Thursday, August 8, 2013
Lao Assistance Center Seeks 2 Employment Navigators
Want to work with the Lao community and help job-seekers build their skills set and get employed? LACM is looking to fill two Employment Navigator positions to lead our employment counseling program. Apply here: http://opportunitycorps.org/sites/default/files/Employment%20Navigator.pdf
Funeral services for Phetsamone Insixiengmay: August 10th
The Lao Assistance Center extends its condolences to the family and friends of Phetsamone Insixiengmay, who passed away on Sunday, August 4th. The funeral service for her will be Saturday, August 10th, 2013 starting 12:00 Noon at the Crystal Lake Funeral Home, located at 3816 Penn Avenue North, in Minneapolis.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Executive Director Sunny Chanthanouvong receives award on August 14th
Congratulations to Lao Assistance Center Executive Director Sunny Chanthanouvong, who has received the Human Services Award from the McKnight Foundation.
The McKnight Foundation recognizes up to six Minnesotans who demonstrated “an exceptional personal commitment to helping others in their communities but who have received little or no public recognition.” The awards were first presented in 1985. The only other Lao Minnesotan to receive the award in its 28-year history so far was Kouthong Vixayvong in 1991.
The awards are given to recognize anyone “directly involved in providing human services, especially those working to make their communities more responsive to the needs of poor or disadvantaged people in Minnesota."
The McKnight Foundation, a Minnesota-based family foundation, seeks to improve the quality of life for present and future generations. For 60 years of grantmaking, collaboration, and strategic policy reform, they use their resources to attend, unite, and empower those they serve.
Chanthanouvong was nominated this year by Carlos Gallego of Think Small. Gallego wrote “Sunny is an inspirational and tireless leader within the Lao community. He is a knowledgeable and articulate voice, expressing the needs of those he serves.”
The McKnight Foundation recognizes up to six Minnesotans who demonstrated “an exceptional personal commitment to helping others in their communities but who have received little or no public recognition.” The awards were first presented in 1985. The only other Lao Minnesotan to receive the award in its 28-year history so far was Kouthong Vixayvong in 1991.
The awards are given to recognize anyone “directly involved in providing human services, especially those working to make their communities more responsive to the needs of poor or disadvantaged people in Minnesota."
The McKnight Foundation, a Minnesota-based family foundation, seeks to improve the quality of life for present and future generations. For 60 years of grantmaking, collaboration, and strategic policy reform, they use their resources to attend, unite, and empower those they serve.
Chanthanouvong was nominated this year by Carlos Gallego of Think Small. Gallego wrote “Sunny is an inspirational and tireless leader within the Lao community. He is a knowledgeable and articulate voice, expressing the needs of those he serves.”
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Happy Lao Minnesotan Artists Heritage Month
The 2013 Certificate of Recognition from Governor Mark Dayton and the State of Minnesota has arrived to once again recognize Lao Minnesotan Artists in the month of August. It was sent to this year’s co-chair, Saymoukda Vongsay. What are some of the things you’ll be doing to celebrate Lao Minnesotan Artists Heritage Month?
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Lao Traditional Storytellers Fellowship Program
Here are some highlights from our final report to the Minnesota State Arts Board on our traditional storyteller project.
From March, 2012 to February, 2013 we convened 12 monthly group meetings training on storytelling techniques, and 58 one-on-one trainings with a master Lao storyteller, in addition to over 42 informal meetings of the Lao Storyteller fellows with local Minnesota storytellers outside of the Lao community.
They went on to participate in numerous mainstream or Asian American events as a Lao American storyteller including the Twin Cities Dragon Festival, the Autumn Moon Festival, Twin Cities World Refugee Day, and planned to attend the International Lao Studies Conference.
We convened four Public Storytelling Performances at the Harrison on June 23rd, August 10th, October 13th, January 18, 2013 with an average of 60 to 80 people in attendance. We organized a 3-day Storytelling/Arts Festival on February 21-23, 2013 with over 300 people in attendance.
Our storytellers also told traditional stories during the Lao New Year Festival on April 13th-15th in English and Lao to an audience of ca. 500. Evaluations were done by journals notes and survey.
This was the first year that we ever attempted to do such a solid focus on traditional storytelling and all of our staff and volunteers loved the process while reaching out to our clients. They made some amazing connections between their program areas, traditional stories, and interacting with them, so it was good to see that influence spread.
Our members felt their stories and lives were validated and they were glad to see we were becoming less invisible after 40 years in Minnesota. It gave them a good reason to venture out of the homes and engage and rebuild our community, and to learn new technology and techniques that will preserve and expand our culture.
New participants were identified and encouraged to participate through an enhanced social media campaign and targeted outreach through our exisiting mailing list requesting leads. Our younger storytelling fellows also had many pre-built networks of friends who were able to come and support us.
During the first three months we all worked together to asses the barriers of participation as the artists and new audiences saw it. They liked the local locations more. Timing was a barrier to most, and concerns that it would not interesting and accessible. Together with the Storytelling fellows we discussed ways to modernize the visual vocabulary and branding image of what people connect to traditional arts.
