FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 6, 2023
#AfghanEvac Declared 2024 Non-Profit of the Year
State Assemblymember Chris Ward Honors Volunteers Helping to Keep U.S. Commitments to Afghan Allies
Sacramento, CA – State Assemblymember Chris Ward proudly announces #AfghanEvac as a 2024 California Nonprofit of the Year, recognizing its relentless dedication to supporting Afghan allies.
#AfghanEvac, a volunteer-driven nonprofit, connects organizations and people with U.S. government agencies and offices to ensure that America honors its promise to Afghan allies. The 250+ member organizations in the #AfghanEvac coalition collaborate on the full pipeline of relocation and resettlement operations, from humanitarian support on the ground through immigration case management to resettlement assistance.
“#AfghanEvac has helped thousands of Afghans resettle in our state and across America, and I’m proud this transformative organization started in my hometown of San Diego,” said Assemblymember Chris Ward (D-San Diego). "I’ve worked with my colleagues to ensure there is support for Afghans building new lives here in California. #AfghanEvac works every day to uphold California values by helping Afghan refugees find a community to call home, and a place where they can work toward a better life.”
#AfghanEvac built and administers the mechanism for cooperation and information sharing between U.S. government agencies and private groups. This partnership between government and civil society has worked hand-in-hand to coordinate efforts, improve efficiency, and disseminate information.
“This honor shines a light on our mission: ensuring America keeps its promise to our Afghan allies. Our work is far from over,” said Shawn VanDiver, founder and President of #AfghanEvac. “We stand committed to every Afghan who stood up for the idea of America and is now seeking their American dream.”
#AfghanEvac is one of more than one hundred nonprofits that was honored by state legislators for its outstanding contributions to the communities they serve.
“Nonprofit organizations touch the lives of millions of Californians in ways that can often go unrecognized. From the childcare program to the soccer team, from the art class to the health clinic, and from the community organizer to the animal shelter – nonprofits improve the lives of all Californians and make our communities stronger,” said Geoff Green, CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits), a partner in this initiative. “Nonprofits are also a key economic driver in our state, accounting for 1 in 14 jobs. It’s important to recognize all they do.”
#AfghanEvac is among over a hundred nonprofits recognized by state legislators for their significant contributions to communities, highlighting the essential role of nonprofits in society. The nonprofit sector is the 4th largest industry in California, employing over 1.2 million people and generating more than $273 billion in revenue annually. Volunteer labor alone equates to 330,000 full-time jobs each year.
Since its inception, #AfghanEvac has made a profound impact by working closely with key government entities, including the U.S. State Department, the White House, and other federal agencies. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on June 12, 2023, solidifies this collaboration, ensuring streamlined efforts to honor America's commitment to Afghan allies. Together, these efforts have successfully coordinated the operational ecosystem, improved efficiency, and provided essential support to Afghans in need.
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About #AfghanEvac
The non-partisan #AfghanEvac coalition is made up of more than 250 organizations, representing every part of the American experience, working with government to ensure the continued relocation and resettlement of eligible Afghan allies who served alongside the U.S. mission in Afghanistan over twenty years of war. Learn more at https://afghanevac.org