Frequently Asked Questions
- When was Children of Persia founded and by whom?
- How does Children of Persia accomplish its mission, goals, and objectives?
- Why is there a need for Children of Persia?
- How is Children of Persia structured?
- Who is on Children of Persia's Board of Directors?
- Is Children of Persia a non-profit organization?
- Does Children of Persia have affiliations with any government?
- How does Children of Persia differ from other Iranian charity organizations?
- How can I help Children of Persia carry out its mission?
- Are you affiliated with other charitable organizations in Iran?
- Where are you located and how can I contact you?
- Who funds Children of Persia?
- Are donations to Children of Persia tax deductible?
-
- Are you affiliated with the United Way?
- Why Children of Persia instead of Children of Iran? Don’t you focus on all Iranian children and not just Persians?
- How would I donate for the clothing drive?
- How can I send my donation?
- Does Children of Persia have a CFC (Combined Federal Campaign) through which to donate money?
- Does Children of Persia provide stamps and envelopes for paying on a monthly basis?
- Will the donation be distributed by a non-governmental organization in Iran?
- What are the non-governmental organizations in Iran that Children of Persia works with?
- Do you provide summer internships?
- What volunteer positions do you have for those living in Iran?
- How can one who is a doctor, dentist, nurse, public health official, or medical student help?
- Is there any way I could help directly by going to Iran and actually working with poor and disadvantaged children?
- What sizes of T-Shirts are available?
- How can I help promote and/or raise funds for Children of Persia?
- Do you comply with U.S. sanctions?
- What is Children of Persia’s EIN number? I would like to donate some money through my company’s payroll system.
- Can you send me a Children of Persia poster and/or brochure?
1. When was Children of Persia founded and by whom?
Children of Persia was founded in 1999 by a group of Iranian-American professionals in the Maryland area who wanted to create a mechanism in which Iranian-Americans could apply their logistical, technical, financial, and human resources to aiding needy and underprivileged Iranian children in an efficient and reliable manner.
2. How does Children of Persia accomplish its mission, goals, and objectives?
In pursuit of its mission and goals, Children of Persia follow the following steps:
- Identifies and develops specific projects through research and cooperation with its counterpart in Iran.
- Reviews the legitimacy of the need, extent, and details of assistance for each project proposal and, therefore, determines which project(s) to implement.
- Identifies an NGO (non-governmental organization) in Iran to assist with its projects.
- Develops plans to fulfill the needs in cooperation with the NGO in Iran.
- Sponsors educational and fundraising programs for its projects and functions.
- Holds symposia and information sessions to increase awareness of the state of Iranian children and the organization.
3. Why is there a need for Children of Persia?
In Iran today, 15% of children under the age of five suffer from malnutrition and the probability of dying before the age of five is approximately 34%. Furthermore, 75% of children under the age of five are without health insurance.
In provinces such as Sistan and Baluchistan, these statistics are much more dire. Out of a population of 1,723,000, only 22% of child deliveries are in a hospital setting and only 35% of them are attended by trained personnel.
According to Dr. Alireza Kordi, head of the Family Cultural Center (Farhangsaraye Khanevadeh), the number of street children in Iran, is estimated to some 200,000 (http://www.iranstreetchildren.com/News01.htm). The majority of these children run away from home to escape physical and sexual abuse from their family members. Because very few shelters exist in Iran for runaways, the majority of them become street children, and, in the case of young girls, are often lured into prostitution rings. An average of 50 girls per day are rounded-up in Tehran, and the number of young runaways has increased by 12% since 2000.
Recent reports in the Iranian press that 100 to 150 of the country's street children die each month have shed new light on the plight of small children who are forced to work on the streets. (http://www.rferl.org/nca/features/2000/12/07122000191846.asp)
With statistics as unsettling as these, there is no doubt that Children of Persia is a much-needed organization.
4. How is Children of Persia structured?
Children of Persia is composed of a Board of Directors and chairpersons. The Board of Directors conducts meetings, manages the overall affairs of the corporation, and ultimately determines the projects to be implemented. Board members are elected annually by existing Board members.
Within the Board of Directors there are several officers, who are elected annually by Board members. These include the President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and Ex-President.
The President prepares the agenda for, presides at, and conducts all meetings of the Board; signs all contracts and agreements in the name of the Corporation after they have been approved by the Board; normally serves as the representative of the Corporation in meetings and discussions with other organizations and agencies.
The First Vice-President shall: perform the duties of the President if the President is unable to do so or absent; perform such other tasks as may be assigned by the Board; and, at the request of the President, assist in the performance of the duties of the President.
