Dear John,

This past summer I had the pleasure of connecting with NIAC when they profiled me and my first book, Funny in Farsi, as part of their #IAAuthor Series. Amidst the flurry of emails and phone calls with NIAC's young staff, I saw that NIAC is more than just an advocate for the Iranian-American community. They are our biggest champions, our most avid cheerleaders, and our best hope of ensuring that Iranian Americans have a voice as we strive to create our version of the American Dream.

As we face discrimination and demonization, it is imperative that we celebrate our community and culture as we build our capacity to better engage in civic life. But to do so, we must unite in the face of our shared struggles. This is why I'm so proud to premiere NIAC's short film showcasing the richness and diversity of our community—from industry trailblazers to burgeoning leaders to those courageous enough to love who they love unabashedly. 

Despite their varied stories, one common thread has guided each of them to NIAC: love for our community and an eagerness to celebrate the culture that binds us all. The video is a testament not just to the beauty of the Iranian-American experience, but also to the resolve of NIAC's young staff as they work every day to protect our community's pursuit of the American Dream.

The production also introduces the young, progressive Iranian-Americans who walk with purpose into the NIAC office every day. The rising stars that make up NIAC are as diverse as the community they work for, but in many ways, they are no different than our own friends and families. Every day, just as we do, they ready their children for school, craft meals with their partners, find refuge in bookstores, and cheer for their favorite sports teams.

I hope you enjoy this powerful production and are moved to both share it and support the work of NIAC's burgeoning stars. For years, NIAC has invested in our community—and as our next generation of leaders take the reins, your investment in NIAC today ensures they can continue championing our community, celebrating our culture, and cultivating Iranian-American civic life for decades to come.

Warm Regards, 

Firoozeh Dumas
New York Times Bestselling Author

PS - Make sure to look for the star of the video, my dog. I actually have two rescued dogs and a cat. That's not very Iranian of me, but we really are a diverse community. Some of us may have too many pets, which is not intended to keep my relatives away. They visit anyway.