Karen Organization of Minnesota

Karen Culture Presentation - ONLINE!
2021-06-18 11:00 - 12:30, 2021-04-16 11:00 - 12:30, 2021-02-19 11:00 - 12:30, 2020-12-11 11:00 - 12:30, 2020-10-02 11:00 - 12:30, 2020-08-21 11:00 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | MN
Our Karen Culture Presentation is back! What’s new? It’s now online!
Are you interested in learning more about Karen culture? Join us for our Karen Culture Presentation online every other month! During this presentation, participants with learn about the Karen history, culture, and resettlement in the U.S. We will explore the history of the Karen and how they became refugees, and discuss how the Karen have adapted to life in the U.S. We will also give a brief overview of Karen culture, covering everything from food, to clothing, to family, to communication styles, and more. Come with open ears and any questions.
This presentation will be delivered online. Please RSVP by registering for a ticket.
*Suggested donation of $5. Donate here
RSVP here on Eventbrite, where we will send you details about participating in the online event.

Connecting Together for a Healthy Life
2021-06-05 09:00 - 12:00 | Online on Zoom
A virtual health and wellbeing event
KOM, in partnership with four organizations including the Korean Adoptees Ministry Center, Korean Service Center, and SEWA-Asian Indian Family Wellness, will be leading a virtual health event on June 5th in English, Korean, and Karen. The event itself will be run through educational workshops and campaigns, and will focus on suicide and family violence prevention.

REGISTER HERE!

Order of Events
Welcome and Introduction (9:00 – 9:40 am)
Join here: https://zoom.us/j/96619562583?pwd=[REDACTED]
The goal of the virtual health event is to support participants through sharing resources that can help teach people how to take care of their mental and physical health. In that vein, the fair will begin with a welcome to all participants. An introductory video from the Minnesota Department of Health will be shared, and leaders of the event will be introduced. Additionally, leaders will prepare participants for the following portions of the fair, which include navigating Zoom sessions.
Joint Session (9:40 – 10:50 am)
The following portion of the Virtual Health Fair will involve a joint session entitled Caring for Yourself and Your Family. Concurrent Zoom meetings will deliver this content in different languages, including Karen, Korean, and English. Afterwards, participants will take a short break before choosing what topic of Breakout Practice Session they would like to partake in. Join one of the sessions below:
1. Korean language: Communication Skills for Families by Sharon Lee https://zoom.us/j/99198280091?pwd=[REDACTED]
2. Karen language: Caring for Yourself and Your Family by Lwepaw Kacher & Julyna Loo https://zoom.us/j/95018378896?pwd=[REDACTED]
3. English language: Issues of Asian American Youth and Mental Health By Dr. Lauren Bae https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88539565487
4. English language: Caring for Yourself and Your Family by SEWA-AIFW https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88665539174?pwd=[REDACTED]
Breakout Sessions (11:00 – 11:30 am)
The Breakout Practice Sessions include topics such as Meditation, COVID-19 Resources, Suicide Prevention Resources, and Mandala Art. Each of these sessions will take place in a different Zoom meeting. The emcee will instruct participants on how to navigate to the session of their choosing. Breakout session topics:
1. Race and Xenophobia as It Relates to Mental Health in South Asian Communities by Geetanjali Mittal – Join here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85489648531?pwd=[REDACTED]
2. Mandala Art by Shruthi Srinivasan – Join here: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/j/5384123366
3. Meditation & Mindfulness by Nicole Sheppard – Join here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88539565487
4. Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Resources by NAMI, Minnesota – Join here: https://zoom.us/j/92420296144?pwd=[REDACTED]
5. Ramsey County Crisis Programs and Services at Ramsey County Mental Health Clinic Overview by Charles Goff – Join here: https://zoom.us/j/94564209380?pwd=[REDACTED]
Ask a Therapist (available from 9:30 am – 11:30 am)
Join here: https://zoom.us/my/cmhwrm
Drop in any time to ask questions about mental health supports available in our area, and what happens if you go see a therapist. These drop-in consultations will be provided by the following Wilder Staff:
Gia Xiong, MSW, LICSW, licensed therapist and bilingual in Hmong / English
Bao Moua, MSW, LICSW, licensed therapist and bilingual in Hmong / English
Aye Aye Aung, interpreter / cultural broker, and multilingual in S’gaw and Pwo Karen, Thai, and English
June Way, ARMHS worker (adult skills worker) and multilingual in Karen and English
Conclusion (11:30 am – 12:00 pm)
Join here: https://zoom.us/j/96619562583?pwd=[REDACTED]
To conclude the fair, participants will have the chance to win door prizes! A survey will be also be available to participants to help evaluate the event and help us improve for next year.

