FREE Career Training Info Sessions
2018-05-08 14:30 - 15:30, 2018-05-09 14:30 - 15:30 (America/Chicago) | Karen Organization of Minnesota, 2353 Rice Street, Suite 240, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States
Interested in getting free training to advance in a lifelong career? Join in on one of our information sessions to learn about our various free career training classes at KOM!
There are 4 training opportunities including electrical panel building, soldering, CNA, and translating & interpreting.
Questions? Contact Sara Johnson or MooMoo Paw Htoo.

Karen Culture Presentation
2018-06-15 15:30 - 17:00 | Karen Organization of Minnesota, 2353 Rice Street, Suite 240, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States
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

Firearm Safety Certification Classes
2018-06-16 08:00 - 15:00, 2018-06-17 08:00 - 15:00 | 375 West University Avenue, Suite 204, St. Paul, MN 55103, 375 West University Avenue, Suite 204, Saint Paul, MN, 55103, United States

KOMoves for Youth 2018
2018-07-01 00:00 - 2018-07-31 00:00 | MN
Are you ready for a challenge this July?
We invite you to join KOMoves for Youth, a 30-Day challenge where participants commit to running, walking, biking, or another form of exercise from July 1 – 31. During that time, each participant will raise a minimum of $200 to support KOM’s Youth Program. Our goal is to raise $5,000 to further our impact in the lives of refugee youth. All participants will receive a KOMoves sticker. Participants who raise over $200 will receive a water bottle for their efforts! Woohoo, let’s get started!
KOM’s Youth Program has made a difference in the lives of over 1,000 refugee youth since the program began. Youth that participate in the program build leadership skills, build connections with their peers and the community and receive opportunities to deepen their understanding and connection to Karen culture. Several of our former students have gone on to college or work to give back to their community. Two of KOM’s direct service staff, Hta Thi Yu Moo and Every Gyi, were also participants of KOM’s youth program while in high school. This program is important for raising up the next generation of Karen and Karenni leaders.

Watch the KOMoves video

Can’t join? Donate to the challenge or contribute by sharing this event with your networks!
Find our KOMoves for Youth 2018 Fundraising Page on GiveMN.org and support our youth program by sponsoring the challenge participants. You can also help them win prizes by helping them reach their fundraising goals!

Karen Weaving Circle at the Little Mekong Night Market
2018-07-07 17:00 - 2018-07-08 00:00, 2018-07-08 14:00 - 22:00 | MN
Our Karen Weaving Circle will be participating in this year’s Little Mekong Night Market on Saturday, July 7th and Sunday July 8th.
We will be selling traditional hand-woven pieces throughout the event. Stop by our table!
For more information, visit the Little Mekong Night Market event website.

Twin Cities World Refugee Day 2018
2018-07-15 12:00 - 18:00 | Loring Park, 1382 Willow St, Minneapolis, MN, 55403, United States
KOM will be participating in this year’s Twin Cities World Refugee Day on Sunday, July 15th from 12pm – 6pm.
Come and join us!
“Twin Cities World Refugee Day brings Minnesotans together to celebrate the diverse gifts that refugees bring to our state. Event-goers enjoy free live entertainment, food and vendors from around the world, children’s activities, a community resource fair and interactive educational displays.”
– TCWRD event website.

KOM's 3rd Annual Summer Fundraiser
2018-07-21 09:00 - 18:00 | McDonough Fields, 1575 L’Orient St., Saint Paul, MN, 55117, United States
The Karen Organization of Minnesota (KOM) is celebrating 10 years! We are excited to share that 2018 marks 10 years since KOM received 501c (3) nonprofit status. Since 2008, we have been working hard to support the resettlement of refugees from Burma through wraparound services, community support and our role as a cultural bridge. And now it’s time to celebrate!
We are happy to announce KOM’s 3rd Annual Summer Fundraiser on Saturday, July 21st 2018. This year, there will be a men’s and women’s volleyball tournament, a men’s cane ball tournament, Karen and Thai food sales, and children’s activities. The event will be held at the Mississippi Creative Arts Magnet School fields (1575 L’Orient St., St. Paul, MN 55117).
Volleyball Tournament Information:
1st prize: $1,000
2nd prize: $700
Registration Fee: $100 per team
Caneball Tournament Information:
1st prize: $500
2nd prize: $300
Registration Fee: $50 per team
For more information, contact Keetha Vue
To register your team for the sports tournament, contact Eh Tah Khu. Deadline to register in the sports tournament is Friday, July 13th.