Our preliminary sense is that the project is sustainable. At the moment, we hope to see how well the apprentices now do independently before determining if additional skill sets are needed. We need to continue to have access to reliable communications infrastructure and networks, and more spaces where community gatherings can be convened in a culturally appropriate manner.
Funding is always helpful, and support from educators to help our apprentices find opportunities to speak and to build audiences may be useful too.
Most of the fellows are young women now, compared to traditional ideas of storytellers being grandpa and the grandkids. Formal Lao wear wasn't required, and so it became seen as more of a folk art anyone could do. The strategies seemed to work well, overall.
This activity was made possible in part by a grant provided by the Minnesota State Arts Board, through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature from the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.
From March, 2012 to February, 2013 we convened 12 monthly group meetings training on storytelling techniques, and 58 one-on-one trainings with a master Lao storyteller, in addition to over 42 informal meetings of the Lao Storyteller fellows with local Minnesota storytellers outside of the Lao community.
They went on to participate in numerous mainstream or Asian American events as a Lao American storyteller including the Twin Cities Dragon Festival, the Autumn Moon Festival, Twin Cities World Refugee Day, and planned to attend the International Lao Studies Conference.
We convened four Public Storytelling Performances at the Harrison on June 23rd, August 10th, October 13th, January 18, 2013 with an average of 60 to 80 people in attendance. We organized a 3-day Storytelling/Arts Festival on February 21-23, 2013 with over 300 people in attendance.
Our storytellers also told traditional stories during the Lao New Year Festival on April 13th-15th in English and Lao to an audience of ca. 500. Evaluations were done by journals notes and survey.
This was the first year that we ever attempted to do such a solid focus on traditional storytelling and all of our staff and volunteers loved the process while reaching out to our clients. They made some amazing connections between their program areas, traditional stories, and interacting with them, so it was good to see that influence spread.
Our members felt their stories and lives were validated and they were glad to see we were becoming less invisible after 40 years in Minnesota. It gave them a good reason to venture out of the homes and engage and rebuild our community, and to learn new technology and techniques that will preserve and expand our culture.
New participants were identified and encouraged to participate through an enhanced social media campaign and targeted outreach through our exisiting mailing list requesting leads. Our younger storytelling fellows also had many pre-built networks of friends who were able to come and support us.
During the first three months we all worked together to asses the barriers of participation as the artists and new audiences saw it. They liked the local locations more. Timing was a barrier to most, and concerns that it would not interesting and accessible. Together with the Storytelling fellows we discussed ways to modernize the visual vocabulary and branding image of what people connect to traditional arts.
Our preliminary sense is that the project is sustainable. At the moment, we hope to see how well the apprentices now do independently before determining if additional skill sets are needed. We need to continue to have access to reliable communications infrastructure and networks, and more spaces where community gatherings can be convened in a culturally appropriate manner.
Funding is always helpful, and support from educators to help our apprentices find opportunities to speak and to build audiences may be useful too.
Most of the fellows are young women now, compared to traditional ideas of storytellers being grandpa and the grandkids. Formal Lao wear wasn't required, and so it became seen as more of a folk art anyone could do. The strategies seemed to work well, overall.
This activity was made possible in part by a grant provided by the Minnesota State Arts Board, through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature from the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.
Monday, July 22, 2013
North Side Workforce Center community meeting: August 2nd
Stop by our office On August 2nd to give your input on what recommendations the next Workforce Center should have to help the Lao community find stable employment. We're starting with lunch at 11:00am! Come on by!
Friday, July 19, 2013
Workforce Center Community Meeting, August 2nd
Are you Lao and unemployed or seeking employment? Come join us at LACM on Friday, August 2nd at 11:00am for a discussion on what you want to see at the next Workforce Center relocation to help you find employment. Free food and refreshments will be served! RSVP by contacting todd@laocenter.org
4th Quarter Lao Assistance Computer Literacy Class Schedule Announced
The following training dates have been announced for the fourth quarter of the Lao Assistance Center Computer Literacy Program. Phouthakannha Nantharath is the lead director of the Computer Literacy Program. To get involved, please call the Lao Assistance Center at: (612) 374-4967 or sunny@laocenter.org
Trainings will continue to be offered on the following schedule based on demand:
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays:
Basic Skills Training. 9AM, 1PM and 4PM.
Tuesdays and Thursdays:
Intermediate Skills Training. 9AM, 1PM and 4PM.
Trainings are held at our location at 503 Irving Avenue N. in Minneapolis. Workstations are limited, so please remember to RSVP to hold your slot for classes.
The Lao Assistance Center program was funded last year by Wells Fargo to purchase and upgrade new equipment to help the organization carry out training and education programs to stabilize our community workforce.
If you would like to get involved with the Lao Assistance Center as a sponsor or employer, please contact sunny@laocenter.org.
