Association History
ATASC is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting better understanding
and relations between the peoples of Turkey and the United States of America
through educational, cultural, charitable, and social activities.
The organization was first founded in 1953 as the "Turkish-American
Club". The main goal was to promote a better understanding of Turkey
and Turkish people in the USA and to provide the means for Turkish-Americans
to get together and observe special occasions such as Bayrams. It continued
through periods of strength with many activities followed by periods
of relative inactivity. In 1985, the association bylaws were revised
to permit it to become a tax-exempt, non-profit organization. With tax
exempt status, all contributions to the organization are tax-deductible.
The name was changed to the American Turkish Association of Southern
California. The acronym ATASC is consistent with the philosophy of the
members: a group adhering to the teachings of the founder of modern Turkey, Mustafa
Kemal Atatürk (also referred to as ATA, which means "father").
Today, ATASC continues to provide an invaluable service
to the Turkish-American community. From social activities, cultural activities,
charitable causes, as well as building community, ATASC plays an integral
role in bringing the Turkish-American community together as well as helping
others learn about a people rich in culture. |
