It has been an astonishing four years since we gathered in the Sankur living room to put American Turkish People and their Friends on the map in Ventura County. Our group is open to all peoples and not based on any ethnicity or religion. It can be a shared bond of heritage, culture,memories, interests, music, food, language or any type of affinity that makes us want to be together. We have tried by having Turkish classes, casual picnics, Backgammon tournaments, auctions, excursions, Valentine's Day at The Greek at the Harbor, booth participation at county events, presentation at local schools and colleges and visiting political representatives. We also have fundraised for local and Turkish organizations, such as Prototypes in Oxnard and Scholarships for Turkish students and school needs in Turkey. All these efforts have lead to a growing presence which will continue based on the needs of our community. Needless to say I have made new friends I would have never known of had we not come together on this platform.

Board members are members in good standing of one year and meet once a month to organize events. We are only as strong as the people who take part and are open in December at our elections for new Board members to take us down new roads. It has been an honor to be a part of this warm, generous and friendly community. There are so many things that we could do, teach, be, give and receive! Wonderful to be part of VATAN-SC.