REGISTER HERE!

2760 Virtual Karen New Year Celebration
2021-01-13 10:00 - 12:00 | MN
Save the date to join us in celebrating the 2760 Karen New Year online on January 13th, 2021!
There will be honorable guest speakers and music entertainment streamed live on the Karen Organization of Minnesota’s YouTube Channel.

Although we cannot gather in person this year, we hope many of you will join us in welcoming the first day of the Karen lunar new year.
Watch the live event here!

Stronger Together: KOM 2020 Virtual Fundraiser
2020-12-03 12:00 - 13:00 | MN
We are excited to announce that we will be hosting a virtual fundraiser event this year!
While we aren’t able to hold our annual in-person fundraising events this year, we are looking forward to seeing many of your faces online.

Event Details
Date: Thursday, December 3rd, 2020, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Location (UPDATE): Live on YouTube! Click here to watch.
Program: Our virtual program will include updates from KOM staff and community members from this year, music, a live raffle drawing, and more.
Tickets: Free! Please consider making a donation to help refugees meet their immediate needs during the COVID-19 pandemic and plan for future goals.

RSVP*
To join us for the event, please RSVP by filling out our online registration form HERE.
*UPDATE: The event will be LIVE STREAMED on YouTube on Thursday, December 3rd at 12:00pm CST.

WATCH LIVE HERE

Raffle
The raffle is now closed. Join us for our live event to find out if you have won!
Our prizes include:
Karen Horn | Original Artwork | iPhone XR | Gold Necklace | 55″ Smart TV | $250 Visa Gift Card | AirPods Pro | Vacuum | Rice Cooker | Karen Textiles
Karen horn
iPhone XR
55″ Smart TV
AirPods Pro

Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased from KOM staff or board members, or at our office: 2353 Rice Street, Suite #240, Roseville, MN 55113

