But the estimated 2 million Croatians residing in the U.S. are eager to find alternative means of expressing their identity, and promoting and preserving their culture. Despite the decreasing number of churches and schools, Croatian-Americans have had other successes. Recent efforts include establishing new organizations, such as the Croatian American Association and the National Federation of Croatian Americans, and opening Croatian consulates in various cities. The Croatian Diaspora also continues to support folklore groups and host social, cultural and sporting events attended by hundreds. Chicago alone has three adult tambura orchestras not affiliated with churches or schools, and almost 1,000 Chicago music lovers attended concerts by rock giant Parni Valjak and the legendary Oliver Dragojevic.
Croatian businesses are also abundant.
Increasing visibility From the East Coast to the West Coast, there are many more local examples of vibrant Croatian communities, but symposium attendees agreed that more should be done on a national level so that Croatians become more visible to the world. The grandson of famous Croatian artist Ivan Mestrovic cited Italy as an example of a country that has successfully changed the way the world perceives it. To influence policy in Washington more effectively, Croatians should learn a lesson from their American counterparts, he argued. Washington A paper written by Mira Radielovic Baratta, who could not attend the conference, offered tips on how Croatian-Americans could be more effective in Washington. Also, Radielovic Baratta, a Washington insider for 20 years, wrote in her paper that many people don't know who Croatians are.