The first meeting was held a week later on June 14th in Lansing. For the next four months, the group held five meetings almost all of them in centrally located Lansing to discuss the conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia and to talk what can be done about it. However, there was also an underlying feeling, though less urgent, that the association, if and when organized, should go beyond issues surrounding the war. Thus, during those meetings, a number of steps were taken: Collection of contributions for Eritrea, organization of a picnic to know better other families and individuals in the surrounding areas, discussions on whether there should be a formal organization, and an investigation of and consultation with other Eritrean organizations, if and where they existed, with the aim of joining them if there is a compatibility of goals and sentiments.
It soon became clear that both through discussion over the telephone and/or meetings with the relevant individuals or officials that those organizations that existed were not meant to reflect state-wide membership. Once this was known, it was decided that a state-wide organization that would embrace all Eritreans and friends of Eritrea is necessary to create a vital support mechanism among the members consisting of Eritreans, their families, as well as their friends. The role of such an organization in helping new arrivals from Eritrea and the second generation of Eritreans was clearly seen as very important; in the case of the former, to help them settle down with little cultural and economic shock in a new society, and in the case of the latter to help them understand and adopt to a bi-cultural social exposure and upbringing. Furthermore, it was clear that such an organization could be very useful to marshal both material and moral assistance to Eritrean victims during a time of adversity, such as the conflict with Ethiopia.
An extensive bylaws was drafted and discussed at length over a number of meetings and finally on October 18, 1998, the bylaws was approved and thus, AEFM was born as non-political, non-religious, and non-sectarian independent entity. After the formal launching of the Association, the first priority of the Executive Body was to share the goals and aspirations of the Association with other Eritreans in Michigan. To do so, a number of meetings were held with individuals and groups. This was done during the last months of 1998 and the first few months of 1999.
For the rest of 1999, while continued publicity of AEFM and what it stands for took place, attention was also paid to make sure it has the legal standing both at the state and federal level. Thus, after making the necessary sacrifice in time and expenses, AEFM was formally recognized as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt non-governmental organization in March 2000 with all the responsibilities and opportunities of a tax-exempt entity.
No less important is the impact or influence the Association created among members and non-members to come together (outside AEFM) to participating in concrete ways in congratulating Eritrean high school graduates and in providing a modest assistance to Eritrean families (and individuals) both in their hour of joy and their hour of sadness- according to the Eritrean tradition.
After those initial two years, AEFM has gone on to achieve great works and recognition both here in Michigan, indeed in the States, and in Eritrea. Take a look at the activities page for detailed information about the past, current and upcoming activities of the association.