Karen Organization of Minnesota

72nd Commemoration of Karen Martyrs’ Day
2022-08-06 08:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | HealthEast Sports Center Red Fields, 4200 Pioneer Dr, Woodbury, MN, 55129, United States
We invite you to join us and the community the first weekend in August to commemorate the 72nd anniversary of Karen Martyrs’ Day.
Location
HealthEast Sports Center Red Fields
(near East Ridge High School)
4200 Pioneer Dr
Woodbury, MN 55129
Daily parking fee is $10
Schedule
Dates: Saturday, August 6th & Sunday, August 7th, 2022
Time: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
The main ceremony will be held on Saturday, August 6th from 8:00 am to 9:00 am.
For the remainder of the event, attendees can visit KCM food vendors, participate in games, and observe sport tournaments. Tournaments include men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s volleyball, and men’s cane ball.
For more information please contact: Ku Hser 651-332-9992; Jesse 651-987-3203; Thara Nay Htoo 651-529-5066; Thara Eh Tah Ku: 651-460-0668

Sports Tournament Information
Men’s Soccer: Thara Million 651-442-3351; Gay Moo Hser 651-500-9584; Saw Lah Set 651-500-3876
Women’s Soccer: Tu Lor 651-200-9847
Men’s and Women’s Volleyball: Thara Poe Thay Doh 651-210-4571; Thara KD Soe 651-239-8886
Caneball: Yaza 651-428-6328
Sport Registration due date – 07/25/2022.
For all other questions about the sports tournament please contact Thara Million 651-442-3351 or Thara Poe Thay Doh 65–210-4571.
Note: All sports team players must be in main ceremony because our goal is to honor Saw Ba U Gyi, the first president of Karen National Union and those who have died or been injured fighting for the independence of the Karen. The main ceremony will be held on Saturday morning from 8am to 9am.

Sponsorship
There are four sponsorship packages available with the following benefits:

Bronze: $200 –a table reserved for your business at the resource fair on Saturday, August 6th/7th. (This includes both days)
Silver: $500 – Bronze benefits plus business name on flyers, program schedule, and our website/social media platforms.
Gold: $1000 – Silver benefits plus an opportunity to speak for 5 minutes during our “get to know the sponsors” part of the program (interpreters provided).
Platinum: $2,500 –Gold benefits, plus a 3 minute interview/commercial (translated into Karen if desired) and played during the event and after the event on our social media/YouTube channels (a combined following of 45,000 people)

Register as a sponsor here!

Brief History of Karen Martyrs’ Day
The Karen’s are an indigenous people in the Southeast Asian countries of Thailand and Burma. In Burma, the Karen’s are the second largest ethnic group. The Karen aided the British during World War II, when the Japanese occupied the region. Many Karen were slaughtered, by both Japanese and Burma Independence Army soldiers.
After the war ended, Burma was granted independence in 1948 from Britain. The Karen, led by the Karen National Union (KNU), have been struggling for freedom, national equality, democracy and peace for several decades.
The Karen struggle has the aim of achieving a genuine federal on the political basis of equality and self-determination for all the ethnic people in Burma.
On August 12, 1950, Karen National leader Saw Ba U Gyi, who was the founder and president of the Karen National Union (KNU), was assassinated along with eight of his colleagues in Kawkareik, Karen State (Burma) by Burmese Army. Since then August 12 is recognized as Karen National Martyrs’ Day.
On Martyrs Day Karen people all over the world commemorate and honour fallen leaders, soldiers, and civilians that have lost their lives in the struggle for freedom, democracy, human rights and national equality in Burma.
Due to the ongoing attacks by the Burmese Army, more than one hundred thousand Karen refugees are currently taking refuge in the refugee camps along the Thai-Burma border. A significant number of Karen recently migrated to western countries under the refugee resettlement program. And now around twenty thousands are residing in the Minnesota.
Come and join us for the remembrance of our loved ones who had sacrificed their lives for our Karen struggle to live free from oppression.

Art in the Hollow
2022-06-04 10:00 - 17:00 | Swede Hollow Park, 665 Greenbrier St, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
Our Karen Weaving Circle will be at the Art in the Hollow festival on Saturday, June 4th from 10am – 5pm.
Stop by our table to view our weavers beautiful hand-made pieces, including Karen shirts, bags, scarves, and table placements, available for purchase. Hope to see you there!

