Iranian Women's Society was established on July 21, 1982 in Palos Verdes, California by Mrs. Pari Farmanesh and friends. It grew very rapidly, as its membership increased, even as far as San Diego, and famililes showed interest in promoting the Iranian culture and Farsi language.
Although, the possibilities were limited, but nevertheless, with the members' enthusiasm and unity, Iranian Women's Siciety became one of the very successful societies in the Iranian community.
Farsi classes were established and with the help of a few experienced and knowledgeable teachers, the classes continued to flourish and the children participated enthusiastically.
One of the highlights of the Iranian Women's society at that time was SHABE HAFEZ. It was held at the newly established Norris Theatre in Palos Verdes. A number of great actors and singers, such as Parviz Sayyad, Sattar, Farid Farjad, Shahla Sarshar, only to name a few, participated to make this event a memorable one.
There were no Farsi books available at the Palos Verdes Library in 1982. Iranian Women's Society, with the help of its members, was able to gather Farsi books and convince the Library to allocate a shelf for our books.Iranian Women's Society, was also quite active in celebrating all the Iranian holidays.
For more information, please contact the Iranian Women's Society at: P.O. Box 2778, Laguna Hills, Ca. 92653
Telephone: (831) 905-4207
E-mail: Iranianwomansociety@gmail.com
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THE CONSTITUTION OF THE IRANIAN WOMEN'S SOCIETY
1. The object of establishing this Society is to promote goodwill and close relationships between Iranians living abroad (outside their own country).
2. The Association shall not be profit making or political and is intended to safeguard the welfare of and to create a sense of fellowship between compatriots by promoting creative, cultural, educational and social activities.
3. The Society shall have a Management Committee whose members shall be elected by a majority vote of the Founder Members. The President and the Executive Chairman shall be elected among the members of the Management Committee. The Secretary, Treasurer and heads of social, educational and economic sections shall be appointed with the approval of the Management Committee.
Rule 1:
When a member of the Management Committee is unable (for whatever reason) to be present at meetings, a new member shall be co-opted from amongst the members by the Management Committee.
Rule 2:
The quorum at each Management Committee meeting shall be five members and the minimum number of votes required for approval of any resolution shall be half + one of the votes of the members of the Society.
Rule 3:
The Management Committee shall draw up the necessary rules and regulations to promote the objectives of the Society. The Society shall adopt these rules and regulations accordingly.
Founder Members of the Society are:
1. Khanum Forough Shahab
2. Mina Shahab
3. Mahin Khadivi
4. Shahpar Khaledi
5. Gitti Safaii
6. Mitra Ershaghi
7. Shamsi Zandi
8. Pari Melamed
9. Farah Lavi
10. Fahimeh Afsarzadeh
11. Shohreh Askari
12. Farzaneh Delafraz
13. Shahla Hemmat
14. Pari Parsa
15. Firouzeh Parsa
16. Angel Eskanian
17. Sima Melamed
18. Farnaz Ehtessabian
19. Pari Farmanesh
20. Shahla Pfeiffer
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BY-LAWS OF THE IRANIAN WOMEN'S SOCIETY
1. The purpose of this Organization shall be to help, coordinate educational and social activies for Iranians, and to encourage culture, customs, and language of Iranians.
2. This Organization shall be non-profitable. It will not engage in any political activities, and in essence shall be neutral.
3. Any Iranian and his or her spouse and children with any creed or race may become a member of IWS. Non-Iranians interested in this Society may become Honorary Members with no voting rights. Iranians from other regions than California are welcome to visit or join this Society.
4. There will be no membership dues. Every Iranian woman is considered a member of our Society; however, donations of any size are welcomed. Our Society is solely relying on donations and fund raising to survive and attain its goals.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
Advisory councils shall constitute the Board. Board of Trustees' approves Officers for different committees and checks on plans and results for long-range stability of the Organization. All activities, functions, and financial statements are subject to observation of the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees has the right to modify, change or stop an activity deemed incompatible with the purpose and objectives of the Society.
EXECUTIVE BOARD:
A President, Vice-President, Secretary and a Treasurer shall constitute the Executive Board. Their terms of office shall be two years.
