naap faqs

www.naaponline.org | www.facebook.com/naapnational | www.twitter.com/naapnational

NAAP FAQs

July 2013

1. What is NAAP?

NAAP is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, volunteer based organization dedicated to the development of a prosperous and influential Arab-American community connected through our national network.

2. What is NAAP’s vision? A prosperous and influential Arab-American community connected through our national network.

3. What is NAAPs mission?

To connect, mobilize and empower our people.

4. How do we achieve our mission?

By channeling the interests, talents and passions of our members through social, cultural, professional, political and service initiatives.

5. What are our goals?

We have 5 goals that propel us towards achieving our vision:

1) Promote professional networking and social interaction among Arab-American and Arab professionals in the US and abroad


2) Educate both the Arab-American and non-Arab communities about Arab culture, identity, and concerns

3) Advance the Arab American community by empowering, protecting and promoting its political causes and interests in the US and abroad within all levels of society

4) Support the Arab student movement in the United States 5) Serve society through volunteerism and community service efforts

6. What are our values?

We are grounded in these values:

• Community orientation • Investing in ourselves • Unity in our diversity • Principled & responsible organizing • Inclusiveness • Volunteerism

7. Does NAAP take political stances or get involved politically?

One of NAAP’s objectives is to advance our community’s political causes and issues.

We strive for community empowerment, regardless of differing opinions. While we are non-partisan in terms of party politics, we publically voice our opinions and take a stand on issues that are important to the Arab-American community at home and around the world.

8. Who is NAAP National, vs. the local NAAP Chapters?

NAAP is structured as a federation model with a national entity that governs the vision, mission, policies and direction of the national network. Local chapters are separate legal entities which advance that direction through local organizing.


NAAP National consists of a National Board and a National Assembly which acts as the NAAP ‘Congress’ or national legislative body and is comprised of delegates from each chapter.

This model ensures a symbiotic and mutually supportive relationship between the NAAP National entity and local chapters.

9. When was NAAP Founded?

In 2001, a group of college students in Washington DC founded NAAP to provide graduating Arab students with a means to continue their community activism and involvement after college.

These recent grads sought to channel their energies into community advancement, while also developing their skills and networks in the professional arena.

10. What is a “Professional”?

The term “Professionals” in NAAP is not meant as an exclusive title relating to specific industries; rather it is an inclusive designation that embraces all individuals from all socio-economic levels and job fields.

For us, a professional is anyone that takes pride in his or her commitment to excellence and conducts him or herself in a respectable, dignified manner.

naap faqs

News & Politics