The Second Vice-President shall: perform the duties of the President if the First Vice-President is unable to do so or absent; perform such other tasks as may be assigned by the Board: and, at the request of the President, assist in the performance of the duties of the President.
The Secretary shall: keep accurate records and minutes of all meetings of the Corporation; make available copies of the minutes of the previous meetings and distribute them in advance of each meeting; cause to be delivered all notices of meetings to those persons entitled to vote at such meeting; and maintain the Minutes Book of the Corporation and a current listing, with phone numbers and addresses, of the Directors at the office of the Corporation.
The Treasure shall: be responsible for all funds of the Corporation and receive and deposit all such funds into the proper account; record and monitor receipts and disbursements from such account or accounts; keep accurate books and records of the finances of the Corporation; prepare a financial accounting for each Board meeting; prepare all end of the year accounting and fill all federal and state tax reports.
Other Officers appointed by the Board shall: perform such duties as may be specified by the Board or by officers given authority over them.
5. Who is on Children of Persia's Board of Directors?
President:
Vice-President:
Vice President:
Vice-President:
Treasurer:
Secretary:
|
Katayoon Shaya
Saeed Darya
Farrokh Khatami
Mahnaz Motevalli
Kambiz Fakhrai
Farideh Jahanbin
|
Other Board Members:
| U.S. |
Iran |
Shahla Ameli |
Zarin Khoshnevis |
Negar Assari-Samimi |
Maryam Tehrani |
Rosa Fakhrai |
Amir Zandi |
Mitra Fard |
|
Roshanak Hakimian |
|
Laya Kahnamoui |
|
Brian Oliner, Esq. |
|
Afshin Samimi |
|
Ali Zinat |
|
Honorary Board Members:
Andy (U.S.)
Parviz Bahador (U.S.)
Yekta Golpira (England)
Farzaneh Javid (U.S.)
6. Is Children of Persia a non-profit organization?
Children of Persia is a non-profit organization under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All donations to Children of Persia are tax deductible, per U.S. law regarding non-profit organizations.
Children of Persia has no affiliations with any governmental, religious, political, or secular organization.
What makes Children of Persia unique is the fact that our staff is completely made up of volunteers. Furthermore, all staff, including our Board Members, donate their own money to help fund the organization.
Children of Persia also works closely with its counterpart in Iran in order to get a first-hand perspective of what type of projects are most needed and where.
The first step is to contact us by e-mail, phone or mail, providing us with your resume and explaining what type of volunteer work you would be interested in and where. We will then put your information in our volunteer file and find an opportunity that will best serve your interest and our needs. If you would like to volunteer to work on a specific Children of Persia project, we will put your name on a list of volunteers for that project. We will then contact you when as soon as we have a specific opportunity available.
In the D.C. metropolitan area, you can help by volunteering your time to work on our projects or at special events held throughout the year.
In addition, you can help us reach our goals faster, as well as expand the range and efficiency of our activities, by bringing volunteers and donators.
If you don't live in the area, you can help by sending donations, or telling a friend about us.
Children of Persia
P.O. Box 2602
Montgomery Village, MD 20886-2602
USA
e-mail: info@childrenofpersia.org
(301) 315-0750
While at times we have cooperated with some other independent, non-governmental organizations in order to facilitate our operations, we have no kind of affiliation with any other charitable or governmental organizations.
Back to Top
While we have no designated headquarters, you can contact us by telephone, e-mail or regular mail.
Children of Persia
P.O. Box 2602
Montgomery Village, MD 20886-2602
USA
E-mail: info@childrenofpersia.org
Web Site: http://www.childrenofpersia.org
Phone: (301) 315-0750
Back to Top
Children of Persia is funded by financial donations, including those of its staff members.
Back to Top
Yes. As a non-profit, tax-exempt 501 C(3) organization, all donations to Children of Persia made by U.S. residents are tax-exempt.
Back to Top
Unfortunately, at the present time, we do not have the resources or manpower to work in this field. However, please contact us if you are interested in adopting or sponsoring a child in Iran, and we will direct you to well-respected, reliable organizations that do so.
Back to Top
Children of Persia assures our donors that their generosity will reach those in need. For this reason we have endeavored to minimize the costs associated with fundraising. Therefore, at this time, we are not affiliated with the United Way or any related organizations.
Back to Top
When we decided to create an organization for the purpose of helping poor and needy children in Iran, we wanted a name that is simple, yet proclaims our overall mission. Unfortunately, "Children of Iran" was already taken by another organization. Therefore, we chose the closest alternative, "Children of Persia" or "Kudakan-e Iran Zamin".
