Karen Organization of Minnesota

Tax Filing Clinics
2018-02-15 10:00 - 14:00, 2018-02-08 17:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | Karen Organization of Minnesota, 2353 Rice Street, Suite 240, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States
File your taxes for FREE at KOM!

Karen National Day
2018-02-10 11:00 - 18:00 | Johnson Senior High School, 1349 Arcade Street, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
*Location changed to Johnson Senior High School on Arcade Street
Join us on Saturday, February 10th for the 70th Anniversary of Karen National Day! The day commemorates the demonstration on February 11, 1948 when Karen people demanded their own homeland.
The main program will be from 11AM-1PM and includes speeches by the Karen National Union Chairperson and Secretary, who are visiting from the Karen State of Burma. The main program also includes three Karen don dance performances, a Karen bamboo dance, a Mon dance and a Karenni dance.
After the main program there will be a free lunch.
Please stay from 3-6PM for a discussion with the KNU leaders about the National Ceasefire Agreement and to learn about what is happening now in the Karen State.

Ice Fishing Workshop
2018-01-27 08:30 - 14:00 | Lake McCarrons, 1795 Rice Street, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States

2757 Karen New Year 2018
2018-01-01 10:00 - 16:00, 2017-12-31 18:00 - 21:00 | Washington Technology Magnet School, 1495 Rice Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55117, United States
Join us on January 1st, 2018 for Karen New Year at Washington Tech Magnet School. The main program will begin at 10am. There will be a choir competition, kids karaoke, men and women’s volleyball tournaments, food and a Miss Karen contest.
A concert will be held on December 31st from 6-9pm at Washington Tech Magnet School. Tickets will cost $15 per person at the door. If you donate to support the event, you will get three free tickets to the concert with your proof of donation.
Everyone is welcome! We hope to see you all there!

Opportunities for Sponsorship
We are also accepting sponsors for the 2757 Karen New Year, the last day to submit a sponsor form and payment is Tuesday, 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 2017 Sponsor Registration Form then make a secure payment below (via Paypal). Thank you!

Contribution Level

Htoo Wah (Platinum) Sponsor $2,000.00 USDHtoo (Gold) Sponsor $1,000.00 USDSay (Silver) Sponsor $500.00 USDToe Baw (Bronze) Sponsor (Resource Fair Only) $200.00 USD

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

Karen Culture Presentation
2017-12-15 15:30 - 17:00, 2017-12-08 15:30 - 17:00, 2017-10-20 15:30 - 17:00, 2017-08-18 15:30 - 17:00, 2017-06-16 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

2017 Karen Women's Weaving Project: A Closing Celebration
2017-11-29 18:00 - 21:00 | East Side Freedom Library, 1105 Greenbrier St, St. Paul, MN, 55106, United States
KOM and The East Side Freedom Library invite you to “2017 Karen Women’s Weaving Project: A Closing Celebration” on Wednesday, November 29 @ 6:00PM–9:00PM.
Join us for the closing celebration of the 2017 Karen women’s weaving project, in honor of our late Weaving Coordinator, Paw Boh Htoo.
The weavers will demonstrate their techniques and there will be beautiful cloth items to buy — perfect for holiday presents!
Youth who participated in classes taught by the women weavers over the summer will also be there to present their projects and completed pieces.
At 7pm, we will gather for a presentation in honor of Paw Htoo.
There will be refreshments, stories, and art.
Free and Open to All.

Give to the Max Day
2017-11-16

Free Flu Shot Clinics
2017-11-12 10:00 - 12:00, 2017-10-29 09:00 - 11:00
Need a flu shot?
Come to one of our Free Flu Shot Clinics, sponsored by Fairview Health Services, on Sunday, October 29th at Ebenezer Karen Baptist Church from 9AM-11AM or Sunday November 12th at First Baptist Church of St. Paul from 10AM-12PM.
Don’t forget to bring your ID for registration!

Wildlife Management Area Field Trip
2017-10-28 09:00 - 14:00
Interested in learning about public land in Minnesota?

KOM and the Department of Natural Resources are hosting a Wildlife Management Area field trip on Saturday, October 28th from 9AM to 2PM.
The field trip is to the Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area. Learn about hunting grounds, camping grounds, fishing, habitat, species living in that area, rules and regulations. There will be food!
All ages are welcome.
For more information, contact Every Gyi at 651-202-3106 or egyi@mnkaren.org.