House Rules for Raffle
City of St. Paul Temporary Gambling License # 20200002494
Raffle Drawing: Thursday, December 3, 2020, 12:00-1:00pm
Drawing Location: The Urban Village, 1082 Arcade St., St. Paul, MN 55106
Drawing will be livestreamed via Zoom. Register for the free virtual event at: www.mnkaren.org/event/stronger-together
The Karen Organization of Minnesota (“KOM”) will conduct a charitable raffle on December 3, 2020, to raise funds for our programs serving refugees and immigrants in Minnesota. In compliance with city and state laws, KOM has set forth the following house rules for this raffle:
1. Raffles are a form of gambling. If you or someone you know has a problem with gambling addiction, call the toll-free problem gambling helpline at 1-800-333-HOPE.
2. Raffle tickets will be sold from November 11, 2020 to November 30, 2020.
3. Individuals may purchase one or more raffle tickets. Only one ticket is required to enter the raffle.
4. The price is $20.00 per ticket. Debit card purchases will be charged a processing fee of 2.9% of ticket price + $0.30 per transaction. No discounts or donations of tickets are allowed according to state law. Tickets are non-refundable.
5. Individuals may purchase tickets using cash, checks, , or debit cards. Credit cards may not be used to purchase raffle tickets according to state law. Payment must be issued before individuals can receive a raffle ticket.
6. Tickets must be purchased in-person according to state law. No phone or online payments are allowed. Individuals may purchase raffle tickets with cash or check from KOM staff or board members. Alternatively, individuals may purchase tickets with cash, check, or debit card by contacting (651)788-7593 to set up a curbside appointment at KOM’s office.
7. Individuals must provide their name, phone number, and address on the raffle ticket for the ticket to be valid.
8. Individuals must be 18 or older to purchase a raffle ticket or to win a prize. Individuals must be able to pick up prizes from KOM’s office. KOM is not responsible for shipping or delivering prizes to winners. Karen Organization of Minnesota | 2353 Rice St., Suite 240, Roseville, MN 55113 | (651)788-7593 | www.mnkaren.org
9. Raffle managers are not allowed to purchase tickets or win a prize. Other KOM staff, board members, or persons not involved in managing the raffle may purchase tickets and win prizes.
10. The raffle drawing will be held during our “Stronger Together” virtual event on December 3, 2020, from 12:00-1:00pm at The Urban Village (1082 Arcade St., St. Paul, MN 55106). Raffle ticket holders need not be present to win. Limited standing room will be available for raffle ticket holders to observe the drawing. COVID-19 masking, sanitizing, and social distancing rules will be strictly enforced. The event will also be broadcast live online via Zoom. Individuals may register to attend the virtual event at www.mnkaren.org/event/stronger-together.
11. Raffle winners will be selected by ticket drawing. All entries will have an equal chance to win. One winner will be selected per prize.
12. Prize winners will be posted on KOM’s website after the event. KOM staff will contact each prize winner to claim their prize within 14 days of the event. If the prize winner does not collect their prize within this time, KOM staff may conduct a second drawing to select another winner. Information for that raffle drawing will be posted if necessary.
For questions regarding the raffle, please contact:
Eh Tah Khu | (651)202-3114 | ekhu@mnkaren.org
Alexis Walstad | (651)202-3120 | awalstad@mnkaren.org

Sponsors

Samah Home Healthcare Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans

Let’s stay connected, as we are all STRONGER TOGETHER!

Check back on this page for updates about the event.

FREE COVID-19 TESTING
2020-08-09 14:00 - 18:00, 2020-08-08 14:00 - 18:00 | Washington Technology Magnet School, 1495 Rice Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55117, United States
Saturday, August 8th from 2 – 6PM at Aldrich Arena in Maplewood
&
Sunday, August 9th from 2 – 6PM at Washington Tech in Saint Paul

Interpreters will be available on site
No insurance needed
Symptoms or no symptoms
Drive-thru and walk-up

Pre-registration is recommended, but not required. You can pre-register here: https://www.primarybio.com/r/ramsey
More free COVID-19 testing will be available on weekends during the month of August. Stay tuned for future times and locations.

Karen Culture Presentation - CANCELED
2020-06-19 15:30 - 17:00, 2020-04-17 15:30 - 17:00, 2020-02-21 15:30 - 17:00, 2019-12-06 15:30 - 17:00, 2019-10-18 15:30 - 17:00, 2019-08-16 15:30 - 17:00, 2019-06-14 15:30 - 17:00 | Karen Organization of Minnesota, 2353 Rice Street, Suite 240, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have decided to cancel our Karen Culture Presentation for June 19th, 2020. We are in the process of gradually bringing our staff back to the office, but that won’t begin until June 29th. We plan to host our next presentation in August and will share updates about whether it will be virtual or in-person. Thank you for understanding.
Are you interested in learning more about Karen culture? Join us for our next bi-monthly Karen Culture Presentation. During this presentation, participants with learn about the Karen history, culture, and resettlement in the U.S. We will explore the history of the Karen and how they became refugees, and discuss how the Karen have adapted to life in the U.S. We will also give a brief overview of Karen culture, covering everything from food, to clothing, to family, to communication styles, and more. Come with open ears and any questions. Attendance is limited to 25 people. Please RSVP by registering for a ticket on Eventbrite.
*Suggested donation of $5 at time of event

