Mission Statement
Lion and Sun DC is an independent, people-centered organization formed by Iranian-American political activists in the Washington, D.C. area. Our mission is to engage in organized and lawful efforts to support the Iranian people in their struggle to overcome religious authoritarianism and to advance toward a national, secular, and democratic system grounded in democratic values.
Inspired by the vision and four core principles emphasized by Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi—territorial integrity, secular democracy, human rights and equality, and the sovereignty of the ballot box—we believe that Iran’s future must be built on preserving its territorial unity, separating religion from the state, guaranteeing individual freedoms and equality before the law, and determining the country’s political system solely through the free will of its people.
Rooted in Iran’s rich and shared historical and cultural heritage, we believe that the Iranian people are united by a deep common identity that transcends artificial divisions. We therefore call upon all individuals, groups, and perspectives committed to these principles, as well as to freedom, human dignity, and popular sovereignty, to work together in solidarity.
Our goal is to break down barriers of fear and mistrust, strengthen national unity, and amplify the voice of the Iranian people on the global stage. To this end, we utilize all lawful means—including public demonstrations, civic engagement, and outreach to U.S. policymakers and institutions—to raise awareness about human rights violations and the destabilizing actions of the Islamic Republic.
We are committed to being a voice for the people of Iran and to urging the international community—particularly the United States government and its institutions—to stand with the Iranian people in their pursuit of freedom, peace, and a just democratic future.
Design features
Mission Alignment
Act in full alignment with the organization’s mission and stated principles.
Prioritize Iran’s national interest, unity, and democratic values over personal agendas.
Membership & Compensation
Activities performed by the board and members are non-compensatory and on volunteer-basis only.
There may be circumstances where the organization explicitly pays individuals including members to perform specific tasks
Respectful Engagement
Treat all individuals—including critics—with dignity and respect.
Avoid harassment, threats, defamation, or inflammatory language, both online and offline.
Truth & Integrity
Share accurate, verified information; avoid spreading rumors or misinformation.
Correct mistakes promptly and transparently.
Professional Representation
Represent the organization responsibly in public, media, and social platforms.
Do not claim to speak on behalf of the organization without authorization.
Nonviolence & Rule of Law
Promote peaceful advocacy and reject incitement to violence or unlawful activity.
Comply with applicable laws in all jurisdictions of operation.
Any physical or verbal confrontations during rallies and events are highly discouraged
Internal Discipline
Respect organizational structure, leadership decisions, and communication protocols.
Address disagreements internally in a constructive and professional manner.
Conflicts of Interest
Disclose any personal, financial, or political interests that may influence your role.
Do not use your position for personal gain or external political leverage.
Confidentiality and Privacy
Protect sensitive internal information, including strategy, donor data, and member communications.
Members must not share or publish private or identifying information about one another; doxxing and other forms of online harassment are strictly prohibited and may expose individuals to legal consequences.
Video or audio recording of meetings is strictly prohibited unless explicitly allowed by leadership and opt-out opportunity provided.
Meetings and Conferences
To protect confidentiality and privacy of members, in-person meetings and conferences will not be virtually shared via zoom or other online meeting applications
Members are also prohibited from running such live broadcasts from their personal devices unless explicitly permitted by the board.
Unity & Coalition-Building
Promote collaboration with aligned groups while avoiding factionalism or public infighting.
Focus messaging on shared goals rather than internal divisions.
Accountability
Accept responsibility for actions and adhere to enforcement mechanisms of this code.
Violations may result in suspension or removal from the organization.
Acknowledgment
By participating in the Lion & Sun DC organization, I affirm that I have read, understood, and agree to uphold the mission, group rules, and code of conduct outlined above.