1. President presides over all meetings, coordinates Committees, and appoints Special Committees as deemed necessary.
2. Vice-President shall serve as Chairperson in the absence of the President
3. Secretary shall send notices for each meeting, prepare minutes of all activities, and send quarterly newsletter to the Members.
4. Treasurer shall collect and deposit dues and monies from any gifts and donations and other activities. Treasurer shall maintain books and accounts, handle all bank transactions and prepare financial information and statements. Treasurer must find ways and means to raise funds. Two authorized signatures will be required to withdraw money from checking account. Any purchase over $300 must be approved by the Board of Trustees.
IRANIAN WOMEN'S SOCIETY shall have the following committees:
1. Membership: The Membership Committee shall seek new members, advertise, and maintain a membership list, make telephone contacts, send notes in cooperation with the Secretary.
2. Education - Academics: The Education Committee shall invite guests and speakers, introduce and increase awareness of Iranian yough and children about Iran. Set up a library system of Farsi books, publications, tapes, records, movies, etc. Conduct teaching class of Farsi for children. Assist those who are in need of learning English language. Cooperate with School District, if needed, to assist Iranian students with their studies.
3. Non-Academics shall have the following sub-committees:
Arts
Health
Nutrition
Sports
Homemaking and Food Preparation
Music
Dance
Physical Fitness
Modeling
Fashion - Dress
Beauty, Hair and Skin
Real Estate, Legal
Child Observations
One person to be charge of each Program listed above.
4. Social Committee shall coordinate social activies of the Society, schedule regular monthly meetings for the members during the day. Organize and conduct special events for different occasions, and encourage participations. Arrange a once a month get together for Iranian families, day or evening parties, picnics, tours, bazaars, etc.
SPECIAL MEETINGS and regular monthly meetings to be held at the locations approved by the Directors. Board of Trustees, Executive Board and members chairing different Committees may need to have Special Meetings from time to time.
1. A person to hold office shall be in good standing and
2. Each Officer serves for a priod of one year, to be re-elected by the voting Members.
3. Members who are elected or assigned to positions may resign by written notice.
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PROGRAM OF THE IRANIAN WOMEN'S SOCIETY
1. To discuss, and to carry on a dialogue, pertaining to the problems facing Iranians living abroad. To make members aware of these problems and to look for ways and means to redress them, to receive and handle criticisms and to express different points of view.
2. To organize cultural arts and crafts activities and to hold language teaching classes in Persian and other languages. To hold classes to teach cooking and to organize musical activities.
3. To organize recreational programs such as concerts, evening entertainment, picnics, group visits to museums, sight seeing and restaurants.
4. To invite speakers to our meetings.
5. To prepare a budget for the promotion of the objects of the Society.
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Dear Friends,
The position and special conditions prevailing today make it absolutely necessary for Iranian families residing abroad (outside their own country) to get together to solve problems in a spirit of cooperation.
Although it may not be possible to solve all our difficulties and hardships, there is no doubt that with unity, goodwill and cooperation, many of these difficulties can be reomoved.
If we solemnly undertake to be sympathetic of each other's difficulties, we can, with firm detrmination, and cooperation, reduce our problems; therefore, achieve a healthier and happier community.
We can nurture a spirit of understanding and goodwill, and become one united family, living together in peace and security.
I must emphasize that there is no poliltical motive intended in our getting together.
In order to make full use of our limited individual resources and the ability of each individual (and like other minorities living in the USA), we will pull our resources together in encourage activities of a social, economic and educational nature. If we can become a united body, we can, through an exchange of ideas, help each other in promoting the educational progress of our childrenand of realizing our hopes for their well being and their future.
If we show goodwill towards each other, sympathy in times of sorrow, and happiness in times of joy, we can restrain our feelings of loneliness and exile. We should not forget the rich and ancient cultural heritage of Iranian women and we should organize and lead our lives bearing in mind our ancient heritage.
If you agree with these objectives and wish to join us, please contact the IWS.
Thanking you in anticipation.
Iranian Women's Society
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