Karen Culture Presentation - CANCELED
2020-04-17 15:30 - 17:00 | Karen Organization of Minnesota, 2353 Rice Street, Suite 240, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States
Due to the current COVID-19 outbreak, we have decided to cancel our Karen Culture Presentation for April 17th, 2020. The health of our attendees and our staff is of great importance to us, and so we will not be holding our April presentation. At this time, we are still on for our presentation in June.
Are you interested in learning more about Karen culture? Join us for our next bi-monthly Karen Culture Presentation. During this presentation, participants with learn about the Karen history, culture, and resettlement in the U.S. We will explore the history of the Karen and how they became refugees, and discuss how the Karen have adapted to life in the U.S. We will also give a brief overview of Karen culture, covering everything from food, to clothing, to family, to communication styles, and more. Come with open ears and any questions. Attendance is limited to 25 people. Please RSVP by registering for a ticket on Eventbrite.
*Suggested donation of $5 at time of event

API Day at the Capitol - CANCELED
2020-04-14 08:30 - 14:00 | Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Saint Paul, MN, 55155, United States
On April 14th, 2020, the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans will be celebrating API Day at the Capitol from 8:30 A.M.– 2:00 P.M. with community members all across Minnesota.
This annual event brings together diverse groups of Asian Pacific students, community organizations, cultural leaders, and more for the purpose of engaging face-to-face with legislators and government leadership on important issues within their communities.
Register here.

Asian Minnesotans at the Capitol
2020-04-02 09:00 - 16:00 | State Office Building 300 N & S, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Saint Paul, MN, 55155, United States
Join Coalition of Asian American Leaders (CAAL), Filipinx for Immigrant rights & Racial justice Minnesota – FIRM, India Association of Minnesota (IAM), Karen Organization of Minnesota (KOM), Minnesota Private College Council, and Philippine Study Group of Minnesota (PSGM), Release MN8, Reviving Islamic Sisterhood for Empowerment (RISE) and The SEAD Project at this year’s Asian Minnesotans at the Capitol. This event is for everyone- whether it is your first time at the State Legislature or 100th, please come advocate and learn about the legislative process.
The day will start with a brief training about how to talk to legislators and go over key priority issues. After the training, you will have the opportunity to meet with your Minnesota State Legislators to discuss issues that matter to you and your communities.
Updated March 18, 2020: To reduce the spread of COVID-19 and comply with CDC and MDH’s recommendations to avoid being in crowds of people we will change the format of the Asian Minnesotans at the Capitol on Thursday, April 2, 2020 into a virtual advocacy day in lieu of the traditional in-person event we have organized over the years. In place of the in-person event, we are exploring digital avenues to continue advocating for issues that affect our community.
This event is free, but we would appreciate early registration to give the event planners time to both plan and schedule meetings with your legislators.
Priority Registration Deadline: Friday, March 13, 2020
Final Registration Deadline: Wednesday, March 25, 2020
If you are interested in volunteering for Asian Minnesotans at the Capitol, please see this form: https://secure.everyaction.com/xCigGvJkR0q5oSd63nXBmg2
Lunch and light snacks will be provided. Other accommodations such as childcare, as well as others, can be provided upon request.
If you have any questions or comments please contact KaYing Yang, Director of Programs and Partnerships, at kaying@caalmn.org.

Free Tax Clinics at KOM
2020-02-27 17:00 - 20:00, 2020-02-20 17:00 - 20:00, 2020-02-13 17:00 - 20:00, 2020-02-06 17:00 - 20:00 | Karen Organization of Minnesota, 2353 Rice Street, Suite 240, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States
KOM is hosting free tax clinics during the month of February! Experts from the Minnesota Department of Revenue staff will be filing the returns. Interpreters will be available for Karen, Karenni, and Burmese.
Schedule
Every Thursday evening in February (2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27) from 5-8pm. Check-in begins at 4pm.
Services are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Contact
For questions, please contact our receptionist, Eh Gay Htoo So
What to Bring
What you MUST bring for all family members who you plan to include on your taxes:

