Principally as a result of political circumstances and the state of U.S. - Iran relations over the past three decades, the image of Iranians, and by extension Iranian Americans, has diminished. As such, our community will benefit from efforts to project an accurate and positive public image that reflects our accomplishments and contributions as Americans, and the many positive and enduring aspects of our Iranian heritage. PAAIA is the first organization with a central focus on proactive image building on behalf of the Iranian American community on a national scale.
PAAIA's image building objectives are to:
- celebrate the success of the Iranian American community and project an accurate and positive image of Iranian Americans that truly reflects our values and achievements as one of the most highly accomplished immigrant groups in the United States;
- foster greater understanding of the Iranian American community and its Persian heritage through various educational and media outreach strategies aimed at American political, business, community and thought leaders, as well as the American public at large; and
- counter and overcome negative media stereotyping of Iranians and Iranian Americans, and to lead, promote and support anti-defamation efforts on behalf of the Iranian American community.
