(651)788-7593
Name of agency and statement of purpose: The Karen Organization of Minnesota’s (KOM) mission is to enhance the quality of life for Karen and other refugees from Burma in Minnesota by assisting refugees to settle, integrate and become increasingly self-sufficient while fostering cultural knowledge and understanding.
Title: Event Support Volunteer (for KOM’s 10th Anniversary Gala)
Purpose/objective: Helps us put on our 10th Anniversary Gala! This year, KOM’s annual gala commemorates ten years of our hard work on behalf of refugees from Burma. We’re excited to celebrate Minnesota’s Karen community and look back on its growth in our state since KOM’s establishment in 2008. At the event we will have a social hour with a cash bar, a silent auction, dinner, and a short program. Proceeds from the gala make it possible for us to support refugees’ efforts to thrive in Minnesota. The gala will be on Thursday, October 25th from 5:00 – 9:00 PM at the Inwood Oaks.
Key Responsibilities:
- Help prepare for our 10th Anniversary Gala (letter mailing, supply gathering, sign making, and other administrative support leading up to the Gala)
- Assist with set up and clean up at the event
- Help with other tasks during the event (sound, tech support, silent auction monitoring, etc.)
Time commitment:Any amount of time adding up to 5 hours before the day of the event (mostly during office hours, M-F 8:30am-5pm) or at least 3 hours on the day of the event. If helping with set up, arrive at venue by 3pm on October 25th (exact set up time subject to change). If helping with clean up, plan to stay at the event 30 minutes after planned end time.
Location: Pre-event preparation at KOM’s office (2353 Rice Street, Suite 240, Roseville, MN 55113). Event location is Inwood Oaks (484 Inwood Ave N, Oakdale, MN 55128).
Qualifications: Depends on tasks. Tech support volunteers may need different experience than general administrative support. Help with set up and clean up may require lifting 10lbs or more when needed.
Measures: Volunteers are required to log their hours with KOM Volunteer Coordinator
Benefits: Gain experience with event planning and nonprofit administrative work. Get to know the organization from the inside! Event volunteers can attend the gala for a discounted price (half-off).
How to apply/contact: Please complete KOM’s Volunteer Application online (http://www.mnkaren.org/volunteer.htm) or contact Suzanne Olive to receive a paper application. Volunteers will complete a brief interview and an orientation to KOM before volunteering. Please fill out the individual registration form for the gala here and either send a $35 check to our office or we can send you an invoice for a card payment. The volunteer will be connected with the Development Associate to learn more about specific tasks.