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic
2022-05-14 10:00 - 12:00, 2022-04-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Hosanna Karen Baptist Church, 1818 E Gervais CT, Maplewood, MN, 55109, United States
Do you or your family members need a COVID-19 vaccine or booster? We are organizing a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic with the Minnesota Department of Health for everyone age 5 and older.
Come whether you are unvaccinated and need to start your 2 dose series, or completed your 2 dose series more than 5 months ago and are 12 or older. All children age 5 and older can also receive their vaccine. If you’ve already received your 1st booster dose, you may be eligible for an additional booster.

Dates:
First dose: 10AM – 12PM, Saturday, April 23
Second dose: 10AM – 12PM, Saturday, May 14
Location:
Hosanna Karen Baptist Church
1818 E Gervais CT, Maplewood, MN 55109

Karen interpretation will be available.
Call Julyna Loo at 651-202-3128 to sign-up!

*Pfizer vaccines are available for all ages 5+
*Pfizer boosters available for age 12+
*Children age 5-17 must be with a parent/guardian

Info Session: Interpreter Training Program
2022-05-03 18:00 - 19:00, 2022-04-19 18:00 - 19:00, 2022-04-05 18:00 - 19:00, 2022-03-08 18:00 - 19:00 | Online on Zoom
Join one of our online info sessions to learn about our free Interpreter Training Program! Happening on Tuesday, April 5th, 19th, and May 3rd from 6-7PM.

Join the online Zoom Meeting here.

Come learn about the program schedule, requirements, and how to register. Bring any questions you may have! Feel free to share with others who may also like to attend.

Program Structure:
Level I: Complete a 1-credit course at Century College and a language proficiency exam
Level II: Earn the 40-hour Community Interpreter Certificate
Level III: Complete 9 credits at Century College

Contact Lisa Gibson at 651-243-1235 (call/text) or lgibson@mnkaren.org

2761 Karen New Year Celebration
2022-01-01 09:00 - 18:00 | Washington Technology Magnet School, 1495 Rice Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55117, United States
Join us for the celebration of the 2761 Karen New Year on Saturday, January 1st, 2022!
The event will take place at Washington Technology Magnet School from 9:00AM until 6:00PM. There will be a main ceremony in the morning followed by a singing competition and traditional culture show in the afternoon.
Masks will be required for all attendees. More info about COVID-19 safety guidelines to come.
Main contacts for the event: Thara Nay Htoo, (651)-529-5066 and Thara Eh Tah Khu, (651)-460-0668

Details and requirements for the afternoon activities…

Singing Competition: begins at 12:00pm

Contestants can sign up as an individual or with a group of up to 5 members
The song must be a Karen New Year song or a Karen culture song
Contestants have to provide their own karaoke music
Contestants age range: 13-25 years old
Registration fee is $50 per contestant/group
Max entries is 25 contestants/groups
Deadline to sign up is Saturday, December 25th, 2021

Contact info for singing competition: Thara Paw Ter, (612)-859-1420, and Thara Eh Tah Khu (651)-460-0668
Karen Traditional Culture Show: begins at 3:00pm

Contestants must sign up in pairs of two: one female and one male
Contestants must wear Karen clothing with either a traditional or modern design
Age range: 16-35 years old
Registration fee per pair is $30
Max entries is 25 pairs
Deadline to sign up is Saturday, December 25th, 2021

Contact info for culture show: Tharamu Aye Mya Pyu (651)-235-0327, and Tharamu Paw Wah Toe (651)-207-7557

Interested in sponsoring the event? Contact Alexis Walstad at awalstad@mnkaren.org or 651-202-3120 or Eh Tah Khu at ekhu@mnkaren.org or 651-202-3114

KOM's Fall 2021 Virtual Fundraiser
2021-11-04 19:00 - 20:00
We are excited to announce that we will be hosting a virtual fundraiser event again this year!
We invite you to join us in learning about exciting new initiatives that KOM has been working on with community partners to address the needs of our youth. We will also feature special guest performances by local Karen musicians. All donations will help support refugees and immigrants in our local community. We hope to see you there!

Watch LIVE Here on YouTube

Event Details
When:
Thursday, November 4th at 7:00pm – 8:00pm CDT
Where:
Livestreamed here on YouTube from The Urban Village
Program:
This year’s program will highlight new initiatives that address the needs of youth in our community. We will have special musical guests, a live raffle drawing, and more!
Tickets:
Free! Please consider making a donation to support refugees and immigrants in our local community. Any donation you make will be matched up to $10,000 by our sponsors!
Register here & double your gift!