Booklet Release: Karen Decisions about Child Spacing
2017-10-27 17:30 - 19:00 | Karen Organization of Minnesota, 2353 Rice Street, Suite 240, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States

Karen Weaving Circle - Art Crawl
2017-10-13 18:00 - 2017-10-15 17:00 | East Side Freedom Library, 1105 Greenbrier St, St. Paul, MN, 55106, United States

Join Us for KOM's 2017 Annual Gala
2017-10-12 17:30 - 21:00 | University of St. Thomas, 2115 Summit Ave, St. Paul, MN, 55105, United States
We are pleased to announce the Karen Organization of Minnesota’s 7th Annual Gala will take place Thursday, October 12th from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. at the University of St. Thomas James B. Woulfe Alumni Hall. We are excited to move to a new, larger venue after last year’s event sold out with nearly 300 guests attending. We welcome you to attend and offer your support in aiding KOM’s programs that help refugees from Burma settle, integrate, and become self-sufficient in their new home.
This year KOM will highlight the success of the Karen Chemical Dependency Collaborative program, partnered with HealthEast Roselawn Clinic.
If you are interested in sponsoring this annual event, select a contribution level below and make a secure payment via PayPal. The next step, complete our SPONSOR REGISTRATION FORM and email it to kvue@mnkaren.org or mail to 2353 Rice Street Suite #240, Roseville, MN 55113. To purchase a ticket, complete the REGISTRATION FORM and make a secure payment via Paypal below.
NO LONGER ACCEPTING REGISTRATION

Contribution Level

Htoo Wah (Platinum) Sponsor $4,000.00 USDHtoo (Gold) Sponsor $2,000.00 USDSay (Silver) Sponsor $1,200.00 USDToe Bah (Bronze) Sponsor $600.00 USDIndividual Ticket – Adult $60.00 USDIndividual Ticket – Student/Senior (65+) $40.00 USD

We hope you will consider attending and joining KOM in celebration and unity. Have questions about the gala? Contact Keetha Vue at (651)202-3109 or events@mnkaren.org. We appreciate your support of the growing community of refugees from Burma in Minnesota.

67th Anniversary of Karen Martyr's Day
2017-08-12 09:00 - 2017-08-13 19:00 | Mississippi Soccer Field, 1575 L'Orient St, St. Paul, MN, 55117, United States
Join the Karen Community in Minnesota (KCM) for the 67th Anniversary of Karen Martyr’s Day from August 12-13 at McDonough Soccer Field. The main ceremony will be held on Saturday, August 12 from 9:00-11:00am with a free meal served afterwards. For the remainder of the event, attendees can visit 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.
Karen Martyr’s Day commemorates the death of Saw Ba U Gyi, the first president of the Karen National Union. The event is held every year on August 12 to honor Saw Ba U Gyi and those who have died or been injured fighting for the independence of the Karen. Contact Nay Htoo at 651-529-5066 or Marner Saw at 651-468-6375 for more information.
We invite local companies and organizations to support this event with a sponsorship or resource fair table! Sponsoring this important cultural event provides you with the opportunity to connect with hundreds of community members. Please read our Sponsorship Letter for more information.

Contribution Level

Htoo (Gold) Sponsor $1,000.00 USDSay (Silver) Sponsor $500.00 USDToe Baw (Bronze) Sponsor (Resource Fair Only) $200.00 USD

KBSM Karen Wrist Tying Ceremony
2017-08-05 11:00 - 15:00 | McDonough Recreation Center, 1544 Timberlake Rd., St. Paul, MN, 55117
Join the Karen Buddhist Society of Minnesota for a Karen Traditional Wrist Tying Ceremony at the McDonough Recreation Center this year! The Karen Wrist Tying Ceremony has a thousand year history and celebrates the best of the Karen culture and its heritage.

KBAM & KCOM Karen Wrist Tying Ceremony
2017-07-29 09:00 - 2017-07-30 15:00 | Conway Recreation Center, 2090 Conway St., St. Paul, MN, 55119, United States
Join the Karen Buddhist Association of Minnesota (KBAM) and the Karen Culture Organization of Minnesota (KCOM) for a Karen Traditional Wrist Tying Ceremony at Conway Recreation Center! The Karen Wrist Tying Ceremony has a thousand year history and celebrates the best of the Karen culture and its heritage.

