Category Archives: Open Letters

FEZANA was registered under the General Not for Profit Corporation Act of Illinois on June 2, 1987.  Today marks the 20th anniversary of that important date in our history.  

FEZANA is celebrating the 20th Anniversary through an number of events this year.  We coordinated several public celebrations of NauRooz in major cities, with formal press releases to increase public awareness of Zarathushti celebrations.  A special birthday cake was presented to FEZANA at the 2oth Annual General Meeting in Dallas, Texas, on April 7. 

At the AGM, the delegates resolved to establish a permanent office for FEZANA during the anniversary year.  A 20th Anniversary Fund has been set up to support the office.  The XIV North American Zoroastrian Congress in Toronto will also include special 2oth birthday celebrations. 

Today, FEZANA has grown to include 25 member Associations and 14 small groups, serving over 7,500 voting members.  Member Associations are thriving and Zarathushtis are receiving increasing recognition and respect throughout North America.  FEZANA’s assets are approaching $900,000 and its annual budget is over $120,000

This is an awesome achievement, in light of the fact that most of elected officers and trustees of the Member Associations and FEZANA, as well as the countless dedicated volunteers serving various committees, have responsible daytime jobs and businesses, and growing families that also require their constant attention.  We should continue this growth and try to bring all Zarathushtis in North America to join our Associations and become a part of our active community.

I sincerely thank all the volunteers, donors, and individuals who have helped to make FEZANA what it is today.

Twenty years ago, a few Zarathushtis sat down together in Chicago and drafted the FEZANA constitution.  But let us be clear: it is not the document or the words that really matter in the long run; but rather the process of developing it that was so powerful, motivating, and affirming, that we have been moving forward through these 20 years. 

FEZANA’s constitution assures autonomy to each Association.  But we know instinctively that all Associations are heavily interdependent in developing our collective vision and carving out our just position in the world around us.  I believe that FEZANA has a key role to play in this: to help to harness and coordinate our collective energies towards defining our position in this world.

Please forward this message to all your constituents and friends who care about the future of the Zarathushti faith.

Ushta,
Rustom Kevala
FEZANA President

All FEZANA Member Associations and Small Groups:

Updated information: 

Based on the above resolution we are pleased to announce that the FEZANA 4WZYC2007 Travel Subsidy Committee has agreed to initiate the following revised course of action.

1. DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS EXTENDED TO 31 MAY 2007
2. Increase the subsidy amount to $ 500 per applicant.  Matching subsidy remains at $250 minimum.
3. Include Youth from the SMALL GROUPS, provided the Small Group is willing to offer matching subsidy.
4. Total Budget of $ 10,000.00 (per Atlanta AGM) remains unchanged.

So far we have 10 applications, including 3 from SMALL GROUPS. They will all get the increased subsidy amount. There are only 10 more subsidies available on first come first serve basis.

You may apply even if you have not registered for the 4WZYC2007 yet; we will help you with your registration.

The $ 500 + $ 250 = Total $ 750 should cover the registration fees which includes stay for the Congress Days.  So please take advantage of this increased subsidy amount, once you have the okay from your Association for the matching subsidy.

Please review the attached and forward as needed to your youth members:

• Updated Subsidy Procedure Document
• Subsidy Application Form

We look forward to receiving your selected young Zarathushtis soon.

If you have any questions, please contact the Committee co-chairs, Firdosh Mehta, and Anahita Daryushnejad.

Please forward your applications or any questions to Homi Gandhi at President@ZAGNY.org by May 25th 2007. All information regarding the congress is available through the FEZANA website http://www.fezana.org/.  Registration for the congress and payment of all fees and all travel arrangements and expenses are the responsibility of each individual planning to attend 4WZYC.   Proof of registration and completion of all formalities will be required before the subsidies can be disbursed.