The 67th National Convention of the Chios Societies of the Americas & Canada will take place October 11- 13, 2024 in Washington, DC.
“There is no better location for the convention than our nation’s capital – the seat of US federal government and a cultural crossroad.” The Chios Society of the Greater Washington DC Area looks forward to hosting this memorable weekend in DC at the landmark JW Marriott Hotel.
This year’s convention promises to be uniting, informative and educational, inspiring and entertaining! A place where we, and especially our youth, can be enlightened by the examples of fellow Chians; where the importance of supporting not only the traditions of our island and preserving our heritage, but to also supporting our youth and communities will be highlighted.
Dinner, dancing and socializing will offer ample entertainment, but we hope to also provide the backdrop for encouraging a ‘pay it forward’ mentality – where each attendee becomes vested in helping to create a better future for the next generation of Hellenes both here and abroad. We have respectfully invited The Honorable Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where we plan to bestow upon him the United Chios Societies of America Lifetime Achievement Award.
The most famous quote about people from Chios is perhaps “Οι Χιώτες πάνε δύο, δύο”, paraphrased as “Chiotes travel in twos.” It’s in this spirit of solidarity we must unite as friends and supporters of Chios and Hellenic causes to ensure the success of our convention.
We are asking for your support as a benefactor of the convention or sponsor of an ad in our commemorative journal. The sponsorship form, which can be found here, provides more information.
We appreciate your support and look forward to having you join our events this Columbus Day Weekend, October 11-13, 2024.
With our deepest gratitude,
The Chios Society of the Greater Washington DC Area (Under the auspices of the Chios Societies of the Americas & Canada)
67th National Convention Committee
Maria Kaniou-Stefanias, Chair [email protected]
About Chios: Chios is the fifth largest of the Greek islands, situated in the Aegean Sea, located 4.3 miles off the Anatolian coast. The island is separated from Turkey by the Chios Strait. Chios is notable for its exports of mastic gum and its nickname is The mastic island. Tourist attractions include its medieval villages and the 11th-century monastery of Nea Moni, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Administratively, the island forms a separate municipality within the Chios regional unit, which is part of the North Aegean region. The principal town of the island and seat of the municipality is Chios town. Locals refer to Chios town as “Chora”, which literally means land or country, but usually refers to the capital or a settlement at the highest point of a Greek island.
The group’s mission: We the American Citizens born on the island of Chios, Greece, and our children born in the United States pledge our united efforts:
• To encourage our members to appreciate the privilege of citizenship and participate in the political, civic and social life of our adopted country.
• To educate our members and teach the principles, ideals and doctrines the Government of the United States, to promote loyalty and allegiance to the laws and constitution of the United States.
• To cultivate high moral standards and promote good fellowship, Goodwill and cooperation among our members.
• To unite ourselves for benevolent and philanthropic purposes.
• To provide scholarships for high school graduates as determined by the criteria and standards set by the society.