[link removed] [[link removed]] Dear John,
We are thrilled to share some exciting news [[link removed]] out of Colorado! Thanks to the tireless organizing of our Colorado chapter and the leadership of Iranian-American Rep. Yara Zokaie [[link removed]] and Palestinian-American Rep. Iman Jodeh [[link removed]] , the state has officially added a MENASA (Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian) box to government forms. This is a huge victory for representation and inclusion in Colorado!
Why This Matters
Representation for our communities is crucial at all levels of government. For too long, Iranian Americans and other Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian (MENASA/SWANA) communities have been left out of official data and government recognition. This win in Colorado is a direct result of grassroots organizing and is part of a broader campaign that NIAC and many partners have been waging nationwide.
A National Movement for Recognition
This victory builds on major progress at the federal level. Last year, after decades of research, education, and advocacy by NIAC and many others, the U.S. Census Bureau announced that the 2030 Census will officially include a Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) category-with “Iranian” as a subcategory! Read more about this historic federal win. [[link removed]]
Why Data Collection Matters
Adding a MENA/MENASA category to government forms and surveys will finally address the significant gaps in research and policymaking on issues like socioeconomic conditions, civic engagement, and health disparities that impact our communities. Aggregating health data through MENA collection, for example, will help policymakers and researchers better understand and serve our needs. See our Instagram post on the benefits of MENA health data collection. [[link removed]]
Get Involved
This is what building power looks like-grassroots organizing, community leadership, and real policy change. Thank you for being part of this movement. Join a chapter [[link removed]] if you haven't yet. Together, we will continue to fight for visibility, representation, and justice for Iranian Americans and all MENASA/SWANA communities. support this work [[link removed]]
In solidarity,
The NIAC Action Organizing Department
Further Reading & Resources:
* MENA Identity: Why It Matters [[link removed]]


* NIAC’s Work on MENA Inclusion in California [[link removed]]
unsubscribe: [link removed]