The Midwest Federation of American Syrian Lebanese Clubs, Inc., is a non-political, social and fraternal organization which was organized to promote and preserve the ethnic heritage of its members, to advance the scholarship of its youth, and to support humanitarian causes.
It convenes yearly at different sites throughout the Midwest. Such prominent Arab-Americans as Casey Kasem, Former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Donna Shalala, and U.S. Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham have addressed its membership at annual conventions.
Its membership includes ethnic clubs or lodges throughout the Midwest as well as individual members. The Federation publishes a newsletter, three times annually, mailed to approximately 2,000 families in the Midwest.
The organization has awarded hundreds of undergraduate scholarships over its 75 years of existence to affiliate youth. It has supported orphans in Lebanon and humanitarian efforts by the U.S. government in Lebanon and Palestine. It has aided the victims of the 9/11 disaster. It has intervened to protect the rights of its ethnic community and has promoted its culture via cultural activities at its gatherings and through cultural activities planned by its member clubs in their respective cities. These clubs have participated in ethnic fairs showcasing their food and heritage through cultural exhibits. They have addressed groups regarding their heritage and taught their ethnic dancing and cooking.
Our heritage is rich with many contributions to the world like the alphabet, mathematics, astronomy, agriculture, calligraphy, and many musical instruments. Some famous Americans of our heritage include Senators George Mitchell and Spencer Abraham, former White House Chief of Staff, John H. Sununu, former Secretary of Health and Human Services, Donna Shalala, former Dean of White House Press Corps, Helen Thomas, consumer advocate, Ralph Nader, and prominent heart surgeon, Dr. Michael DeBakey.
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