68th Anniversary of The Karen Martyrs Day Celebration
2018-08-11 07:00 - 22:00, 2018-08-12 07:00 - 22:00 | MN
The Karen Community of Minnesota would like to invite you to come and celebrate the 68th anniversary honoring Karen Martyrs Day which will take place on Statuary August 11 and Sunday August 12, 2018 at McDonough Fields (Mississippi Creative Arts School) 1575 L’Orient Street, Saint Paul, MN 55117. For more information please contact Thara Nay Htoo at 651-529-5066 or Thara Morrison Jonny at 651-242-1957. RSVP at the Karen Martyrs Day Facebook event page.

Karen Culture Presentation - CANCELED
2018-08-17 15:30 - 17:00, 2018-10-05 15:30 - 17:00, 2018-12-07 15:30 - 17:00, 2019-02-15 15:30 - 17:00, 2019-04-12 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 Student Weaving Showcase
2018-08-22 15:00 - 20:00 | East Side Freedom Library, 1105 Greenbrier St, St. Paul, MN, 55106, United States
With the generous support of the Minnesota State Arts Board, this summer the Karen women’s weaving circle has been mentoring a dynamic group of high school students at the East Side Freedom Library.
Come and see the beautiful work they have done! Come and meet the students and their teachers.
There will be refreshments and hand woven cloth and clothing to buy.

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

Karen Health Resource Fair
2018-08-25 08:00 - 19:00 | McDonough Fields, 1575 L’Orient St., Saint Paul, MN, 55117, United States
Join us at Wellshare International’s first ever Karen Health Resource Fair!
This event brings together health resources to the Karen community. Dental, physical, and mental health organizations as well as workforce development, housing, and other supporting organizations will all be in attendance.
In addition to health resources, there will be a youth soccer and volleyball tournament, poetry contest, and art contest. And do not worry about the weather, this event will take place rain or shine.

Metro Transit (Bus) Training
2018-09-13 10:30 - 12:00 | MN
KOM will host a free metro transit (bus) training on Thursday, September 13th at 10:30AM.
For more detailed information, and to sign up, please contact Chrit Hen.

Voter Education
2018-10-19 15:00 - 17:00, 2018-10-26 18:00 - 20:00, 2018-10-29 10:00 - 12:00 | Karen Organization of Minnesota, 2353 Rice Street, Suite 240, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States
Are you wanting to learn more about the positions up for election this year or are not sure how the voting process works?
Come to KOM on one of the three days listed in October to learn about the voting process and see who the candidates are in Minnesota. One big position up for election this year is Minnesota governor!
To sign up, or for more information, contact Hta Thi Yu Moo.
These voter education sessions are organized by KOM in partnership with CAPI USA.

There is no voter education on October 19th at 10AM. It is only from 3-5PM on the 19th.

10th Anniversary Gala
2018-10-25 17:30 - 21:00 | Inwood Oaks, 484 Inwood Ave. N, Oakdale, MN, 55128, United States
The Karen Organization of Minnesota will hold its annual gala on October 25th,
and this year’s event is especially meaningful: it’s our tenth anniversary!

Since 2008, KOM has worked on behalf of thousands of refugees from Burma looking to build successful lives in Minnesota. Today, they make use of our employment programs, social services, health trainings, youth activities, and much more. We’re excited to reflect on our community’s progress, look back on our programs’ highlights, and celebrate the key figures whose vision made it possible. By the end of the night, we’ll be looking forward at what we have in store for another ten years.
This year’s gala will take place at Inwood Oaks, offering easy access off of I-94 and free parking. Over 300 guests will enjoy music, a cash bar, silent auction, dinner, and a short program featuring special guests who have journeyed with us over the past decade.
We welcome businesses, partner organizations, and individuals to show your support for KOM and refugees from Burma by sponsoring a table at our annual gala. If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please contact Frank Hennick or email events@mnkaren.org for more information.
Parking
Inwood Oaks offers easy access of I-94, and parking is free in the lot.
Schedule
5:30 | Social hour, silent auction, and cash bar
6:45 | Welcome & dinner
7:30 | Program begins (silent auction closes at 7:15)
8:30 | Closing
Attire
Business or cocktail

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED FOR OUR GALA. THANK YOU.

