 |
|
| |
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
There are numerous benefits as a member of the PAA/PYA. Among them are the opportunity
to apply for the prestigious Venizelion Scholarship Program, which is awarded to
students based on their scholastic achievement and financial need.
The PAA in 1929 also established the monthly KPHTH Magazine, which is distributed
to members throughout the United States, Canada, and when requested to other countries
throughout the World. The magazine, which features insightful articles on Crete,
Chapter News as well as general information about the organization, is a monthly
source of information for members. The PAA is the only Hellenic organization in
the United States to continuously publish a magazine for seventy years. The quarterly
KRI-KRI Magazine, a publication for all youth members, features chapter news, profiles
and the famous "Snoopaki" gossip column.
In addition to the above noted programs, members take part in the Cultural and Educational
programs offered across the country and at National Conventions held biennial in
the summer in cities throughout the United States and Crete.
Over the years, the Pancretan Association of America has sponsored numerous special
programs. Here is a brief list of these programs:
- Excursions/ Expeditions to the island of Crete
- The DIAS International Academic Studies Program
- The Odyssey Excursion to Crete for the PYA
- The University of Crete Publishing Press
- The University of Crete Endowment Fund
- The Venizeleion Sanatorium in Iraklion
- Fund raisers for Cooley's Anemia (Thalassemia)
- The Kazantzakis Chair at San Francisco State University
- Annual East/West Cretan Youth Winter Conferences
- National PAA/PYA Summer Conventions
- Scholarships and financial support of the Hellenic College in Brookline, MA
- Athletic and Dance Competitions
The promotion and support of Hellenic issues on national and international issues,
i.e., the Battle of Crete recognition by the United States House of Representatives
and Senate and so much more....
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
The membership of the chapters Pancretan Association of America is open to individuals
of Cretan lineage and their spouses. Some chapters allow for friends of Cretans
to become members. As a member, you have the right to vote for issues affecting
both your chapter and national policy.
Members of the Pancretan Youth Association must be at least fifteen years old and
no older than thirty years of age and shall meet the requirements of membership
in the PAA. As a member, you have the right to vote for issues affecting both your
chapter and national policy.
OFFICIAL HOLIDAYS OF THE ASSOCIATION
March 18--Death of Eleftherios K. Venizelos
October 14--Anniversary date of the founding of the Pancretan Association of America
November 8--Holocaust of Arcadi
HISTORICAL FACTS! DID YOU KNOW THAT...
The first Cretan to arrive in the United States was Demetrios Fundoulakis in 1768.
Eleftherios Venizelos was voted by the delegates of the first PAA Convention in
1929 as an Honorary President of the Association
The island of Crete is considered the cradle of European civilization; site excavations
at Knossos unearthed the oldest Neolithic settlement of the island (around 6000
BC)
The Minoan Civilization has been traced from 3000 BC to 1100 AC, the oldest in Europe
Said by...
"Crete's mystery is extremely deep. Whoever sets foot on this island senses a mysterious,
warm, nave force branching through his veins, and his soul begins to grow."
Nikos Kazantzakis, Report to Greco
"I feel a particular close tie with the PAA since my great uncle Sam Kounalis was
instrumental in the founding of the PAA in the late 1920s. My involvement began
when I was fourteen years old and by the age of nineteen I was elected National
Youth President. I haven′ t look back since. The PAA has changed my life. Some
of my most treasured friends and memories are tied to my association with the PAA.
It is the most culturally and socially rewarding experience of my life."
Diane Kounalakis
Past Youth (PYA) President
"Having served the PAA as its National President, I can testify for the quality
of its programs, the depth of its work and its contributions to strengthening the
ties between our ancestral land and America.
The PAA provides valuable resources for philanthropy, education through scholarship,
good citizenship and social interaction. It is an organization, which makes you
proud to belong to. Let's pass on this legacy to our children and grandchildren.
Let's strive to perpetuate a better and stronger PAA."
George C. Chryssis
Past PAA President
"I take great pride in being an American of Cretan descent. Participating in PAA
is the best way for us to retain our culture, and to honor our parents and grandparents
for establishing such a fine organization."
Steven G. Pallios
Attorney at Law
"The DIAS program was for me the most culturally exciting experience I have been
a part of.. As a student in the DIAS program the summer of 1998,I had the opportunity
to earn academic credit while exploring the wonders of KPHTH with other young adults
from around the world. From trekking the Gorge of Samaria to actually excavating
Roman and Hellenic cities at Elefterna, each and every adventure I encountered brought
me closer with my culture and my ties with KPHTH. DIAS has influenced my life beyond
my summer in KPHTH as the knowledge and friendships I have earned through this program
will last me a lifetime."
Angela N. Novotny
Student, Michigan State University
|
|
|