GR
On June 19, “Me Alla Matia” NPO had the honor of attending an event at The American College of Greece, featuring U.S. Congressman John Sarbanes, who is of Greek descent.
John Sarbanes is a lawyer and politician who has served as the U.S. representative for Maryland’s 3rd congressional district since 2007 and is a member of the Democratic Party. With an admirable political track record in social welfare and beyond, Sarbanes was in Greece as part of the American College’s “Distinguished Speakers Series.” This particular event focused on the intersection of politics and education, as well as the importance of youth and Civil Society in shaping effective policies for the future of democracy worldwide.
Among the many representatives from Civil Society organizations, the President of NPO, Vangelis Avouglas, had a conversation with Mr. Sarbanes, exchanging views on the work of non-profit organizations in Greece and how their efforts can be supported at the level of political will.
A few words about John Sarbanes:
His time in Congress has been marked by his service on the Energy and Commerce Committee, where the congressman focuses on healthcare issues, clean energy, and the environment, particularly the protection and preservation of Chesapeake Bay. Appointed as chair of the Democracy Reform Task Force, Sarbanes led efforts for the passage of HR1, a historic set of reforms aimed at protecting voting rights, eliminating corruption in Washington, and restoring transparency, integrity, and trust in government. He is also the proud author of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. This program has forgiven a total of $62.8 billion in loans for nearly 876,000 student borrowers who chose to pursue careers in Civil Society and broader public service. Above all, however, his primary priority has always been to serve his constituents with timely and effective work based on transparent communication. He recognizes that the true pioneers in the world are the many unsung heroes — individuals and organizations — who are committed daily to making a difference in their local communities.
John Sarbanes is deeply connected to his Greek heritage and the emphasis it places on hard work, the pursuit of excellence, and a commitment to family and community. His grandparents, Spyros and Matina Sarbanes, emigrated in the early 1900s from small villages in the southern Peloponnese and opened a restaurant in Salisbury, Maryland. The importance they placed on public service and volunteerism is embodied in the congressman’s career and that of his late father, Senator Paul Sarbanes. A staunch advocate for issues related to Greece and Cyprus, Sarbanes serves in the Hellenic Caucus and, for over a decade, has hosted the annual St. Andrew’s Freedom Forum Reception in the Capitol to raise awareness about the plight of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Born and raised in Baltimore, John Sarbanes graduated from Princeton University and earned a Fulbright scholarship to Greece before attending Harvard Law School. Prior to joining Congress, he worked for nearly two decades in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.