Meet our special guest musicians
Titer Haw Min
Although her parents are not singers, ever since she was little, Titer Haw Min loved singing. She was born in Mae La Oo Refugee Camp in Thailand after her parents and relatives fled Burma. Titer resettled to the United States in 2013 with her family and is now 13 years old. She dreams of becoming a singing star in the future. Currently, she stays busy by singing at events around the community. She hopes to inspire and uplift her Karen community through her voice and songs. Titer is empathetic, kind, and thoughtful. At 13, she has already accomplished a lot, and will keep moving forward until she achieves her dreams.
Rebeca Paw Moo
Rebeca Paw Moo is part of a talented Karen musical family, well-known by previous generations for their singing. Her father plays many instruments, including guitar, keyboard, and bass. Coming from a musical family tree, Rebeca’s passion for singing started shortly after learning how to talk. She was born in Mae La Refugee Camp in Thailand and came to the United States with her family as a baby in 2008. Rebeca is now 13 going on 14 years old. As the oldest of four kids, Rebeca is responsible for helping to take care of her younger siblings. When life proves difficult, singing often helps motivate her. When she grows up, she hopes to become a professional singer and use her platform to help the Karen community and uplift those living in poverty. Regardless of if she achieves fame, she will continue singing from her heart.

Raffle
Our raffle is now closed. Tune in on Thursday, November 4th to find out who won!
KOM will hold a live raffle drawing during the event for 10 prizes including:

Karen Art and Textiles | 55” Smart TV | Gold Necklace | GoPro Hero 9 | AirPods Pro | Rice Cooker | Air Fryer | Bailey Nurseries Plants
Read our KOM House Rules for Raffle for more info about who can buy raffle tickets, where to pick up prizes, required payment options, and more.
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
Interested in sponsoring our event? Find the various sponsorship levels and benefits in our Sponsor Invitation Letter.
Register online by credit card, or use this form to mail your sponsor registration.
Please contact Alexis Walstad at awalstad@mnkaren.org or 651-202-3120 for questions about sponsorship.

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors
Center for Victims of Torture
Prodeo Academy

Check back on this page for updates about the event.

Karen Culture Presentation - ONLINE!
2021-08-20 11:00 - 12:30
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. RSVP here on Zoom to one of our upcoming sessions to receive the link.
*Suggested donation of $15 to help cover staff time and preparation. Donate here

71st Anniversary of Karen Martyr's Day
2021-08-14 - 2021-08-15 | Mississippi Creative Arts School, 1575 L'Orient St, St. Paul, MN, 55117, United States
This year, Minnesota’s Karen community is planning to commemorate the 71st Anniversary of Karen Martyr’s Day on Saturday, August 14th and Sunday, August 15th, 2021.
The event will be held outdoors at Mississippi Creative Arts Magnet School.

Event Schedule
The main ceremony will be held on Saturday, August 14th from 8:30 am to 9:30 am.
For the remainder of the event, attendees can visit KCM (Karen Community of Minnesota) food vendors, participate in games, visit the resource fair, and observe sport tournaments. Tournaments include men’s soccer, men and women’s volleyball, and men’s cane ball.

Background
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. For more background information, visit KCM’s Facebook event page.

Contact
For general information, please contact:
Thara Nay Htoo 651-529-5066 | sawnay@gmail.com
Thara Taw Klu Moo 651-202-1613
Thara Eh Tah Ku: 651-460-0668 | ekhu@mnkaren.org
For sports, contact:
Thara Million: 651-442-3351
Thara Poe Thay Doh: 651-210-4571
Thara Kelmo: 651-528-1019
Thara Kaw Lah Hay: 651-274-5064
The deadline for sports registration is Saturday, August 7th, 2021.

Sponsorship
If you or your business are interested in being an official sponsor of the Karen Martyr’s Day event, we have four sponsorship packages available with benefits:
❖ Bronze: $150 –a table reserved for your business at the resource fair on Saturday, August 14th. (number of tables limited to space available)
❖ Silver: $300 – Bronze benefits plus business name on ceremony program schedule, and KOM website/social media platforms.
❖ Gold: $600 – Silver benefits plus recognition at the opening and closing ceremony
❖ Platinum: $1,000 –Gold benefits, plus business name and logo printed on the official invitation and welcome to display business banner and speak on the stage.
For more information and to register as a sponsor, please read and complete this 2021 Karen Martyrs’ Day sponsorship letter and form.

COVID-19 Guidelines
1. Wear your mask properly, even if vaccinated
2. Please do your best to remain 6 feet away from others teams.
3. Please bring hand sanitizer
4. Do not share food. Pick up after yourself.

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
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
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
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 | 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 | 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
