Goudarz Eghtedari is a donor to McKenzie River Gathering, but he first came to MRG as a prospective grantee. Goudarz founded the American Iranian Friendship Council in 2006, when public debate was focused not on if the U.S. would invade Iran, but when. In this hostile climate, his new group applied for a grant to promote peace and cultural understanding.

Goudarz found his experience at MRG to be very different from other foundations. “We applied to other foundations for support but we felt demonized,” he said. “At MRG, even the first time we applied, we felt good about the way we were treated. We felt welcomed.” AIFC received grants from MRG’s Peace Fund in 2007 and 2009.

From there, becoming an MRG donor seemed only logical, given Goudarz’s long history of working for justice. Born and raised in Iran, Goudarz has worked to help people and create a more just society since he was a teenager. 

As a young man, he was a leader in local co-ops and community centers that distributed food and fuel during times of crisis in Iran. “I grew up in a country where community and family were the building blocks of society,” explains Goudarz.  

Goudarz came to the U.S. for the first time in 1989 after college, and soon returned and completed graduate school for engineering. By the mid-90s, he became involved in peace work, as well as campus and community groups that promoted understanding of Iranian culture. 

Currently, Goudarz works full-time as a civil engineer for the City of Vancouver, and is also involved in a wide range of activities: he’s the Transportation Committee Chair for Laurelhurst Neighborhood, and continues his ongoing work with American Iranian Friendship Council. As a human rights campaigner he worked to bring three Iranian lesbians to Portland to discuss the film, I Exist, about LGBTQ issues in the Middle East. 

Goudarz gives to MRG because he appreciates that MRG funds a wide range of groups. “The diversity of funding is an indication that MRG isn’t narrow minded.” 

Goudarz sums up his relationship this way: “The interesting thing about MRG is there’s someone like myself at the receiving end, who then also has a chance to give. The cycle continues and should continue.” 

Thank you, Goudarz – for all you do in the world!