The Polish American Congress of Arizona is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to empowering Polish-Americans and Polish immigrants across all ages and socio-economic backgrounds. Our mission focuses on:
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Cultural Awareness: Promoting an understanding of Polish heritage and its contributions to both Poland and the United States.
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National Pride: Fostering a sense of pride among Polish-Americans in their dual heritage.
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Opportunities for Excellence: Providing avenues for academic, professional, and personal growth.
About the Polish American Congress:
Founded in 1944 in Buffalo, New York, the Polish American Congress now operates in 20 states, representing nearly 10 million Polish Americans. The organization adheres to a dual-focused agenda:
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Polish Support: Assisting Poland during times of need.
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American Integration: Uniting the Polish-American community to enhance their integration and contribution to American society.
Local Impact in Arizona:
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Community Engagement: With approximately 150,000 Arizonans of Polish descent, the Arizona Chapter actively engages in community outreach to celebrate Polish culture.
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Educational Initiatives: The chapter played a pivotal role in establishing Polish language studies at Arizona State University and continues to support both the university program and the local Polish Language School.
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Cultural and Educational Activities: It sponsors:
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Summer camps and scouting organizations.
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Art fairs, pageants, and festivals.
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Various educational and cultural programs aimed at enriching the community's cultural landscape.
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Through these efforts, the Polish American Congress of Arizona not only preserves but also enriches the cultural fabric of Arizona, ensuring the Polish-American community remains vibrant and well-integrated into the broader American society.