By Deni Blloshmi

Having been involved in the Albanian community the last few years I have noticed that there are many Albanian organizations that operate in many states or even small towns within the US.  Some of them operate in a national or international level, such as NAAC (National Albanian American Council), VATRA or AANO (Albanian American National Organization) and are, therefore, well known to many.  However, missing from the spotlight are the smaller organizations that make a huge difference to their local communities through their volunteer work, and the fairs and different events they organize.

In the next few issues we will try to showcase a few of these organizations that make a difference to the Albanian people.  We start the segment with MAASBESA, the Massachusetts Albanian-American Society “Besa” located in Boston, MA.  MAASBESA has recently been in the news due to their role in organizing the “First Annual Massachusetts Albanian Folk Festival” at the Strand Theater in Boston, which was a huge success.  However, they are involved in many other projects that although not well-known or advertised, are just as important if not more.  To help us get to know MAASBESA better, we spoke to their co-chair Mr. Mark Kosmo.  The interview follows.

Mr Kosmo, how did the creation of MAASBESA come about, and by whom?

We began holding events as far back as 2005 when the Tsunami hit Southeast Asia and we did an Albanian fundraiser for Tsunami victims.  The idea of a formal organization began then, but it was not really ready until November 2006.  Many people were involved in creating MAASBESA so it is better not to say any one or few persons were responsible since dozens of people have been important for its creation and continuation.

What is the mission of the organization, and have you realized your objectives yet?

Realizing the mission is a continuous process – it is not a final objective.   I suppose for the past 4-5 years we have done ok at realizing our objectives – one of the reasons MAASBESA has been relatively successful is because we have been realistic for a volunteer organization and not set expectations unrealistically high. 

The mission below is as it is stated on our web-site:

The Massachusetts Albanian American Society "BESA" is an independent and not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the well-being and progress of the Albanian-American community of Massachusetts. Its focus will be as a cultural and social organization for the community with a long-term vision to create a permanent and sustainable community center. Its activities will include:

-promoting and organizing local social and cultural events that serve the    community;

-promoting education and awareness of Albanian language and culture among local Albanian youths and students;

-creating and developing a network to assist people in professional development;

-assisting community members in need of any help and/or orientation in various aspects of daily life in the area;

-developing and maintaining a database of local community members.

How does your organization succeed in making sure the Albanian language isn’t forgotten by today’s youth?

We established an Albanian Language and Heritage School in March 2006 – even before MAASBESA was formally created.  On average, there are about 30 students per year who meet every Saturday or Sunday for 2 hours – there are 3-4 classes each semester.

How does the Albanian school function there and do the parents show enough interest to get their children to learn Albanian?

Currently, there is one class on Saturdays for adults at Boston University and two on Sunday’s at St. George Cathedral for children.  The parents of these students are interested, but there are 2-3 obstacles to attracting more students:

a)  many parents feel their children learn enough Albanian at home

b)  for many parents their kids are already overscheduled and over programmed so it is hard to find time for Albanian classes on a regular basis

3)  for now the classes are only offered in two locations and this misses many potential students who would be more inclined to come if the classes were close to their homes – however, it is very difficult to get permission to hold classes in other locations due to insurance and liability issues.

What activities do you organize to showcase and promote the Albanian traditions and culture in MA?

I was just asked this question one hour ago over a coffee.  We have held art shows, music festivals, seminars, and fundraisers for Albanian children in need and the victims of the Gerdec tragedy.  We have also held soccer and tennis tournaments.  We have also led the Flag Day festivities in Boston on several occasions, and worked together with and supported the Kosovar Society of Boston on Kosova Independence Day celebrations.

Has the organization succeeded in her mission to unite the Albanian community in and around Boston?

Everything is difficult with Albanians.  On the one hand we are probably viewed as the leading non-religious Albanian organization in Massachusetts.  On the other hand, uniting Albanians is next to impossible.  Realistically, maybe 20-30% of all Albanians in Massachusetts even know MAASBESA exists.  This is assuming that there are 40,000 Albanians in Massachusetts

What would a fellow Albanian benefit by joining MaasBesa?

The main benefit is from feeling more connected to local Albanians and Albanian issues.  There is little to no economic benefit of joining since we are a  volunteer community organization to serve all members of the community.  However, for people who want to feel connected to something larger than themselves, MAASBESA provides that institutional link to the local and wider Albanian community

What are some of the events you have sponsored this year, and which would you single out as most special?

The most special event was surely the Albanian Folk Festival held on June 5th since it was the first ever Albanian Folk Festival held in Boston.  Approximately 700 people attended.  (You can read about it in the last issue of Dielli, the article titled “Strand theatre ne Boston foli shqip”.

Other events have included a boat ride on the Boston Harbor, picnic for the Albanian Language and Heritage School, and we have been supportive of other events organized by others – e.g., seminars at Boston University and Harvard University on Albanian issues.  Later in the year we are planning a dinner with the Mayor of Boston -- Thomas Menino

What are your relations with other local Albanian organizations, if any?

We have good relations with many other organizations.  Our philosophy is to try to work with everyone and not be exclusive.  For example, we have worked together with the Kosovar Society of Boston to assist some children who have come to Boston for medical assistance from Albania.  We work together with all of the churches and the Albanian American National Organization on events like Flag Day, the Albanian School, and other events.  There is no formula for this cooperation or formal arrangements – cooperation is on an as-needed case-by-case basis.

What about any cooperation with organizations outside of MA?   (I remember you offered us a lot of advice to APEN when it first started out some years ago.)

Together with two Albanian not for profit organizations in Tirana, we have submitted a proposal with the Albanian Professionals an Entrepreneurs Network (APEN) in New York to the Soros Foundation in Albania.  The purpose of the “Comeback Albania” program (if we get financing) is to identify short-term consulting assignments for Albanian-American professional and entrepreneurs in Albania and also opportunities to work together with Albanian private sector, public sector, and educational institutions.  There is a lot of long-run potential for cooperation. We also liaise, as necessary, with other organizations like the National Albanian American Council.

How does MaasBesa promote the Albanian-American community cooperation?

Mostly through our events and electronic communications that keep people informed about events and issues in the local community.

I just read on your website about MAASBESA and Bashkimi Dance merging forces.  Want to elaborate on that, how it came about, and what do you expect to go with it? What prompted the unification?

Arber Mehmeti suggested and we met many times to discuss it in late 2009 and early 2010.  Board approved it in early 2010 as part of process of organizing the Festival.  More or less it means Bashkimi Dance operates like the Albanian School does -- semi-autonomous under MAASBESA umbrella.  But we have not really operationalized all of that yet since it is still a work in progress -- anyway it is not really a merger, but more like Bashkimi to be under MAASBESA umbrella.

Do you have any relations with the Diplomatic representatives of Albania and Kosova?

We have met several of them at different events and functions, but there is no formal relationship.  Since our organization is focused more at the local level in Massachusetts there is less coordination with diplomatic representatives than there might be for an organization in New York or Washington that has a broader national or international focus.  Of course, however, as the need arises, we are always ready to work together with official representatives of Albania and Kosova – for example, we helped to coordinate the visit of President Bamir Topi to Boston in September 2008.

Thank You Mr. Kosmo
Thank you!