HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

 
National Organization for the Advancement of Haitians  
The National Organization for the Advancement of Haitians (NOAH) was founded in 1991 as a not-for-profit social policy corporation in response to the refugee crisis resulting from political unrest and upheaval in Haiti. Incorporated in Washington, D.C., with chapters in Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and Port-au-Prince, NOAH serves as a national, non-partisan organization dedicated to the restoration and preservation of democracy in Haiti.  
   
Since its inception, NOAH has worked to broaden understanding of Haiti, its people, its culture and its challenges to regain economic independence and stability. Through information and education, NOAH not only plays a critical and pivotal role in building support for Haiti, but also provides vital guidance and leadership to U. S. policy makers about the current developments in the evolution of Haiti
  
   
NOAH is recognized as a public policy information clearinghouse and advocate for the democratization of Haiti and is consulted by the executive branch of the United States as an intermediary between the governmental and the private sectors within Haiti and abroad.  
   
NOAH's philosophy is based on the concept of "EMPOWERMENT THROUGH UNITY". The organization works diligently to enforce this principle through collaborative efforts with individuals and organizations that share its vision of "Rebuilding Haiti for a Brighter Tomorrow." NOAH has built alliances with the African-American community, the Haitian-American community and other entities by structuring the organization to address critical issues in areas such as; Immigration; Legal Representation; Economic Development; Research; Health and Welfare; Education; Grassroots Democratization; and Cultural Initiatives which benefit Haiti in its revitalization process.  
   
NOAH has crafted its mission around the following fundamental principles:  
* We must champion democracy in Haiti.
* We will serve as an information clearinghouse providing business and investment opportunities.
* We are committed to humanitarian efforts and initiatives. * We seek to create greater awareness, understanding, and appreciation of Haitian culture and society.
* We encourage the interactive participation of Haitian-Americans in the multi-cultural fabric of the United States.
* We will promote and reinforce a new image and vision for Haiti. 		 
   
Recognizing that out youth are the leaders of tomorrow, and therefore, an integral part of Haiti's social and economic development, "Help Us Give Them Hope" will serve as a first step in empowering Haitian youth through the presentation of NOAH's first academic scholarship award.  
   
In conclusion,as the principle coordinating organization for a broad-based coalition of Haitian, Haitian-American and African-American interests, along with other groups, NOAH aggressively promotes the dissemination of information about Haiti, its public and private policies, its socioeconomic structure and institutions, and its rich cultural heritage. As such, NOAH has become a leading visionary in "Rebuilding Haiti for a Brighter Tomorrow."