Delegates in front of the U.S. Supreme Court with TCA President G. Lincoln McCurdy.
The Turkish Coalition of America’s Sixth Annual Turkish American Youth Leadership Congress took place in Washington, D.C., October 24-27. Fourteen Turkish American delegates participated in the 2019 Youth Congress, including college students, recent graduates, and young professionals from ten states. Additionally, there were two representatives participating from the Council of Turkish Canadians (CTC) and the Australian Turkish Advocacy Alliance (ATAA).
The Youth Congress is a key component of TCA’s mission to provide opportunities for young Turkish Americans to learn about the American government and political system, understand the importance of civic/political engagement, and become more knowledgeable on the current issues of the U.S.-Turkey bilateral relationship. Further, it is TCA’s hope that they are inspired to take a more active role in the Turkish American community.
Briefings and meetings were held in TCA’s headquarters as well as in the U.S. Capitol. The Youth Congress delegates were briefed by Turkish policy experts, congressional staffers, the Turkey Desk Officer from the U.S. Department of State, and leaders in the Turkish American community. An emphasis on civic and political engagement was presented by former Member of Congress Glenn Carlyle Nye III (VA/2nd), who is currently the President and CEO of the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress. The delegates also heard about the challenges and successes of the Turkish communities in Australia, Canada and Germany, and representatives from the Bosnian and Macedonian American communities provided insight about the importance of cultural alliances and cross-cultural support. The delegates enjoyed dinner with Dr. Henry P. (Phil) Williams III, author of Turkey and America: East & West - Where the Twain Meet, who provided insight into the often overlooked connections in American and Turkish history.
In concluding the formal component of the program, the delegates were divided into three teams for a simulation exercise. The simulation required the delegates to strategize, collaborate and brainstorm on how to best promote U.S.-Turkey relations.
Additionally, the delegates participated in networking and sightseeing activities. They were given tours of the U.S. Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, Newseum, and the National Mall. The delegates met with alumni of the Youth Congress program and leaders of local Turkish student organizations. They also attended the American Turkish Association of Washington, D.C.’s (ATA-DC) Republic Day Gala celebrating the 96th anniversary of the Turkish Republic
TCA sincerely thanks our generous sponsors for supporting the 6th Annual Youth Leadership Congress.
PLATINUM SPONSOR: Recep and Lisa Akdogan. GOLD SPONSORS: American Borate Company, Bulent & Sema Basol, Hastat-Kinay Group, Ergun & Juliana Kirlikovali, Aydin & Hulya Koc, Turkish Philanthropy Funds, United Minds for Progress. SILVER SPONSOR: Mukemmel Sarimsakci. BRONZE SPONSORS: Mehmet Halici - MH Realtor, Mehmet Kirdar, Ersal Ozdemir, Saltzman & Evinch
