TACAM’s new membership year has begun! January 1, 2010 marks the beginning of the 2010 membership year. If you join now then you will benefit from a full year of our discounted membership rate for every 2010 event! As some of you know, membership dues are more this year. This decision was made at the 2009 General Assembly meeting. Some of you may think, “Why raise the dues, when we have such a hard time just collecting the old amount?” Unfortunately, it is not cheap to take care of a building and the land. It has expenses, repairs and grounds work, helped out by our volunteers. But still there are other expenses such as utilities and taxes. A slightly increased membership due will help cover these costs. We are one of few organizations who have their own property and building. We use our building and the grounds all year around. I am sure our community will support on this decision.
If you join now then you will benefit from a full year of our discounted membership rate for every 2010 event! A new Board will be elected in April; the magazine and Web site will continue to be conduits of information; many events and programs will be planned; the children’s and adults Turkish classes will carry on; the library will be expanded and the membership will grow to new heights! Attached is a 2010 membership form. Please support the only voice for the Turkish-American community in Michigan.
There are many benefits of becoming a TACAM member, including “members only” admission fees to selected TACAM events; a subscription to our magazine, The Anatolian Voice; free unlimited online classifieds space on TACAM.org; and voting privileges at TACAM’s annual General Assembly. Remember, your membership fee is tax deductible!
TACAM sponsors cultural and social events that educate the Michigan community. TACAM’s programs and activities promote cultural independence, provide social gatherings, offer educational workshops in the community and represent community members in local, state and federal politics.
We also conduct research and support such activities in social and cultural fields; promote Turkey, Turkish people and Turkish tradition through publications; conduct educational projects and seminars; publish newsletters and articles toward the same objectives; conduct seminars and open houses to promote Turkish music, folklore and art. You are a key part to providing this service and cultural hallmark to help enlighten the public about Turkish culture, history and traditions.
Some Event Organized During the Year
- May 19, Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sport’s Day
- Father’s Day Picnic
- Michigan Wine Tour
- August 30, Victory Day
- Friends of Turkey Night
- Ramazan and Kurban Bayramı Celebrations
- Republic Day Ball
- And many more for the upcoming year!
Turkish School for Kids and Adults
The TACAM Turkish School will be held once a week on every other Sunday at the TACAM building in Wixom. We have adult Turkish classes on every other Monday. The schools are free for TACAM members. All necessary information can be obtained from our Web site at tacam.org/education/.
Turkish Folk Dance Classes
TACAM has been giving Turkish folk dance classes on Sundays at the TACAM building, since November, 14, 2009. Contingent on demand, these classes will continue likely continue into 2010. Come for great fun and exercise and take part in the rich culture of Turkey.
Outreach Initiative
TACAM was recently awarded a grant through the ATAA and the Turkish Coalition of America in order to help organize Michigan Turks and Turkish-Americans to be more active and involved in the political process. One of the most important goals for the tacam Board was to ensure this project also matched the mission of tacam to “improve the humanitarian and cultural welfare of the Turkish community in Michigan and abroad.”
Become a member of TACAM today!
Leylâ Ahmed2009 – 2010 TACAM President