The Polish-American Awareness Foundation, Inc (PAAF) starts operations in Chicago, IL

New Chicago based non-profit aims to revitalize Polish-American community and rebuild the Polish-American ethnic identity and image across American society and media

Chicago, IL, February 01, 2008 – The Polish-American Awareness Foundation, Inc, a Chicago based non-profit organization starts realizing its plans and mission dedicated to enriching American communities with enhanced civic and business participation of Polish-Americans and Poles across the nation.

Founded in Chicago by a group of businessmen, publishers, investors, journalists and activists, the Polish-American Awareness Foundation starts its operations to work on issues involving Polish-Americans and Poles in America. PAAF sees a need for activities empowering people of Polish descent in all areas where cultural misconceptions and historical misunderstandings have an impact on their everyday lives. By creating and promoting knowledge of Polish-American legacy and contributions of Poles to the American history, economy and culture, PAAF aims to influence the image of Polish-American ethnic identity in American society and mainstream media.

"PAAF is not against 'Polish jokes', as some oversimplify, there are many Polish jokes that are funny and enjoyable and nobody finds them offensive", says Paul Hardej, co-founder of PAAF. "But we see a problem when WWII Nazi concentration camps are called 'Polish camps' in a reputable newspaper. We don't think there is a bad will there, it's just that they need more education. There haven't been any 'Polish concentration camps' ever", Hardej added.   

PAAF plans to achieve its goals by utilizing a wide array of educational programs and media initiatives. The very first event PAAF is hosting will be dedicated to the memory of Jan Karski, an important member of the Polish resistance movement during World War II and a long-time professor at Georgetown University. To learn more about this event, visit www.paafonline.org

For additional information on news that is the subject of this release or to sponsor one of PAAF's future events or programs contact Ewa Dybioch or visit www.paafonline.org

About Polish-American Awareness Foundation, Inc:

Founded at in 2007, the Polish-American Awareness Foundation, Inc (PAAF) highlights the Polish-American legacy by promoting and sharing knowledge of Polish and Polish American history and culture. PAAF invites like-minded members of media, scholars, activists, businesses and volunteers to consider working together with PAAF on a number of projects.  

Contact:
Ewa Dybioch

Tel: 773 744 0908

ewad@paafonline.org