The Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas, Inc. is a nonprofit organization, founded in 1975, in Brooklyn, New York. During the more than twenty-five years of existence, the association has grown from just a New York-based organization to a national association, with nine chapters in more than fifteen states. The objectives of the association are, fostering peace among Grand Gedeans living in the United States and Canada, and mobilizing resources for the reconstruction of Grand Gedeh County, Liberia.
With the birth of the Liberian civil war, the association expanded its activities to including advocating for Grand Gedeans back home in Liberia who were being hunted by NPFL rebels, and providing material assistance to the victims. In 1991, the Association sent relief assistance of food and medicine to Grand Gedeans in Monrovia, Liberia, and again in April, 1997,following the Camp Johnson Road incident during which hundreds of Grand Gedeans were massacred by the Charles Taylor’s government forces.
Two of the association’s goals today are mobilizing resources to help rebuild Grand Gedeh County and assist Grand Gedeans resettle in the county, and promoting peace and unity among the people of Grand Gedeh. The association also continues to be the only advocate for Grand Gedeans.
Founders of the Grand Gedeh Association
in the Americas, Inc.
The establishment of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas, Inc. was an idea of the following founding members whose vision of peace and unity among Grand Gedeans began in Brooklyn, New York on February 15, 1979. They are:
Amb. Seward K. Boons----Founding President, Pawoo Teh, Sam Wulu Davis, Elizabeth Teh, Betty Roberts, Beverly Boons, Edward Grant, Joe W. Keh, G. Gebrier Roberts
William H. Diahn, Ansa Shero, Etta Rue-Wilson and David Grisby
The Glay-Kaine Administration knows and deeply feels the unnecessary pains and sufferings of our people; the cause of which is known to all but a few. Progress in any society cannot be organized, controlled, or mandated. But by free people- working in areas best suited to their interest can cumulatively move the nation forward toward economic progress. It is the conviction of the association that for the most part, chaos in society is nothing but the mere reflection of chaos in the lives of some troubled souls.. Restless individuals who know no peace of mind for themselves or others, individuals who perceived their roles in government as moneymaking opportunity and not as an opportunity to be of service to the Liberian people.
The Grand Gedeh Association under the leadership of the Glay-Kaine administration would endeavor to foster peace and national reconciliation among all Liberians. In opposing the views of others, the Grand Gedeh Association does not dispute the ultimate end: freedom of the individual, peace and prosperity. Rather, differ on the means and-the choices made, and the methods being used to achieve those ends. Like many other Liberian organizations, the Grand Gedeh Association is committed to the rule of law , genuine peace and reconciliation, and true democracy in Liberia. The association shall support all efforts instituted by the Government of Liberia to restore Liberia to her historical place of honor in the community of nations.
Since the Elections Commission of the Grand Gedeh Association declared the Glay-Kaine Team as winner of the 2007 Election, which took place in Des Mois, Iowa on Sunday, May 28, 2007, the new administration has developed relevant benchmarks and core-value objectives.
Vision Statement:
The administration envisions a community based association where all Grand Gedeans residing in the Americas would be included and encouraged to participate in the affairs of the Association to enhance their social, economic and cultural needs; and promote, protect and observe the cultures of both the Republic of Liberia and the United States of America that are consistent with the Constitution, and articles of Organization.
We believe that every Grand Gedean deserves to benefit from the programs and services that the association offers without regard to status, region, religious, political, academic persuasions/or philosophy.
Mission Statement:
The administration is determined to promote the health, education, safety, economic well-being and general welfare of members of the Grand Gedeh Association residing in the Americas and in Liberia, through advocacy and forming community partnerships at the local, state and federal levels here in the Americas, to access opportunities to enrich and enhance the quality of life of each Grand Gedean.
Respect:
The Glay/Kaine administration believes that each member should be treated with respect by valuing each person’s views, opinions, role and participation in the affairs of the Association. Each member has a right to be a valued member and is encouraged to fully participate in the affairs and activities of the Association.
Service:
The Glay/Kaine administration values the services and financial contributions of each member toward fulfilling the mission and objectives of the association. The administration will endeavor to assist when asked to do so, when any member of the association is in need of its services.
Inclusiveness:
The Glay-Kane administration values the diverse backgrounds of its considering that Grand Gedeans are not monolithic and welcomes the participation of all members of the association. The administration would encourage the active participation of all the sub-organizations representing the various districts in Grand Gedeh County.
Accountability:
Glay/Kane administration believes that it must be accountable and take responsibility for its actions while conducting the affairs of the Grand Gedeh Association. The administration shall resist attempts by any individual or individuals to sanction its actions and resolves that in the best interest of Grand Gedeans here in the Diaspora and at home, we will stand against any force or power no matter how mighty it is. We will also be transparent in the conduct of the organization’s affairs especially regarding financial matters. We will make attempts to account for every dime or penny entrusted to our care and we will issue quarterly reports to the board of directors and the larger Grand Gedeh Community.
Empowerment:
The Glay/Kaine believes that members have the abilities to advance themselves academically, economically, socially and professionally. The administration shall strive to promote the economic welfare of individual members. The leadership shall commit its human, financial and organizational resources to the mission and goals of the organization. It shall also endeavors to improve, enhance and enrich the lives of members and support them in any undertakings.
Cultural Integrity:
The Glay-Kane administration shall promote the cultures of the Krahn ethnic group here in the Americas through social interactions and strives to highlight the importance of the Krahn culture through music, dance, clothing, etc.
