In early 1991 a delegation of Romanian-American leaders visited officials in the government of the United States. We met people in both the executive and legislative branches of our government. We were advised to form an organization so officials in Washington, DC would known who we are taking to. It was clear by the end of the first visit that the Romanian-American community was little known in our Nation's Capital and the implications of this fact were unacceptable to us.

We decided that a Congress Of Romanian Americans needed to be established. We needed to try to organize our Romanian-American community to help the people of Romania by influencing both the governments of the United States and Romania. We wanted to help the Romanian people with humanitarian aid; encourage them on the road to democracy and support the development of a market economy. We hoped that the interests of the Romanian community would be served by sharing the common objectives listed above.

Today CORA is recognized in Washington and Romania as a positive force to help Romanian people wherever they may be. Whenever we go to our Nation's Capital and wish to meet with governmental and other leaders, their doors are open to us they and we listen to what is said. We have influenced, and continue to influence both the US and Romanian governments.

The people of Romania have made recognizable progress since December of 1989, however, the task ahead of them is great and perilous. They need our help and the help of many institutions, as well as substantial changes in the governing of Romania.

For the successful implementation of these objectives, we need the support and active involvement of all Romanian-Americans, cutting across the generation and social spectrum: those born in America, as well as those whose birth place is Romania.

There is room and opportunity for everyone willing to share his or her talents and energy in a united effort to move forward. I personally invite you to support and join the Congress of Romanian Americans. Together, we can assure its continued viability as a representative of organizations of Romanian-Americans.

Armand A. Scala
President and Secretary