SSN cards
ID cards

Common items you may have to report include:

W-2s from all employers any tax member worked at in 2019
Unemployment benefit tax statements
County benefit/MFIP statements
SSI benefit statements
CRP or property tax statements
gambling winnings

Celebrate 2759 Karen New Years
2019-12-26 09:30 - 20:30 | Washington Technology Magnet School, 1495 Rice Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55117, United States
Join us on December 26th at the Washington Technology Magnet school to celebrate Karen New Years!
The celebration lasts the whole day, however, you can come and go as needed! The main program goes from 9:30am-12:00pm, with the entertainment continuing from 12:00pm-3:00pm. From 3:30pm to 8:30pm there will be the opportunity to hear from some of Minnesota’s most famous Karen singers.
There will also be a volleyball tournament during the day and activities for kids! Each year, over 1,000 people from St. Paul have attended Karen New Years, you won’t want to miss out!

Contact

If you have any questions about the event, please contact:

Saw Nay Htoo: 651-592-5066
Eh Tah Khu: 651-560-0668
Saw Million: 651-442-3351
Hsar Hin Htoo: 651-206-9801
Marner Saw: 651-468-6375

Opportunities for Sponsorship

If you are interested in sponsoring the 2759 Karen New Year, the deadline to submit a sponsor form and payment is Friday, December 20th. Your sponsorship will show your agency’s support for the Karen community and keep this event free and accessible for all community members. More information about the sponsor packages can be found here. To sponsor, complete this Sponsor Registration Form then mail payment to KOM.
To pay online, please fill out our form here.
Thank you for your support!

The Work of the Karen Weavers' Circle
2019-11-09 15:00 - 18:00 | East Side Freedom Library, 1105 Greenbrier St, St. Paul, MN, 55106, United States
Join us at the East Side Freedom Library to view our weavers demonstrate traditional Karen back-strap weaving! If you have wanted to experience the weaving process, but never had a chance this is a great opportunity! There will be items available for purchase as well as refreshments.
Karen women, Aye Lwai (cq), left, and Rosie Say talk while Lwai weaves a bag at the East Side Freedom Library in St. Paul on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016. In Burma/Myanmar women and men would weave intricately patterned cloth on backstrap looms, which would be used to make sarongs, shirts and other clothing. (Pioneer Press: Jean Pieri)

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

2019 Annual Gala
2019-10-10 17:00 - 21:00 | Hamline University – Anderson Center, 774 Snelling Ave N, Saint Paul, MN, 55104, United States
The Karen Organization of Minnesota will hold our annual gala on Thursday, October 10th, 2019, at the Anderson Center at Hamline University.

Join us for a social hour with a cash bar, a silent auction, plated dinner, and a short program highlighting young leaders in the Karen community and KOM’s new strategic direction. Proceeds from the gala will support our programs helping refugees thrive in Minnesota.

Meet Our Speakers
We are excited to hear from Gay Ka Mwee, Neymu Tor, and Ser Nai Htoo, three influential young adult leaders!

Gay Ka Mwee is originally from Myanmar, previously known as Burma. She is among the 70,000
Karen refugees who have resettled in the United States. Gay Ka Mwee came from Nu Poe Refugee Camp to the United States in March 2011 with her family at the age of 11. She says, “My family escaped war, oppression, human rights violations, and unstoppable conflicts between the Karen and Myanmar militaries to seek a better life, freedom, and opportunities.”
Gay Ka Mwee is currently attending Metropolitan State University majoring in Human Services (BS). Because of all the civil wars, oppression and persistent killings in Myanmar she has seen and experienced, she has “always dreamed of becoming an ambitious, influential, inspirational and successful 20-year old Karen leader. That way I can help stop the human rights violations in Myanmar and change Myanmar into a new and free nation with a true democracy that includes liberty and justice for all.”

