On behalf of the Afghan Society of New Mexico (ASNM), we would like to welcome you to our website. ASNM is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization founded in April of 1998. ASNM does not affiliated with any local or international corporation or political movement. We do not discriminate against, nor differentiate between ASNM members based on their gender, language or tribal differences. We are pleased to announce that our members embody Afghans from various provinces in Afghanistan.

Be sure to review our brief History of Afghanistan at a Glance here.

ASNM was first established with the participation of 45 families. There are now more than 58, including over 200 members. We consider ourselves strong yet still growing. Muslims youth under the age of 30 represent 40 percent of Muslims in the United States, yet they are not involved. ASNM members resemble a large family unit that synergistically works to benefit each other and the community. Our attempt to involve and empower our youth is our top priority. We aim to use effective communication as our important tool. Our goal is to share in the joy of our culture and assist one another with today's trials and tribulations, therefore we make ourselves available as a whole community when an Afghan family needs aid or is new to our area.

ASNM will traditionally provide a financial donation to refugee families from Afghanistan as well as assistance in searching for housing and medical facilities when they first arrive in Albuquerque. We have provided translators for our Afghan families when needed with government organizations such as Immigration and Naturalization services (INS). New families moving to Albuquerque have always received a warm welcome from us. If nothing else we will always be available for advice and emotional support for our community. A family participates in its member's times of joy and sadness; ASNM strives to assist our community in such a way.

We may not be a sizeable community as of yet, but our ideologies and goals are not limited by our size. We intend to promote the heritage of Afghanistan and direct our attention toward the Afghan youth in New Mexico. We may be far from Afghanistan in distance but we continue to embrace our attractive culture.

Membership dues, donations and contributions made from Afghans like you provide the support for ASNM. ASNM financial budget is divided into six categories:

1. ASNM Financial Budget
2. Indigent Funeral Fund
3. Cemetery Fund
4. New Family/Student Incentive Fund
5. Social Gathering Fund
6. Savings

I. ASNM Financial Budget


II. Indigent Funeral Fund: This is a new category that ASNM created in 2003. Members and non-members alike have the opportunity to donate into this fund for families that don't have the financial means for proper Islamic burial services. New Mexico law mandates that deceased persons who can't afford burial services to be cremated. Islamic Sharia forbids cremation and therefore ASNM has tried to provide families with support based on their financial need. We have prepared criteria that will qualify families for this service. Donators can allocate the amount of their donation for the Indigent Funeral Fund or leave it to the ASNM board for appropriate allocation.

III. Cemetery fund: ASNM has bought lots in an already established cemetery in Albuquerque. The cemetery has arranged to honor our Islamic burial services. Families in time of grief now have the peace of mind for prayer and mourning. Our community has paid off its initial cemetery and is now working to pay our second land purchase. ASNM By-Laws explains in more detail the qualification criteria and ASNM responsibilities.

IV. New Family Fund/Student Incentive Fund: When families move to Albuquerque we provide them with a warm reception and an invitation to join ASNM. Refugee families will receive the same welcome along with a financial gift, if funds sufficient. This gift is intended for housing needs only and is to help make the moving transition easier for the family. This fund also involves incentive for students to further their education. After each graduating year ASNM will disperse a financial gift to all High School and College Graduates. ASNM promotes education and plans to provide a Farsi class in the upcoming years.

V. Social Gathering: In order to preserve our culture ASNM feels that holidays should be celebrated together with our members. ASNM will rent a hall and provide non-alcoholic drinks and utensils. ASNM will prepare the hall, contact the community, organize the Pot- Luck and send out invites to all active members. ASNM board will call each family and makes sure they are aware of the date, location and place of the gathering. Our social gatherings have always been a safe and effective way for our members to get to know one another. Please refer to the message center (Blog) for date and location of the upcoming events.

VI. Savings: Any monies left in our account after our above responsibilities are rolled over into our new fiscal year and used appropriately. ASNM board members are strictly voluntary positions and are not salaried nor do we receive a stipend or assistance from the government.