UMD Action Alerts

Urge your Representatives to co-sponsor a resolution, designating September as Macedonian American Heritage Month, and celebrating the language, history, and culture of the Macedonian Americans and their incredible contributions to the United States.

This resolution holds special meaning for our Macedonian community because it honors the vibrant and diverse heritage of Macedonian Americans from all parts of geographic Macedonia, estimated at over half a million strong. Our community has contributed significantly in fields such as business, sports, the arts, medicine, and public service, and designating a heritage month would help share these achievements with the broader American public.

The resolution also highlights the history of Macedonian immigrants, from the first arrivals in the 1880s to those escaping the policies of Yugoslavia and the more recent waves of immigration. Recognizing this history would be an important step toward celebrating the unique contributions of Macedonian Americans to our nation’s diverse tapestry.

Support for this legislation would mean a great deal to our Macedonian community and many others who deeply value the acknowledgment of all Americans’ contributions.

UMD is calling on all members of the Macedonian community to take immediate action in support of UMD’s advocacy efforts. Your voice is crucial in influencing decisions at the highest levels of government. Here’s how you can help:

1. Encourage Your Congress Members to Join the Macedonian Congressional Caucus: Email or call your Senators and Representatives to urge them to become part of the Macedonian Congressional Caucus.
2. Support Macedonian-American Heritage Month: Send an email to your members of Congress to urge them to support a resolution to designate the recognition of a Macedonian-American Heritage Month. Please email UMD Senior Global Policy and Advocacy Officer Emily Abramczyk at eabramczyk@umdiaspora.org for specific information on the current Macedonian-American Heritage Month resolution in Congress.
3. Request a Meeting with Your Congress Members: Set up an in-person or virtual meeting with your Congressional members to discuss how they can support Macedonian-American initiatives and join the Macedonian Caucus.
4. Need Help? Contact Emily Abramczyk: For assistance with outreach to your members of Congress or questions on how to get involved with UMD’s advocacy efforts, email UMD Senior Global Policy and Advocacy Officer Emily Abramczyk at eabramczyk@umdiaspora.org.

Your involvement will help UMD continue to push for key legislative changes that benefit the Macedonian community. By engaging with your elected officials, you can ensure that Macedonian-American interests are well-represented and that the legacy of the Macedonian diaspora continues to be recognized and celebrated.

Together, we can build momentum for a brighter future for Macedonia and the Macedonian diaspora community.