreds of rioters were bused into the city with the purpose of eradicating the Greek Population that had lived there for over two and half thousand years!  Dozens were killed, more were beaten and raped as thousands of stores and homes were destroyed!

The monumental book, “The Mechanism of Catastrophe” was brilliantly written and extensively researched and chronicled by the late UCLA Professor Spero Vryonis. He believed that we must never forget these events and shares the stories of this tragedy along with some 1500 photos!  We are proud to say that Dr. Vryonis was founding member of original “The Save Cyprus Council” that was the predecessor of our “American Hellenic Council.’ As a tribute to Professor Vryonis we must be sure that his legacy continues and is supported!

From a personal standpoint our family suffered directly from the pogrom that saw our families’ homes, businesses and even graves and monuments destroyed. Let us not forget the memory of those that lost so much and gave their lives.

We encourage everyone to watch the informative short video below and continue our support for the commemorative efforts by the Consulate General of Greece.

Respectfully,

Dr. James F. Dimitriou

President & Chairman

American Hellenic Council

 

 

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Commemorating the 4th of July on behalf of the American Hellenic Council

We are uniquely honored on this 4th of July to celebrate our 200 years of friendship through World Wars, conflicts, threats, and a sense of common purpose and unity that has united our nations through two centuries!  The “Age of Pericles” had a unique impact on America’s Founding Fathers and especially, President Thomas Jefferson at the time of the birth of our nation!  In World War II, it was Greece that provided the first victory of fascism and totalitarian rule!  On that basis, it was President Harry S. Truman that developed the Truman Doctrine to aid Greece at a critical time and the Marshall Plan to rebuild a nation devastated by war!  The Truman Statue and the Marshall Memorial stand tall for Greeks to see and be reminded of this lasting friendship! The strength of this lasting friendship was clearly evident in the address of Prime Minister Mitsotakis to a Joint Session of Congress last month where his theme emphasized how Greece remains a faithful ally of the United States in vision, strength and commitment to freedom!

Re-emphasizing the 200 years of courage, friendship and common destiny is clearly observed in the words of the newly appointed United States Ambassador to Greece, the Honorable George J. Tsunis in celebrating America’s Birthday:

“Today, we celebrate America’s declaration of independence.  We celebrate the quest of a nation and a diverse group of people – representing all walks of life, sexuality, beliefs, and faith – who were united 246 years ago and remain united by a shared dream of equality and the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness for all.

This dream of democracy was born right here in Athens.  It was here that, for the first time in the history of the world, everyday citizens were empowered and ennobled as stewards of their collective destiny.  They were charged with protecting the democratic rights and freedoms of their society and putting them in service to the greater good of all.

Since the golden age of Pericles, the light of this democracy has guided the world’s path forward, dispelling the darkness of tyranny however menacingly it threatened.

This dream of democracy inspired the founding of the United States. It sparked the friendship of Thomas Jefferson and Adamantios Korais.  It united our peoples – as many brave Americans joined Greeks and courageously fought by their side for Greece’s independence 201 years ago, with the cry of “Liberty or Death! It’s the promise we’ve shared ever since – that the flame of democracy would never die.”

Now is the time for America to share that special relationship and provide the much-needed F-35 Lightning II to Greece and to continue to support the efforts of former US Ambassador to Greece, Geoffrey Pyatt as Assistant Secretary of Energy to complete the much needed “Eastern Mediterranean Pipeline” for the future of Greece, the European Union and the United States!

Let Freedom Ring,

Dr. James F. Dimitriou

President & Chairman

American Hellenic Council

 

 

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Happy Greek Independence Day!
ZHTO ELLAS!

On behalf of the American Hellenic Council I would like to wish all Hellenes and Philhellenes a Happy 201st Anniversary of Greek Independence Day!

Ending 400 years of Ottoman rule, Greece rose up on this important day in history.  With the cry of “Eleftheria”, Freedom to end slavery, the Greek people were once again free!  As Thomas Jefferson said, Ancient Greece provided “The light which led ourselves out of Gothic darkness!”  Many American patriots were philhellenes that called out in support of freedom for Greece.  After 200 years, America & Greece have remained steadfast allies. Our Western Alliance is evident in NATO and the strategic naval base in Souda Bay, Crete.  As US Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt has stated, Greece remains the strongest “pillar of stability” in the Eastern Mediterranean. In the time of such unending tragedy in the Ukraine, Greece stands in support of the poor suffering people of Mariupol; especially the many suffering Greeks in need of relief over there.

It is a time that the American Hellenic Council continues its efforts to forge a strong alliance in support of the Hellenic Republic, the Congressional Hellenic Caucus and the pressing need to complete the East-Med Pipeline.

With your continued support we can continue the call for freedom and Greek-American relations!

Dr. James F. Dimitriou
President
American Hellenic Council

 

 

 

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House Set to Introduce Pappas’ Oxi Day Resolution

U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH) plans to introduce a bipartisan-backed congressional resolution to honor Greece’s resistance to Axis Powers in World War II.

“In honor of the Greek’s refusal to submit to fascism, and their integral role in the eventual downfall of the Axis powers, we invite you to cosponsor our bipartisan resolution, which supports the designation of October 28, 2021, as Oxi Day, and encourages related celebrations and commemorations around the world,” Rep. Pappas, wrote to House colleagues in a letter co-signed by Hellenic Caucus Co-Chairs U.S. Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Carolyn Maloney (D-NY).

On behalf of the American Hellenic Council, we are proud to support Representative Chris Pappas (D-NH) on his sponsorship of a Congressional Resolution recognizing October 28th as “Oxi Day” for Greece’s heroic stand against the Axis powers in World War II.

Dr.James F. Dimitriou
President & Chairman
American Hellenic Council

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The American Hellenic Council is proud to join with the International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA); the American Hellenic Institute (AHI); and the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) to commend Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-Nv) & members of the Congressional Caucus for introducing Amendment #579 into FY22 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of House Resolution 4350. This amendment seeks to identify the “Grey Wolves” activities against Greeks, Armenians, and others. This known ultra nationalist group routinely threatening the Ecumenical Patriarch as well as demonstrations burning him in effigy!

The AHC is proud to support Congresswoman Titus and other Greek American organizations in taking such strong action!

Dr.James F. Dimitriou
President & Chairman
American Hellenic Council

 

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