---

Hadith Al-sham
September 9th, 2007

SAC hosted Hadith Al-sham presentation on September 9, 2007. The guest speaker for the event was Dr. Osama Kadi, an Economic Consultant.  Dr. Kadi presentation title was “Syrian Economy and Three Perspectives: Government, World and Syrian Immigrants (Expatriates)”.  The event was part of SAC efforts to educate the Syrian American community and the public at large of economic and political developments in Syria. The event was attended by large number of Syrian-Americans.

---

The Syrian American Congress Observes
Syrian Independence Day

The Syrian American Congress (SAC) held a symposium and reception at the Chicago Marriott Southwest on April 28, 2007 in commemoration of Syrian Independence Day ( Eid-Al-Jalaa). The key note speaker for the event was former US ambassador to Syria Theodore Kattouf who addressed a nearly –packed hall concerning the importance of pro-active involvement in Syria.

Dr. Lina Jamoul, associate organizer of United Power for Action and Justice, commenced the evening by presenting a preliminary report on civic societies in general, and a report on Syria in particular. Following Dr. Jamoul was Dr. Louat Safi, Chairman of SAC, who alluded to future activities of the organization. He discussed a plan for a SAC convention to be held in Damascus, Syria, in conjunction with the participation of civic societies throughout Syria and the U.S.

The distinguished guest for the evening, Ambassador Theodore Kattouf, expanded on the duties of the Syrian American community toward the motherland and the need to encourage positive democratic changes in Syria from within.

The symposium concluded with an interactive questions and answer session. Discussion topics included how to raise awareness in the Syrian American Community concerning the challenges that face Syrians in the U.S. and abroad.

SAC is a grass toot organization representing the Syrian American in the United State. SAC promotes friendly relations between the people of the U.S. and Syria. It values civil liberty, democratic reforms and the rule of law in Syria.

For more information, please visit the Syrian American Congress on the web at www.sacongress.org. Or contact Dr. Louay Safi directly at 317-679-6350 or via email at louay@sacongress.org. You can reach Dr. Talal Sunbulli, SAC President, directly at 708-373-6531 or via email at tsunbulli@sacongress.org.

Strategic Planning Retreat
Detroit, Michigan – Saturday, October 28, 2006

SAC convened a strategic Planning Retreat on October 28, 2006 to prepare a plan for the next two years. The meeting was held in Detroit, and was attended by SAC board members, invited guests, and resource persons.

SAC leaders revisited the organization's vision and decided to refine it and produce a new vision statement. SAC's new vision statement reads: "To be recognized as a leading organization for the empowerment of Syria Americans and the promotion of peaceful democratic reform and economic development in Syria."

To advance this vision, the leadership identified four priorities: (1) Build diverse membership, (2) build alliances with civil society organization in both Syria and the United States, (3) engage the Syrian and American Governments, and (4) support Syrian civil society organizations.

It was agreed that SAC should enter into partnership relations with Syrian American social and professional organizations, and should organize conferences and training program in both Syria and the Untied State, and involve civil society organizations from both countries in these events.

It was also agreed that SAC should work to organize a conference in Syria in 2007, and to begin discussions with both governmental and non-governmental organizations for this purpose. SAC will also establish Awards of different categories to recognize the good work of Syrian civil society organizations.