American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee/ New York

Description

ADC, which is non-sectarian and non-partisan, is the largest Arab-American grassroots organization in the United States.

ADC is at the forefront in combating defamation and negative stereotyping of Arab Americans in the media and wherever else it is practiced. In doing so, it acts as an organized framework through which Arab Americans can channel their efforts toward unified, collective and effective advocacy; by promoting a more balanced U.S. Middle East policy and serving as a reliable source for the news media and educators. By promoting cultural events and participating in community activities, ADC has made great strides in correcting anti-Arab stereotypes and humanizing the image of the Arab people. In all these efforts, ADC coordinates closely with other civil rights and human rights organizations on issues of common concern.

Through its Department of Legal Services, ADC offers counseling in cases of discrimination and defamation and selected impact litigation in the areas of immigration.

In its efforts to educate the public and maintain regular communication with its members, the Media & Publications Department issues a bi-monthly newsletter, ADC Times, Issue Papers and Special Reports, which study key issues of defamation and discrimination; community studies, legal, media and educational guides; and action alerts, which call on members to act on issues necessitating grassroots response.

In the Department of Educational Programs of ADC, the Research Institute (ADCRI) publishes information on issues of concern to Arab Americans and sponsors ADC's Reaching the Teachers campaign, which aims at ensuring an accurate, objective and fair portrayal of Arab history and culture in schools. ADCRI also administers a year-round college internship program for Arab American students and others.

ADC's achievements demonstrate the success of Arab Americans in building vibrant institutions which not only draw on the strength of the Arab American community, but also engender the support of individuals and groups who are equally committed to deterring discrimination against all people.