Hala Foundation Now Accepting Applications

Washington, DC, June 27
The Hala Salaam Maksoud Foundation for Arab-American Leadership is now welcoming applications for 2 upcoming intensive, 5-day training sessions planned for August 28-Sept. 2 and late November, 2005. The first Hala Foundation Leadership Program training session was held from June May 30-June 3, and elicited a tremendous response from the participants. Applications are sought from those who wish to be considered for future training sessions. There is no charge for the training sessions, which are held in Washington, DC, but trainees are responsible for their own travel and accommodation. The training will be led and coordinated by the Hala Foundation’s Program Director Dr. Hussein Ibish.
Applicants should be young Arab-American professionals who have completed their education and have already begun their professional careers, or those in the final stages of a Ph.D. program. They should have a demonstrable commitment to advocacy on behalf of Arab-American concerns, and a desire to devote substantial time and effort to leadership on behalf of the community.
Feedback from participants in the first leadership training session:
“I found the training sessions at the Hala Foundation to be one of the most intellectually stimulating experiences I’ve had in some time. Dynamic speakers, fascinating topics and an inviting environment are some of the factors that made this experience worthwhile. Already, I have been able to take what I learned in Washington and apply it to my classes and my own research.”
Professor Dave Zoby, Casper College
“This was by far the most effective leadership training I have ever received. It was absolutely worth juggling my schedule and sacrificing my precious few days off because the skills and network I developed there will last a lifetime. This is a genius endeavor – it is groundbreaking, cutting edge, and brilliant, much like its namesake.”
Maysoon Zayid, Comedian and actress
“My week at the Hala Foundation training was one of the most valuable and inspiring of my professional career. I was given access to our community’s sharpest minds and most accomplished leaders. Even more important, the learning doesn’t end when you leave Washington. I’m now lucky to be a part of a growing network of Arab Americans from all ends of the political spectrum unified in our dedication to the empowerment of the Arab American community.”
Rebecca Abou-Chedid, Government Relations Specialist, Arab American Institute
“Loved it, loved it, loved it. It’s a testimony to the Program’s unique approach that, after being brought together for a week of intense dialogue on the most difficult issues facing Arab Americans, we each left determined but also inspired and uplifted. The week was as much about grasping a hard situation as it was about discovering ways to address it–not as remote, besieged individuals, but as part of an active, committed collective that, despite internal differences, reaches out, and supports each other.
Incredibly, in one fantastic, boogey-down, get-your-soulmates-on week, the workshop provided the tools necessary-knowledge (including an encyclopedic amount of information, as well as valuable lessons imparted by those long-active within the community); skills; contacts; encouragement and support to develop that attitude.”
Kristin Shamas, University of Oklahoma
“The Leadership Training Program exceeded ALL of my expectations. We were encouraged to think for ourselves and to act on our goals in a proactive, effective manner to benefit the Arab-American community as a whole. To potential participants: Please take advantage of this opportunity!”
Yasmine Hannaney, Film-maker and actress
The Leadership Training Program is designed to create a national network of highly trained, informed and focused young Arab-American professionals equipped to take on the advocacy and organizational efforts required for community leadership.
The Leadership Program provides extensive training in:

  • Command of the Issues: mastery of both information and arguments
  • Presentation Skills: making the case effectively
  • Interpersonal Skills: making friends and influencing people
  • Organizational Skills: mobilizing the community
  • Collaborative Skills: building effective teams
  • Coalition Building Techniques: finding unexpected allies
  • Networking: building a national network of trained activists
  • Continuous Improvement: developing long-term relationships with trainees

Applicants should send a letter of interest explaining their desire to become community leaders or activists, a CV and a writing sample or any other relevant material to:
The Hala Salaam Maksoud Foundation
815 Connecticut Ave. NW
Suite 200
Washington, DC 20006
Please visit http://www.halafoundation.org for more details
Email director@halafoundation.org with any questions

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