Vision
To unite Iranian student associations across the United States—ensuring no Iranian student stands alone and transforming unity into lasting impact.
About the Iranian Student Association-Alliance (ISA-Alliance)
Institutional Foundation
Vision & Mission
Mission
Infrastructure builder, not direct service provider.
The mission of ISA-Alliance is to build the infrastructure and enabling environment through which member associations can effectively and efficiently advocate for the needs and interests of Iranian students across all relevant dimensions of their lives in the United States.
ISA-Alliance serves as an infrastructure builder and facilitator, not a direct service provider. Member associations are the primary representatives and agents of change. Through ISA-Alliance, they gain access to what none can build alone.
Institutional Commitments
Shared Values
Unity and Collective Power
ISA-Alliance is built on the strength of networks and collective action so that the voice of Iranian students across America is stronger together than any one association could be alone.
Transparency and Accountability
Activities, communications, and financial structures are expected to meet high standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability to members, partners, and the broader community.
Cultural Identity and Pride
ISA-Alliance preserves Iranian cultural heritage, the Persian language, and the intellectual tradition of Iran while presenting an accurate and positive narrative of Iranian identity.
Inclusion and Respect
The alliance serves all Iranian students regardless of political views, religious background, gender, or region of origin and creates space for diverse perspectives without requiring uniformity of thought.
Excellence and Impact
Programs, initiatives, and partnerships are expected to create measurable value for the students and associations ISA-Alliance serves. The goal is impact, not mere presence.
Independence
ISA-Alliance is not affiliated with any political party, foreign government, or political entity and accepts no funding, direction, or influence that compromises that independence, including from entities affiliated with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Infrastructure Model
The Four Pillars of Infrastructure
Communication Network
Connecting and coordinating member associations across universities throughout the United States to create visibility, solidarity, and shared situational awareness.
Shared Resources
Providing shared access to legal, financial, and educational resources that individual associations cannot secure independently.
Advocacy Platform
Creating a unified and coherent voice for the common interests and needs of Iranian students, enabling member associations to speak together on issues that affect all.
Coordinated Action
Turning the network, resources, and platform into campaigns, coalitions, and coordinated initiatives that no single association could sustain alone.
Governance Framework
Representation & Leadership
Representation Model
Member associations stay at the center.
ISA-Alliance has two classes of membership: the Founding Board and Member Associations. Associations may become members by documenting university registration, maintaining at least three active student members, and accepting the bylaws in writing.
Each member association designates three representatives with voting rights for one academic year. This model keeps the alliance grounded in institutional membership while preserving direct representation from campus organizations.
Leadership Structure
Founding Board plus elected Executive Cabinet.
The Founding Board consists of six founding members with strategic governance and oversight responsibilities. The Executive Cabinet consists of at least three members elected annually by the representatives of member associations.
The Executive Cabinet is accountable to the Founding Board, submits quarterly performance reports, and advances the organization's objectives within the limits established by the bylaws and 501(c)(3) rules.