MISSION

To advance the Afghan-American community through education and outreach, and promote civic and social engagement.

VISION

A supportive, empowered, and engaged Afghan-American community.

HISTORY

In 2014, eight Afghan-Americans pioneered what the diaspora lacked for years – a safe space for candid discussions about the issues most pertinent to us. Historically, our community came together almost exclusively in social settings, including weddings, concerts, picnics, and sporting events. However, these gatherings were not conducive to serious discussions about the state of our community. Too often, taboo topics get swept under the proverbial Afghan rug, never approached.

In early 2015, we launched the Afghan-American Conference (AAC) at the University of California, Berkeley.  AAC provided a forum for our community to address these difficult topics in a respectful, forward-thinking manner. The conference was a grassroots effort at shedding light on these pressing issues, inspiring action, sharing resources, and activating change from within the community. What was intended to be a one-time conference, turned into an annual event. AAC held annual conferences being held from 2015 to 2019, a virtual conference in 2021, and switched gears back to in-person conferences in 2022.

The discussions, connections and solutions surfacing from AAC further amplified the need for something bigger. In 2019, the organization once known as AAC transitioned to the Afghan-American Community Organization (AACO), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, dedicated to advancing the Afghan-American community through education and outreach, and promoting civic and social engagement through the annual conference and beyond. 

CORE VALUES

• Inclusivity: Build a sense of community by respecting and valuing the diversity of the Afghan-American community, create a safe space to learn and grow, and vow to amplify marginalized voices. 

• Excellence: Lift up our community to excel in personal, academic, and professional development, and promote access to opportunity and prosperity.

• Engagement: Be active participants in the American political and social landscape, and advocate for causes important to our community.