Afghan-American Community of Tampa Grant Program

Afghan-American Community of Tampa Grant Program is sponsored by Afghan-American Community of Tampa. Grant program offering financial, mental health, and academic support to Afghan-Americans, prioritizing those with socio-economic disadvantages.

Afghan-American Community Organization Academic and Professional Development Afghan-American Conference WE’LL SEE YOU IN LOS ANGELES AT AAC 2026! Join us at UCLA for the 11th Annual Afghan-American Conference, taking place September 25–27, 2026. Registered participants: Check the AAC 2026 App and your email for the latest conference updates and everything you need to know before arriving.

Stay tuned for updates and announcements. Visit Our FAQ to Learn More. bUILDING A SUPPORTIVE, EMPOWERED, AND ENGAGED AFGHAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY Advancing the Afghan-American community through education and outreach, and promote civic and social engagement We are dedicated to creating a supportive , empowered , and engaged community for Afghan-Americans and allies.

Since its founding, the Afghan-American Community Organization (AACO) has been a pillar of resilience and support, empowering Afghan communities locally and globally. In 2023, AACO took a significant leap by hiring its first paid staff to deepen its reach and impact.

Through initiatives like aiding earthquake recovery in Afghanistan and funding urgent medical relief in Gaza, AACO remains steadfast in its commitment to humanitarian support. In the U.S., AACO provides educational scholarships, laptops for Afghan newcomers, and hosts the Afghan-American Conference—a vital space for community engagement, advocacy, and unity. Join us in shaping a brighter future, together.

Learn more about OUR IMPACT Afghan Community Legal & Resource Clinic Join us on Sunday, September 20 in Stockton for free immigration legal consultations and community resources. Important Federal Lawsuit Challenging USCIS Immigration Benefit Holds & Delays 2024 Aac Comprehensive Survey Results We’ve earned our 2024 Gold Seal with Candid We are excited to share that AACO has received the esteemed Gold Seal of Transparency from Candid.

This recognition reflects our dedication to transparency and accountability in all our activities. The Gold Seal of Transparency highlights our commitment to offering clear, accurate, and accessible information to our stakeholders, including funders, nonprofit members, and the community we serve.

We are delighted to have achieved this milestone and remain committed to our mission with renewed dedication, knowing that our efforts contribute to a more transparent and equitable nonprofit sector.

⚖️ FREE Immigration Attorney Consultations • Dari/Pashto/English • June 6 • Sacramento Join us for the Sacramento Afghan Community Legal & Resource Clinic on Saturday, June 6, from 9:00 AM–4:00 PM at: 📍 DoubleTree by Hilton Sacramento Whether you have questions about your immigration case, need help connecting with community resources, or simply want to learn more about available services, we encourage you and your family to attend.

✅ FREE legal consultations with immigration attorneys (Dari, Pashto, and English available) ✅ Community Resource Fair ✅ FREE shuttle transportation available (details provided upon registration) We are excited to be joined by community partners including: • Jewish Family & Community Services – East Bay • California Immigration Project • CAIR Sacramento Valley/Central CA • World Relief Sacramento • Somali Bantu Association of America (SBAOA) • Immigration Institute of the Bay Area (IIBA) 🙌 We are also seeking volunteers to support registration, children's activities, logistics, and more.

Organizations are welcome to register for a resource table. tinyurl. com/saclegalclinic 🔹 Register to Volunteer or Table: tinyurl.

com/saclegalvolunteer Please help us spread the word throughout the community. We look forward to welcoming families, community members, and partners for a day of support, resources, and connection.

⚖️ FREE Immigration Attorney Consultations • Dari/Pashto/English • June 6 • Sacramento Join us for the Sacramento Afghan Community Legal & Resource Clinic on Saturday, June 6, from 9:00 AM–4:00 PM at: 📍 DoubleTree by Hilton Sacramento Whether you have questions about your immigration case, need help connecting with community resources, or simply want to learn more about available services, we encourage you and your family to attend.

✅ FREE legal consultations with immigration attorneys (Dari, Pashto, and English available) ✅ Community Resource Fair ✅ FREE shuttle transportation available (details provided upon registration) We are excited to be joined by community partners including: • Jewish Family & Community Services – East Bay • California Immigration Project • CAIR Sacramento Valley/Central CA • World Relief Sacramento • Somali Bantu Association of America (SBAOA) • Immigration Institute of the Bay Area (IIBA) 🙌 We are also seeking volunteers to support registration, children's activities, logistics, and more.

Organizations are welcome to register for a resource table. tinyurl. com/saclegalclinic 🔹 Register to Volunteer or Table: tinyurl.

com/saclegalvolunteer Please help us spread the word throughout the community. We look forward to welcoming families, community members, and partners for a day of support, resources, and connection.

⚖️ FREE Immigration Attorney Consultations • Dari/Pashto/English • June 6 • Sacramento Join us for the Sacramento Afghan Community Legal & Resource Clinic on Saturday, June 6, from 9:00 AM–4:00 PM at: 📍 DoubleTree by Hilton Sacramento Whether you have questions about your immigration case, need help connecting with community resources, or simply want to learn more about available services, we encourage you and your family to attend.

