As many of you know, there are five Alumni Associations and three Civic (Developmental) Organizations of Tigrai that are operating from the United States. These eight organizations technically represent the eight regions (Awrajas) of Tigrai. Directly or indirectly, one organization belongs to one Awraja. The point is, is the existence of these organizations good or bad for Tigrai and Tigrians?

One may say it is bad basing his/her argument that the creation of these organizations may create a division among us tigrians. On the other hand, others may say it is good because these organizations create a computation among the regions, and when we have a healthy computation, we all grow together. As a result of that growth, Tigrai can prosper.

Even though I personally believe on the second thought, it is fair to say both sides of the argument have a valid point. Having said this, some people may wonder why am I asking for the creation of an Umbrella Organization if I believe the existence of the current organizations is good? Here is the reason why:

1. While I believe the existence of the current Alumni and Developmental Associations is good for Tigrai, I also strongly believe that we can do better if we have an Umbrella organization that accommodates the need and interest of all tigrians.
2. When one Alumni or Civic organization hosts and event, the guests of the event are not only the members of that particular Association. Instead, all tigrians are invited and expected to contribute financially for that Association. This means if we want to participate in all of the eight organizations events, we have to dig our pockets eight times a year; and I do not think that is easy for most of us. As a result, many people may get frustrated or tired of participating in these different events and totally give up. When that happens, these Associations may get weaken and not go much further. With that thought in mind, I want us to stay ahead of the game and have a second plan.
3. Unless we want to deny it, we know that many people still think that these organizations are divisive. Because of that mentality, these people are not doing any thing to support the currently existing organizations. They are waiting to see these organizations forming a bigger and stronger organization that represents the whole tigrai instead of one school or one awraja. Therefore, I like to see these people also aboard and contribute their shares to the betterment of tigrai.
4. Last but not least, many elementary or junior high (7th & 8th) are becoming high schools in many parts of Tigrai. If we make it a habit of organizing our selves under the names of our schools (high schools), then many more Associations will be created with the newly emerging high schools; and I do not think that will do us any good. Therefore, we, all Tigrians, should be wise and start looking for a better alternation before things get out of hand.

In General, because of the above points, I feel that a creation of an Umbrella Organization is important. I understand this is not an easy task and I am not expecting this to happen over night but if we put our minds together, I am sure we can do it. I also want to make sure every body understand that I am not calling for the dismantlement of the currently existing organizations. Instead, I am asking for all Tigrians to come together and start talking and discussing about the idea of a bigger picture as one people from one place with love and respect to each other.

Finally, to help us facilitate and discuss this idea, I have created a discussion Forum at yahoo groups. Please subscribe to UmbrellaTigrai@yahoogroups.com and post your ideas for discussion. Or if you prefer to contact me directly, please send your e-mails to atsbha22@yahoo.com.

Let’s have a new sprite for the new Millennium!!!!!!!!!!

Thank You,

Atsbha Gebru