Announcement about the 2nd Uyghur Congress

George Washington University
Marvin Center
Washington, DC
12:00 - 6:00 p.m., May 28, 2000

According to its charter, the Board of Directors (BODs) of the Uyghur American Association (UAA) holds a congress every two years. The second Uyghur Congress will be hosted at Marvin Center, George Washington University on May 28, 2000, from 12:00 pm - 6:00 p.m.

Since its establishment two years ago, UAA has contributed significantly to the increased visibility and recognition of Uyghur issue in the United States of America as well as other part of the world. It is the UAA's effort that the Uyghur population in the US had dramatically increased in the past two years. More importantly, obtaining legal residency has become easy. First time in history our countrymen back home hear Uyghur voices coming from the US and feel that they are not forgotten! First time in history, Uyghur issue has been brought up to the US congress, Senates and the United Nations by the American government officials.

These are not small things, and it is wrong to think that they have come easily. We achieved these because we organized ourselves as a collective power. American society is based on principles and disciplines that are expressed through organizations. That is why American government recognizes and honors organization. Without our organization, it would be impossible for us to achieve what we have achieved. As an organization can we do what we are not able to do as individuals.

Our accomplishments have opened the door for greater opportunities. However, UAA has yet to overcome the unique challenge that arising from our limited resources. We are a small community scattered all over the country. We all have to take care of our jobs and family on top of our obligation to UAA. As you are all aware, prioritizing between these different responsibilities is a challenge.

However, no matter how big is the challenge, if we stand together and work together, we can meet the challenge and make a difference! The door for us just opened here, we can not afford to close it. We are the hope of our people. We have to recognize this and make our organization stronger, more mature and accountable. It needs tremendous sacrifice but it is worth to do so.

This congress provides an opportunity for us to demonstrate that we have a respected organization and can do things in an organized way. If we do not take ourselves seriously, we might suffer the consequences. If we do not care about ourselves, nobody will. That is why nobody knew Uyghurs until we started to make our voice heard. Your participation in this event is very important. Your voice counts!

The congress will review UAA's past performance and discuss and set future goals for UAA. The congress will also re-elect a board of directors for UAA. As before, the nominees will be produced by self-nomination among the people who live in the United States of America. Every nominee has to prepare a nominee statement to introduce him/herself and propose his vision for the organization. The speech should not exceed 10 minutes due to the time constrains. The nominees have to submit their statement and mail it by May 1, 2000 to:

Turdi Ghoja
120 Estates Blvd Apt. 186
Hamilton, NJ 08610
Email: tudih@aol.com

The congress will mainly be conducted in Uyghur language; however, speeches can be given in English. Board of Directors encourages every one of our communities with lofty ideals to nominate him/herself for the board of directors. Participants may register by completing the Registration Form enclosed, printing it and then mailing it by May 20, 2000 to:

Murat Quadir
1517 Fairway Dr. Apt. 202
Naperville, IL 60563
Phone: (630) 548-6306
Email: mquadir@nalco.com

For the congress expenses, UAA board of directors ask each Uyghur family to contribute $50.00, each single person $40.00. The donation is tax deducible. UAA will acknowledge and provide a receipt for your donation for tax purposes. Please make every effort to attend the 2nd UYGHUR CONGRESS. UAA's success depends on your support and donation.

Sincerely,

Board of Directors Uyghur American Association