We Are Cyrus in Washington: The First of Many

There is something deeply humbling about walking the halls of the United States Capitol.

For many of us, this trip to Washington, D.C. was about much more than meetings. It was a reminder of what America has made possible.

As American Iranians, we are able to organize, advocate, and participate in our government because of the freedoms protected by the Constitution of the United States. If it were not for this Republic and the generations of Americans who have defended it, none of this would be possible.

That is why We Are Cyrus has always believed something simple:

Our first responsibility is to be good American citizens.

We love our Iranian heritage. We cherish America's freedoms. Our mission exists because this country gives us the opportunity to peacefully organize, speak freely, and participate in the democratic process. We believe serving America and standing with the Iranian people go hand in hand.

With that conviction, our delegation traveled to Washington for three days of meetings with congressional offices, a United States Senate office, and organizations dedicated to advancing freedom and strengthening civic engagement within the American-Iranian community.

This was not a symbolic visit. It was the first step in building relationships that we intend to strengthen for years to come.

More Than Meetings

Walking the halls of Congress makes for memorable photographs. Relationships build trust. Trust builds influence.

Our objective was never to collect pictures. It was to introduce We Are Cyrus, listen carefully, build trust, and begin relationships grounded in professionalism, respect, and credibility.

We were encouraged by the reception we received throughout our visit. While we will always keep our conversations with congressional staff and elected officials confidential, we left Washington with new relationships, open lines of communication, and confidence that American-Iranian voices are being heard.

Influence in Washington is built through trust, consistency, and showing up. This trip was not the finish line. It was the foundation.

Finding Common Ground

One of the most encouraging aspects of our meetings was discovering that several important issues received bipartisan understanding.

Among them were: Expanding reliable internet access for the Iranian people during times of government censorship and unrest. Recognizing that the Islamic Republic does not represent the Iranian people. Supporting Iranian students who are lawfully studying in the United States so they are not unfairly penalized because of the actions of the regime.

These conversations reinforced something we have believed from the beginning. Supporting the Iranian people should never be a partisan issue. It is rooted in America's enduring commitment to freedom, human dignity, and the belief that every people deserve the opportunity to determine their own future.

Stronger Together

One of the privileges of this trip was spending time with the team at the National Union for Democracy in Iran (NUFDI).

They graciously welcomed our delegation into their office, generously shared their experience navigating Washington, and joined us for several meetings on Capitol Hill. Their professionalism, openness, and willingness to collaborate made a lasting impression on our team, and we are grateful for the hospitality they extended to us.

We also had the opportunity to spend time with other organizations and advocates who have dedicated themselves to advancing freedom for the Iranian people.

One thing our delegation came home believing even more deeply than before is this:

The future of the American-Iranian community will be built through cooperation, not competition.

Every organization brings different strengths, experiences, and relationships to the table. When we choose collaboration over division, our entire community becomes stronger. We are committed to building relationships, sharing knowledge, and supporting others wherever our missions align because lasting progress is bigger than any one organization.

We did not come to Washington to be seen. We came to be useful.

Our goal is to become a trusted resource that brings thoughtful perspectives, credible information, and a spirit of cooperation wherever we can. Relationships built on service will always outlast relationships built on publicity.

The Work Continues at Home

While our meetings in Washington were an important milestone, the real work continues every day in communities across America.

From day one, We Are Cyrus has been committed to building a lasting civic movement by establishing local chapters, registering American-Iranian voters, developing principled leaders, and encouraging greater civic participation. That work continues today and will remain the foundation of everything we do as we prepare for the upcoming midterm elections and beyond.

Washington matters, but lasting influence begins at home. It begins in our neighborhoods, our cities, our businesses, our places of worship, and around our own dinner tables.

If you have ever wondered how you can make a difference, this is your invitation.

Whether you can volunteer a few hours each month, help organize your local community, or take the lead in building a We Are Cyrus chapter where you live, there is a place for you in this movement.

Looking Ahead

This trip reminded us that democracy is not something to admire from a distance. It is something that must be practiced.

We owe a profound debt of gratitude to the United States of America. This nation welcomed many of us when we had nowhere else to go. It gave us the freedom to rebuild our lives, raise our families, and advocate peacefully for the future of the land of our birth.

The best way we can honor that gift is by becoming engaged citizens, strengthening this Republic, and contributing to the country that has given us so much.

For We Are Cyrus, serving America and standing with the Iranian people are not competing ideals. They are inseparable.

This was our first trip to Washington.

By God's grace, it will be the first of many.