Middle Eastern American Advisory Group

We are volunteers either residing or working in the county. We each claim heritage of a Middle Eastern or southwest Asian country, including the Arab nations, Afghanistan, Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan. New members either self-nominate or are nominated by MEAAG, and all nominations are forwarded through OCP for approval by the County Executive. We conduct an annual heritage celebration, participate in cultural and educational events, and represent our communities' interests and needs across county government, e.g., the current efforts to achieve racial equity and social justice, census data gathering, pandemic awareness and assistance, affordable housing and other policies and community concerns.

The Middle Eastern American Advisory Group (MEAAG) promotes intercultural understanding, education and leadership as well as the integration of all Middle Eastern American sub-communities into all aspects of life, work, and community services throughout the county.

Our adult volunteer members conduct outreach and engagement across the county to raise awareness of the diverse cultures, needs, talents, and contributions of Middle Eastern American residents, businesses and non-profit organizations in the county. We design, fundraise for, and conduct heritage festivals and other artistic and educational events and library and country exhibits, such as for the former World of Montgomery Festival and Sandy Spring Museum. We cooperate with the other ethnic advisory groups of the Office of Community Partnerships.

Our high school volunteers assist adult members with staffing, participating in, and publicizing events. Tasks include photography, videography, posting events, announcements and messages to social media accounts, creating graphics for announcements and invitations for events, and blogging. Adult members strive to support interns in achieving their cross-cultural and learning goals in developing assignments and tasks. Hours are flexible.