FAIRFIELD, NJ – On Sunday, February 2, 2025, Advocates of Silenced Turkey (AST) organized a breakfast event that brought together nearly 50 dedicated volunteers from New York. Invited with the message, “We are delighted to welcome our valued friends who have devoted their hearts to the struggle for justice,” participants used the opportunity to strengthen their solidarity and explore future collaborative efforts.
Organized with the mission of “becoming the voice of more oppressed people,” the event underscored the vital role of volunteerism within AST. It was emphasized that volunteering is not merely about individual contributions but about building structured, sustainable, and coordinated efforts.
Key topics discussed during the event included:
- How to support AST’s activities more effectively
- How to operate a more structured and impactful volunteer network
- Screening plans for the women-focused documentary “Metamorphosis”
- Strategies for organizing the “Exhibition of Silent Screams” in state assemblies across the U.S.
- The cataract surgery project led by young volunteers
During the breakfast, the youth who actively contributed to the cataract surgery project gave a presentation about their humanitarian initiative. They shared the details of their fieldwork and long-term plans, and also noted that the project is planned to be presented at a conference held under the framework of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).
Throughout the program, participants exchanged ideas and offered suggestions for the organization’s future. AST officials emphasized the importance of volunteerism by stating, “We aim to grow by thinking together, transforming our spoken prayers into real action.”
This first AST and New York volunteers’ gathering, which is intended to become a tradition, was completed with a spirit of sincerity, productivity, and shared responsibility. With the continued strength of its volunteers, AST is committed to reaching more voices in need.