✅ FREE legal consultations with immigration attorneys (Dari, Pashto, and English available) ✅ Community Resource Fair ✅ FREE shuttle transportation available (details provided upon registration) We are excited to be joined by community partners including: • Jewish Family & Community Services – East Bay • California Immigration Project • CAIR Sacramento Valley/Central CA • World Relief Sacramento • Somali Bantu Association of America (SBAOA) • Immigration Institute of the Bay Area (IIBA) 🙌 We are also seeking volunteers to support registration, children's activities, logistics, and more.

Organizations are welcome to register for a resource table. tinyurl. com/saclegalclinic 🔹 Register to Volunteer or Table: tinyurl.

com/saclegalvolunteer Please help us spread the word throughout the community. We look forward to welcoming families, community members, and partners for a day of support, resources, and connection. 📣 Please help spread the word!

Join us for our upcoming regional community clinic in partnership with the Council on American Islamic Relations California and other organizations supporting the Afghan community.

⁠ Whether you're seeking support or looking to serve the community, there many are ways to get involved:⁠ ✅ Register as an attendee⁠ ✅ Register your organization to table and provide resources/information⁠ ✅ Volunteer at the event⁠ ⚖️ Immigration attorneys and translators available to discuss cases directly⁠ 🤝 Resource providers and community organizations⁠ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A family-friendly environment — families are welcome!

⁠ 🚌 Transportation available for those interested in attending within the Sacramento area⁠ This is an opportunity to connect, receive support, ask questions, and access important resources all in one place. ⁠ Register today and share with family, friends, and anyone who may benefit. Afghan-American Community Organization (AACO) statement on the tragic events at the Islamic Center of San Diego.

Link to donate to Amin Abdullah’s family in bio. Join us this Wednesday for an important discussion featuring national Afghan-American leaders, organizers, and attorneys who are shaping the future of our diaspora. They'll discuss the challenges faced by our community, the successes we've achieved, and building a collective vision for our community moving forward.

⁠ We look forward to seeing you there! Immigration Attorney and AACO Board of Directors member Spojmie Nasiri addresses misinformation on the recent federal court ruling of the travel ban impacting Afghan immigrants. Videos provided in Dari, Pashto, and English.

This week, AACO partnered with San Diego Unified School District’s Newcomer Support Center and @say_sandiego to host a Know Your Rights workshop on the Travel Ban and immigration enforcement at US airports. Over 100 community members joined in-person and virtually to get the information and tools they need to protect themselves and their families.

Know your rights: ICE/FBI Interactions & Detentions (Pashto):⁠ We created this guide to help community members understand what to do if they encounter ICE or if a loved one is detained. ⁠ Swipe through for key information on:⁠ • How families can prepare⁠ Save and share to help spread accurate information.

Know your rights: ICE/FBI Interactions & Detention (Dari/Farsi) ⁠ We have created this guide to help community members understand what to do if they encounter ICE or if a loved one is detained. ⁠ Swipe through for key information on:⁠ • How families can prepare⁠ Save and share to help spread this important information.

Know your rights: ICE/FBI Interactions & Detention (English) ⁠ We have created this guide to help community members understand what to do if they encounter ICE or if a loved one is detained. ⁠ Swipe through for key information on:⁠ • How families can prepare⁠ Save and share to help spread this important information. AACO is seeking passionate Afghan-Americans to join our Board of Directors.

If you have the expertise, vision, and commitment to help guide our work—strengthening our community, advancing justice, building partnerships—we want to hear from you. ⁠ Board members bring their professional skills, leadership, and voice to shape AACO's future. You'll help us grow our impact across community building, advocacy, education, and more.

⁠ Applications can be found at aa-co. org (or linktree in bio) and due Sunday April 12th. ✈️ Know your rights before you fly.

⁠ With increased reports of immigration enforcement at U.S. airports, many travelers and families are unsure of what to expect — or how to prepare. AACO is hosting a free webinar to help community members stay informed and feel more confident when traveling.

⁠ Join us for a conversation with immigration attorney Spojmie Nasiri and Perris Richter from Human Rights First, who will walk through your rights at airports, practical steps to take before you fly, and an introduction to the ReadyNow App — a free emergency preparedness tool now available in Dari and Pashto⁠ 🔹 Understanding immigration enforcement at airports⁠ 🔹 Your rights when interacting with immigration officials⁠ 🔹 How to prepare before you fly⁠ 🔹 Emergency preparedness tools for you and your family⁠ 📅 Thursday, April 2 | 1:00 PM PST / 4:00 PM EST⁠ 🔗 Free & open to all — register at our linktree or aa-co.

org We’re excited to open applications for the 2026 volunteer Organizing Committee! This is an opportunity to play a hands-on role in shaping our programs, events, and community impact. Committee members will collaborate closely with leadership, contribute ideas, and help bring key initiatives to life.