We appreciate your support of the growing community of refugees from Burma.
Have questions about the gala? Contact Frank Hennick at 651-202-3109 or events@mnkaren.org.

To sponsor a table at the Annual Gala:

Pay by credit card using our online registration form, or
Print our sponsor registration form (PDF). Mail your completed registration form and check to 2353 Rice Street Suite #240, Roseville, MN 55113.
Sponsor registration deadline is October 5th

To purchase individual tickets:

Pay by credit card using our online registration form, or
Print out individual registration form (PDF). Mail your completed registration form and check to 2353 Rice Street Suite #240, Roseville, MN 55113.
Individual registration final deadline is October 19th

To donate an item to our silent auction:

Contact Frank Hennick or email events@mnkaren.org.

To volunteer:
We’re also looking for volunteers to help out with the festivities! This October come over to the office and lend a hand by creating signs, writing descriptions for the silent auction prizes, and helping us plan out the details of the big event. You can also pitch in on the night of the gala: we’ll need help setting up, decorating, processing the silent auction items, and more.

Event volunteers can attend the gala for a discounted price (half-off the regular ticket price).
Please register using the individual registration form above and you can send us a check for $35 or we can send you an invoice for a card payment.
To learn more about how you can help, please contact Suzanne Olive or Frank Hennick.

We hope you will consider attending and joining KOM in celebration and unity.

Flu Shot & Dental Varnish Clinics
2018-11-04 08:30 - 10:30, 2018-11-11 10:00 - 12:00, 2018-11-18 10:00 - 12:00 | MN
Free Flu Shot and Dental Varnish Clinics will be held this November at three different locations. Check the flyer to find the location for each date and time. All are welcome!
Don’t forget to bring your ID for registration!

MNsure Enrollment Event
2018-11-26 09:00 - 16:00 | Karen Organization of Minnesota, 2353 Rice Street, Suite 240, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States
KOM will host a MNsure Enrollement Event with agency partners from Vietnamese Social Services and CAPI USA to assist with MNsure applications, health enrollment plans, application case statuses, and questions about MNsure.

2758 Karen New Year Celebration 2019
2019-01-01 10:00 - 18:00 | Washington Technology Magnet School, 1495 Rice Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55117, United States
Join us on Tuesday, January 1st, 2019 for the 2758 Karen New Year Celebration at Washington Tech Magnet School.
The main program runs from 10 am to 12 pm, and the entertainment continues from 12 pm to 6 pm. There will be speeches, men and women’s volleyball tournaments, a karaoke competition for kids, raffle prizes, and an improve competition.
For the past few years, the Karen New Year in St. Paul has drawn over 1,000 people. Be a part of the celebration, you don’t want to miss it!

Opportunities for Sponsorship
We are also accepting sponsors for the 2758 Karen New Year, the last day to submit a sponsor form and payment is Wednesday, December 26th. 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 make a secure payment below (via Paypal). Thank you!

Contribution Level

Toe Baw (Bronze) Sponsor $200.00 USDSay (Silver) Sponsor $500.00 USDHtoo (Gold) Sponsor $1,000.00 USDHtoo Wah (Platinum) Sponsor $2,000.00 USD

If you have any questions about the event, please contact one of the following individuals:
Nay Htoo, Event Chair Marner Saw, Event Chair Frank Hennick, Resource Fair
651-529-5066 651-202-3103 651-202-3109
sawnay@gmail.com msaw@mnkaren.org kvue@mnkaren.org

FTI-UM Course Information Session
2019-04-05 10:00 - 11:00 | Karen Organization of Minnesota, 2353 Rice Street, Suite 240, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States
Are you interested in becoming a painter, drywall finisher or glassworker and want to make $16/hour or more? Then join this FREE 5-week training program offered by the Finishing Trades Institute of the Upper Midwest. You will learn the basics of commercial painting, industrial coating, drywall finishing, glasswork, and glazier work. The training will be held Monday-Friday from 8:00am – 2:00pm and it will be offered two times: April 15 – May 17, 2019 and June 10 – July 12, 2019.
Come to our information session at KOM on Friday, April 5 at 10:00am to learn more. Or, contact Rebekah Hanson at 651-202-3136/rhanson@mnkaren.org with any questions.