KOM's 2nd Annual Summer Fundraiser
2017-07-22 09:00 - 18:00 | First Karen Baptist Church, 3000 Hadley Ave N, Oakdale, MN, 55128, United States
Join the Karen Organization of Minnesota for a summer day filled with food, fun, and volleyball! KOM will be selling Karen and Thai foods cooked by staff members. We are also hosting a volleyball tournament for men’s and women’s teams. While you eat food and watch the volleyball games, your kids can enjoy children’s activities such as face painting and a bounce house. All money raised will go towards supporting KOM’s underfunded services. We hope you will join us for this special event and bring your friends!
Volleyball Tournament Information:
1st prize: $1,000
2nd prize: $700
Registration Fee: $50 per team
Registration Deadline: July 14
For more information, contact Rebekah Jacobson
To register your team for the volleyball tournament, contact Eh Tah Khu
Thank you to our sponsors!
1ST PRIZE VOLLEYBALL: State Farm – Jody Baber Agency & Bailey Nurseries
2ND PRIZE VOLLEYBALL: Hope Senior Center & Phalen Family Pharmacy
Kid’s Zone: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota

KOM at Twin Cities World Refugee Day
2017-07-16 13:00 - 17:00 | Loring Park, 1382 Willow St, Minneapolis, MN, 55403, United States
Join KOM at Twin Cities World Refugee Day this year! At the event, KOM and the Karen community will be featured in several areas:

Visit KOM’s booth in the Resource Fair to learn more about our services and how you can help
Stop by the Karen Weaving Circle’s craft vendor booth to purchase a handmade Karen bag, shirt, sarong, or table runner
Hear Hsajune Dyan, KOM’s Board Chair, share his thoughts and experiences about being a refugee in Minnesota on the event’s panel discussion
Listen to Morrison Johnny, KOM’s Program Manager for Employment & Social Services, share his story during the event as one of TCWRD’s Honorary Chairs
Watch the Karen Culture Organization of Minnesota perform Karen Don dance on the Cultural Stage

Twin Cities World Refugee Day is a family-oriented festival celebrating the contributions of refugees in Minnesota through song, dance, food, and story. The purpose of TCWRD is to provide a platform for refugee stories and artistic practices, to honor their lives, and to raise awareness for the millions of refugees in the world who have been forced to flee their homes.

KOMoves for Youth
2017-07-01 - 2017-07-30
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 playing soccer from July 1 – 30. During that time, each participant will raise a minimum of $300 to support KOM’s Youth Program. Our goal is to raise $10,000 to further our impact in the lives of refugee youth.
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 gain confidence, build social skills, and learn how to maintain their Karen culture. Several of our former students have gone on to college or work to give back to their community. This program is important for raising up the next generation of Karen and Karenni leaders.
Watch video
Read about the impact of our program in one student’s life
Can’t join? Donate to the challenge

Karen Weaving Circle at Little Mekong Night Market
2017-06-10 17:00 - 2017-06-11 22:00 | Little Mekong District, 422 University Ave W, St. Paul, MN, 55103, United States
The Karen Weaving Circle is excited to sell their Karen woven products at the Little Mekong Night Market again this year. Inspired by the night markets in Southeast Asia, the mission of the Night Market is to offer unique products, services, and arts & crafts in the Little Mekong District in St. Paul. Enjoy free cultural performances and enticing new foods, and then stop by to support the Karen Weaving Circle.
Saturday, June 10: 5:00pm – 12:00am (midnight)
Sunday, June 11: 5:00pm – 10:00pm

Karen Culture Organization of Minnesota at Festival of Nations
2017-05-06 17:00 - 17:30 | Saint Paul RiverCentre, 175 Kellogg Boulevard West, St. Paul, MN, 55102, United States
After visiting the cultural exhibits and food booths at the Festival of Nations, stop by the main stage for a Karen Don dance performance from youth in the Karen Culture Organization of Minnesota. They will only be performing one time during the festival, so make sure to mark it down on your calendar!

Karen Weaving Circle at Saint Paul Art Crawl
2017-04-28 - 2017-04-30 | East Side Freedom Library, 1105 Greenbrier St, St. Paul, MN, 55106, United States
On April 28-30, the Karen Weaving Circle has the opportunity to demonstrate and sell their traditional weaving at the Saint Paul Art Crawl at the East Side Freedom Library. Stop by to show your support for the Karen Weaving Circle and purchase their weaving for yourself or as a gift for someone! The weavers will be at the library the following days and times.
Friday, April 28: 6:00-10:00pm
Saturday, April 29: 12:00-8:00pm
Sunday, April 30: 12:00-5:00pm

Urban Expedition: Karen (Burma)
2017-04-23 13:00 - 15:00 | Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W, St. Paul, MN, 55102
Get a glimpse into all aspects of Karen culture during a special exhibition as part of the Landmark Center’s popular Urban Expedition program. Experience authentic highlights of Karen culture including music, dance, food, crafts and traditions.
The Urban Expedition program brings families together with an opportunity to learn about the world without leaving town. The event will be presented in partnership with KOM and the Karen Culture Organization of Minnesota.

Karen Culture Presentation
2017-04-21 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? Then 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 30 people. Please RSVP by registering for a ticket.
*Suggested donation of $5 at time of event