⁠ Application Closes: Wednesday March 4th at 11:59pmPT ⁠ The application will require a resume, short answer responses, and references. ⁠ If you’re ready to serve, lead, and help move our community forward, we encourage you to apply! You can find the application at aa-co.

org. This year, over 400 community members gathered at the 10 year anniversary of the Afghan-American Conference, $30,000 were distributed in scholarships, 2,200+ participants joined our legal education efforts, and we continued investing in academic, professional, and community development across the country.

⁠ 2025 was also a meaningful milestone year for AACO — a moment to reflect, reconnect, and look ahead with intention after 10 years of service to the Afghan-American people. ⁠ None of this happens without our community. ⁠ Read the full 2025 Impact Report at aa-co.

org. Layma Murtaza’s path into humanitarian and development work has been defined by resilience, sacrifice, and a deep commitment to community. From growing up in Fremont’s Afghan refugee community to serving on the frontlines of aid work through Aseel, her journey reflects the power of listening, co-designing change, and leading with purpose.

Layma reminds us that resilience is not about controlling the journey, but about rising with clarity, love, and hope each step of the way. “I don’t really consider myself a visionary. I’ve always thought of myself as a worker bee.

However, as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to appreciate the value of experience. I see the bigger picture now. I see how to lead things forward.

That kind of confidence didn’t come overnight. It came from throwing myself into uncomfortable spaces: moving to new countries, working in conflict zones, witnessing starvation, navigating boardrooms where I was the youngest, the only woman, or the only Afghan in the room.

” #beyondthehyphen #aaco #afghanamericancommunityorganization #community #uplift Dr. Chelze Zamani is a Marriage and Family Therapist who turned personal pain into purpose. As a queer, mixed Afghan, Dr. Zamani shares her journey of navigating family expectations, launching a private practice during the pandemic, and building mental health spaces rooted in authenticity and healing. “My vision for the future?

Genuine connection. Communities that root for each other, that offer real support. Not just survival but thriving.

And to anyone out there struggling in silence: You were already enough before the world made you feel like you weren’t. Your voice is significant. There are people out there who get it.

Trauma might try to trick you into believing otherwise, but it’s not the truth. ” #beyondthehyphen #aaco #afghanamericancommunityorganization #community #uplift Samera Yousuf’s story is woven into the very fabric of AAC and AACO. As one of the founding organizers of the first AAC, Samera has spent the past decade cultivating spaces where Afghan Americans can feel seen, connected, and empowered.

In this reflection, she shares what it meant to help build AAC from the ground up as well as how her experiences as an Afghan American shaped her path in international aid and activism. Samera provides a powerful reminder of what we can create together when we lead with love, vision, and community.

“Being Afghan-American is a strange place to inhabit, because Afghan and American aren’t just two cultures, they’re two disparate worlds, so completely opposite in almost every way. Riz Ahmed put it best when he poignantly said, ‘We are the inheritors of the scars of Empire, but also the spoils of Empire. ’ We’re simultaneously oppressed and complicit in oppression.

Yes we’re Afghan, but we are also very much American. And as Americans, economically we’re the top 10% globally, and I never lose sight of that. ” #beyondthehyphen #aaco #afghanamericancommunityorganization #community #uplift For much of her life, Mina felt culture-starved.

Growing up in a post 9/11 world, she learned to suppress her Afghan identity for safety and ease. That changed in 2017 when the Houston Afghan community showed up for her family, sparking a renewed pride in her heritage. Through the Afghan American Conference, she met Zaynab and Sahra Ahmad, and together they co-founded Attanistan, an organization dedicated to preserving Afghanistan’s national dance.

For Mina, Attan is both art and resistance, a way to celebrate Afghan joy, build community, and keep her culture vibrant across generations. #beyondthehyphen #aaco #afghanamericancommunityorganization #community #uplift The School of Freedom founder, Walid Jailani, and co-founder, Moheb Salemi, are working to keep education alive for Afghan students despite immense challenges.

As Afghanistan faces internet blackouts, Walid and Moheb are exploring solutions like Starlink to ensure teachers and students can continue learning without disruption. Their work reminds us that resilience grows strongest when nurtured by community care and shared vision. “We’ve confronted many obstacles: limited funding, teacher retention, time zone hurdles.

Still, these challenges feel small when we see the girls thriving and growing. The knowledge that educated girls will, in turn, educate their families, communities, and even generations to come is what truly fuels our commitment. Unlike a man’s education, a girl’s education has a multiplying effect.

” #beyondthehyphen #aaco #afghanamericancommunityorganization #community #uplift LOOKING FOR NEW CAREER OPPORTUNITIES? Network with other professionals and join AAConnect today — a platform exclusively for members of the AACO community! This newsletter signup form needs a storage option.

Edit the block and enter a storage location via the Storage tab. What are some things you want to see from us in our monthly emails? Email us at marketing@aa-co.

org .