BOSTON—Indian American Forum for Political Education-MA, known as IAFPE or Forum which has been rocked by leadership crisis in recent years, announced that it has appointed Monie Malhotra and Gope Gidwani as interim caretakers of the organization until February.
Sonali Lappin, who was appointed acting president first and later was elected as President of the organization, resigned recently. Her term was scheduled to expire in January 2020.
“The IAFPE-MA Executive Committee (EC) met on November 23, 2019, accepting the interim leadership of caretakers Monie Malhotra and Gope Gidwani,” IAFPE said in a statement, adding that the organization has also taken some other near-term action items.
The statement said that IAFPE will hold its general body meeting on Feb. 23, 2020.
“IAFPE-MA will hold a General Body Meeting (GBM), with time and venue to be announced. Life members will receive e-invites, and all are welcome to attend. Complimentary lunch will be served. Get involved! Become a voting member of IAFPE-MA,” the statement said.
IAFPE also announced the resumption IAFPE-MA flagship fellowship/internship program.
“We are delighted to welcome Manasi Singhal, an alumna of our program, to lead the 2020 Fellowship Program. As an educator who is civically and politically active, she brings experience, enthusiasm, and a progressive approach to engage this generation of Indian Americans,” the statement said.
Ms. Singhal can be contacted iafpefellowship@gmail.com. The application deadline is March 20, 2020. Visit www.iafpe-ma.org for details and forms. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents of Indian origin, a current high school or college student in good academic standing and have a demonstrated interest or experience in politics or community service.
IAFPE-MA said the current executive committee will reach out to leaders of various cultural organizations and form an Advisory Group to collectively discuss Indian community’s needs where Forum can have the greatest impact.
IAFPE said the current Forum membership will receive an email with this update.
IAFPE urged people to renew or initiate membership with a simple email to gopegidwani@gmail.com, listing IAFPE-MA 2020 MEMBERSHIP: [YOUR FIRST NAME LAST NAME] in the subject line.
In order to vote at the general body meeting, you will need to be a member for two months minimum. Membership dues are $10/yr, payable by check or cash at the GBM.
The IAFPE-MA Executive Committee has several open positions to fill in early 2020. Please email kumkumdilwali@gmail.com with your role(s) of interest, e.g. President, President-elect, Secretary, Member-at-large.