In no way does our name reflect any kind of exclusive focus on Persian children. We focus on all Iranian children, whatever their linguistic, ethnic or religious background. In fact, our latest ongoing project in Iran is the construction and equipping of a medical clinic in Sistan & Baluchistan province, in which Persian is not the first language.
Back to Top
The last Clothing Drive event was very successful in terms of the amount of children and adult clothing we received.
Thanks to the kind help of our volunteers traveling to Iran, we were able to send nearly four boxes of the clothes.
We had to stop the process of collecting the clothes due to storage problems and the cost of shipping (from $3500 to $4000 to send them by ship). However, send us your contact information and will place you on our clothes donation list.
Back to Top
You can send your donation by check or money order to the address below.
Children of Persia
P.O. Box 2602
Montgomery Village, MD 20886-2602
USA
In addition, you can donate to Children of Persia by using our secured on-line donation system.
To donate by credit card, just follow the instruction below.
Click on the following button:
At 'Network for Good Giving System click the Donate Now icon and follow the easy instructions.
Back to Top
Children of Persia is not currently a member of Combined Federal Campaign. However, seeking CFC membership is in our 2003 operation plan. We accept donations by check, money order, or credit card through our online donation system.
Back to Top
Yes. If you would like to pay monthly, please provide us with your mailing address and we will send you a package with the necessary information and self-stamped envelopes.
Please make the checks payable to Children of Persia and send them to:
Children of Persia
P.O. Box 2602
Montgomery Village, MD 20886
USA
Please indicate if you would like us to send you a monthly reminder, as well.
21. Will the donation be distributed by a non-governmental organization in Iran?
Yes, we have a quasi group of non-governmental organizations that oversee the distribution of funds to different projects.
22. What are the non-governmental organizations in Iran that Children of Persia works with?
Noore-Fadak
Yes. In cooperation with our partner, the Science and Art Foundation (SAF), we can provide for those who are interested an internship in Iran educating children about information technology.
24. What volunteer positions do you have for those living in Iran?
If you are living in Iran, you could contact our Board members in Iran. Please contact us in this regard and we will gladly provide you with the specific information.
Currently we are looking for volunteers to help at the medical clinic we are constructing in Sistan & Baluchistan. We also have opportunities in Tehran.
We have need of individuals in any healthcare-related field to volunteer their time and expertise. This includes doctors, dentists, nurses, public health officials, and even students in these fields.
As you may or may not know, we are currently constructing a medical clinic in Sistan & Baluchistan province and need volunteers to go there, attend to patients, or help us in getting the needed medical equipment. Please contact us if you are interested in this and any healthcare-related projects and we will put you on our list of volunteers.
Yes. If you are interested in working with poor and disadvantaged children in Iran, we can provide you with an opportunity to work on one of our ongoing projects or with an Iran-based NGO that does such work. Please e-mail or mail us your request, along with a resume and cover letter. We usually have internship opportunities in the summer, but there are other opportunities available throughout the year.
27. What sizes of T-Shirts are available?
All T-shirts are available in three sizes: Small, Medium, and Large. They are for adults and children.
Help in promoting awareness of the plight of Iranian children is of the utmost importance to us. You can do this in several ways. First, you can help by simply telling your friends and colleagues about us. Second, you can request Children of Persia T-Shirts, calendars, or charity cans. Simply displaying these items in your place of work will help increase exposure for Children of Persia, and, ultimately, the plight of underprivileged and needy children in Iran.
Furthermore, you can help by setting up an information table at local community events such as Iranian holiday parties.
Our posters, brochures, T-Shirts, charity cans, and calendars are available for viewing at our Web site: http://www.childrenofpersia.org
At the Children of Persia home page click on : COP Calendars, or Premium Gifts
Due to cost, we only send posters and brochures to people who will be doing fundraising for us. If you would like to order a poster or brochures, please contact us by mail, e-mail, or phone.
Children of Persia
P.O. Box 2602
Montgomery Village, MD 20886-2602
USA
info@childrenofpersia.org
(301) 315-0750
Yes. Children of Persia is in complete compliance with the US sanctions against Iran. All fundraising activities in the United States are for acquiring medical equipment, medicine, and educational supplies.
Our EIN number is 52-2236795.
Unless you would like to use posters and/or brochures for a fundraising or promotional event, we do not send them out at to the public at large. However, our posters and brochures are made available at our Web site in PDF format. Please feel to print them out.
You can access them directly through the following Web addresses:
www.childrenofpersia.org/COP_Brochure.pdf
www.childernofpersia.org/COP_Poster.pdf
Copyright © 2003 [Children Of Persia]. All rights reserved.
Revised:
May 14, 2006
|