Neymu Tor was born in Burma. His parents moved to Mae Ra Ma Luang refugee camp in Thailand when he was about eight years old. Neymu came to the United States in 2010 and graduated from East Kentwood High School in Kentwood Michigan in 2013. After graduating from high school he worked at “Ranir Inc” as a machine operator. He also worked as an interpreter at Bethany Christian Services and Refugee Center in Grand Rapids Michigan for a few years.
Neymu says he “came to live in Minnesota to continue my education, to learn about the Karen community, and to work. Currently I am studying at Century College, and in the future as a human services student I hope to work in a community and help people – especially Karen people – to solve problems and improve their lives.”

Ser Nai Htoo was born in a refugee camp in Thailand after his parents fled from civil war in Myanmar. Ser Nai says, “I came to the U.S with my family in 2009, and I was 19 years old at the time. I was fortunate enough to finish High school and go to college. I graduated from Century College with an Associate degree in Law Enforcement in 2017. I’ve been working with St. Paul Police Department as a Community Liaison Officer since 2016.”
Ser Nai’s goal is to further his education and to become a valuable resource for people who are in need. He is now married and has one beautiful daughter.

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED!
If you already registered, check your email this week for updates and information about the event. Thank you!

2019 Annual Gala Ticket Prices

Individual Tickets: $70/ticket ($55/ticket for students and seniors age 65+)
Sponsorships: Download our Sponsor Letter for more information on sponsorship benefits. Donations due Sept. 20th.
Silent Auction: Download our Silent Auction Letter for more information on how to donate. Donations due Sept. 27th.
Reserve your tickets

To pay by check: Mail your completed individual registration form or sponsor registration form to KOM, or bring it to our office during business hours.
To pay by credit card: Register online using our secure form. (REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED)

69th Anniversary of Karen Martyr's Day
2019-08-10 - 2019-08-11 | Hazelwood Park, 1663 County Rd C E, Maplewood, MN, 55109, United States
Join us and the whole Minnesota Karen community to celebrate the 69th Anniversary of Karen Martyr’s Day on Saturday, August 10th and Sunday, August 11th, 2019. There will be a main ceremony on Saturday morning, sports competitions throughout both days, plenty of food vendors, and more!
This year, the event will be held at Hazelwood Park in Maplewood, MN.
Karen Martyr’s Day is officially on August 12 and commemorates the anniversary of the death of Saw Ba U Gyi (the first president of the Karen National Union) in 1950. Others who have fought for the Karen are also honored in remembrance of the Karen resistance.
More detailed information in the flyer below:

Parking information:
There are two parking lots to the park. One on the North side and the other on the South side of the park. Another parking lot is located at Community Dental Care. (See the photo to the right)
Please keep in mind that event parking is $10. Cash accepted only. The event itself is free.
Parking at the 1st Evangelical Church is for volunteers only.
Volunteers please be aware that on Sunday there is no parking at the church from the morning until 1pm CT.

KOM's 4th Annual Summer Fundraiser
2019-07-20 | Mississippi Creative Arts School, 1575 L'Orient St, St. Paul, MN, 55117, United States
Join us for our 4th Annual Summer Fundraiser on Saturday, July 20th, 2019! We will have competitive kids soccer and adult volleyball tournaments, Karen and Thai food for sale, children’s activities, and more!
Men’s & Women’s Volleyball Tournaments Information:
1st prize: $1,000
2nd prize: $700
Registration fee: $100 per team
KOM Fundraiser Men’s Volleyball Gegistration Form
KOM Fundraiser Women’s Vollyeball Registration Form (1)
Email finished forms to Ta Da at: tda@mnkaren.org
Kid’s Soccer Tournament Information:
1st prize: $500
2nd prize: $300
Registration fee: $50 per team
Interested in sponsoring our event? Contact Frank Hennick, KOM Development Associate to learn about sponsorship opportunities.
Interested in volunteering at our event? Contact Suzanne Olive, KOM Volunteer Coordinator to learn about how you can help.
