The Regional Director for Communities highlighted the work developed by Azorean associations from Southern California in the defence of the interests of Azorean emigrants as well as their unifying role in the societies where they operate.

"Emigration represents a challenge to human beings as it results in the parting from their homeland and the restarting of their lives and traditions" in another country, Paulo Teves stated, adding that "community associations play an important role in reducing homesickness and supporting the integration of emigrants."

While visiting the Azorean communities residing in the state of California, Paulo Teves praised the Azoreans and their descendants who stimulate on a daily basis "the various manifestations that embody 'Azoreanity'."

The Regional Director for Communities began his visit in Tulare, a city that is home to a considerable community of Azoreans and Azorean descendants.

In this city, Paulo Teves met with leaders and representatives of various associations operating in the Azorean community. The government official stressed that these institutions "should not be a mere space that preserves the Azorean cultural identity, but a space to promote the Azores in several areas," thus becoming the "true representatives of the interests of the Azores and the Azoreans."

When visiting the cities of Chino and Artesia, the Regional Director met with the leaders of various associations representing the Azorean community. During these meetings, the government official stressed the importance of a permanent contact between emigrant communities and the Azores.

For Paulo Teves, these associations are "the assertion of the Azorean soul and identity," being an "extension of the archipelago" for the thousands of Azoreans living in the diaspora.

The Regional Director for Communities participated in the Forum on Civic Participation and Book Presentation: California's Portuguese Politicians that took place in San Diego on Saturday. Paulo Teves also attended the Gala celebrating the 22nd anniversary of the Portuguese-American Leadership Council of the United States (PALCUS).