SERVING ETHIOPIANS ACROSS NY • NJ • CT
Community.
Culture.
Connection.
Since 1981, ECMAA has brought Ethiopians and friends of the community together to build meaningful connections, share resources, create opportunities, and celebrate our culture and heritage across generations.
ABOUT ECMAA
Mutual assistance has been at the heart of ECMAA since 1981.
The Ethiopian Community Mutual Assistance Association is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Ethiopians and friends of the community across the New York City metropolitan area, including Northern New Jersey and Southern Connecticut.
Our members share their time, knowledge and resources through educational programs, cultural activities, mutual assistance, professional and social connections, and opportunities to volunteer and lead.
Learn More About the Association →
OUR PRIORITIES
01
Active Membership
Make participation, volunteering and leadership accessible to more people.
02
Share Resources
Help useful information, services and expertise reach people who need them.
03
Create Opportunities
Use our network to expand access to education, mentorship and professional connections.
04
Explore Our 2026–2030 Strategic Plan →
Promote Heritage
Keep Ethiopian language, history and traditions practiced, understood and shared.
THE ASSOCIATION IN ACTION
Classes, celebrations, workshops, recreation—and time spent together.
OUR STORY
The Ethiopian Community Mutual Assistance Association has been serving the community since 1981.
ECMAA was established in New York in 1981 to serve Ethiopian immigrant and refugee communities. Mutual assistance was at the center of the organization: helping people adjust to a new country, find information and services, respond to crises and build lives in the region.
The organization has changed as the Ethiopian community has changed. Its work has expanded to include education, professional development, cultural programming, recreation, historical remembrance and opportunities for different generations to learn from one another.
Explore the Association's History →GET INVOLVED
Be part of what happens next.
The Ethiopian Community Mutual Assistance Association is powered by people who participate—members, volunteers, supporters and community members who simply show up. There's a place for you here.
MEMBERSHIP
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Become a Member
Add your voice to the Ethiopian Community Mutual Assistance Association and help sustain its work year after year.
Join ECMAA
EVENTS
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Come Through
Join us at an upcoming gathering, program, class or community event.
EMAIL LIST
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Stay in the Loop
Get Association programs, events, resources and announcements in your inbox.
VOLUNTEER
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Pitch In
Bring your time, ideas or skills to a program, event or project that matters to you.
GIVE
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Support the Work
Help the Association fund programs, activities and assistance for the community.
New to the Ethiopian Community Mutual Assistance Association?
An event is an easy place to start.
See Upcoming Events
→