Trainings will continue to be offered on the following schedule based on demand:
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays:
Basic Skills Training. 9AM, 1PM and 4PM.
Tuesdays and Thursdays:
Intermediate Skills Training. 9AM, 1PM and 4PM.
The Lao Assistance Center program was funded last year by Wells Fargo to purchase and upgrade new equipment to help the organization carry out training and education programs to stabilize our community workforce.
We are implementing a four-pronged strategy that will significantly enhance access to computer literacy programs, English skills program and employment skills and job searching skills that are culturally specific to the Lao community.
Our four key prongs are:
Our four key prongs are:
1. Develop a formal job readiness training curriculum that is culturally and linguistically appropriate.
2. Develop relationship with companies. High growth industry sectors are Healthcare, Finance/Insurance, Professional/Technical, Transportation and High-Tech Manufacturing.
3. Increase partnerships with organizations providing English language skills to Lao elders with limited English proficiency.
4. Leverage volunteers, including 2nd and 3rd generation Lao youth, to assist eldersPhouthakannha Nantharath, director of the program said: "It's good to build computer skills no matter what your age. Please encourage friends, family and others to join us. Many of our community members are very happy with the progress they are making. Thank you to Wells Fargo, who provided us significant support for our Computer Literacy Program."
If you would like to get involved with the Lao Assistance Center as a sponsor or employer, please contact sunny@laocenter.org.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
July 4th Holiday Hours
Our office is now closed and will re-open on Monday, July 8th due to building maintenance and the holiday weekend. Have a safe and happy 4th of July!
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Lao Community Unemployment Task Force Meeting July 2nd.
We will have a workshop for Lao Community Unemployment Group and the Lao community in general to talk about the North Minneapolis Workforce Center at the Lao Asisistance Center. Please stop by to help if you can. Contact our executive director Sunny Chanthanouvong for more details.
Friday, June 7, 2013
Northside Workforce Center Meeting a Success
Thanks to Hennepin County Government human services staff and community members who came to voice their input and concerns to the new Northside hub that will be opening later this year!
Friday, May 31, 2013
Thank You for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Thank you everybody who has been helping us to celebrate a wonderful Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Please remember to keep learning more about everyone and our different stories.
Monday, May 27, 2013
Lao Community Engagement Project June 7th
On June 7, 12-3pm please join us at the Lao Assistance Center for our Lao community engagement project with Hennepin County officials. We are discussing moving the Hennepin County Hub to North Minneapolis and what it can mean for our community.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Lao New Year featured on Minnesota Public Radio
Lao New Year is featured in MPR News! Thank you to all the organizers and volunteers who dedicated their time and commitment to make the new year event possible!
Friday, April 12, 2013
3rd Quarter Lao Assistance Center Computer Literacy Class Schedule Announcements
Based on current community response the following training dates have been announced for the third quarter of the Lao Assistance Center Computer Literacy Program. Phouthakannha Nantharath is the lead director of the Computer Literacy Program. To get involved, please call the Lao Assistance Center at: (612) 374-4967 or sunny@laocenter.org
Trainings will continue to be offered on the following schedule based on demand:
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays:
Basic Skills Training. 9AM, 1PM and 4PM.
Tuesdays and Thursdays:
Intermediate Skills Training. 9AM, 1PM and 4PM.
Trainings are held at our location at 503 Irving Avenue N. in Minneapolis. Workstations are limited, so please remember to RSVP to hold your slot for classes.
The Lao Assistance Center program was funded last year by Wells Fargo to purchase and upgrade new equipment to help the organization carry out training and education programs to stabilize our community workforce.
Phouthakannha Nantharath, director of the program said: "Our community needs to be empowered with current skills in computer literacy if we want to be eligible for the best jobs and opportunities. I am happy to see our community is doing well and responding positively to the program. Please continue to help us spread the word. Classes are available for both young and old."
If you would like to get involved with the Lao Assistance Center as a sponsor or employer, please contact sunny@laocenter.org.
Trainings will continue to be offered on the following schedule based on demand:
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays:
Basic Skills Training. 9AM, 1PM and 4PM.
Tuesdays and Thursdays:
Intermediate Skills Training. 9AM, 1PM and 4PM.
The Lao Assistance Center program was funded last year by Wells Fargo to purchase and upgrade new equipment to help the organization carry out training and education programs to stabilize our community workforce.
Phouthakannha Nantharath, director of the program said: "Our community needs to be empowered with current skills in computer literacy if we want to be eligible for the best jobs and opportunities. I am happy to see our community is doing well and responding positively to the program. Please continue to help us spread the word. Classes are available for both young and old."
If you would like to get involved with the Lao Assistance Center as a sponsor or employer, please contact sunny@laocenter.org.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Monday, March 11, 2013
MN Twins Opening Day Ceremonies Opportunity
The MN Twins has a great opportunity to have AAPI kids around 10 years old participate in the MN Twins opening day ceremonies on 4/1/13. The kids will be on the field to high-five the players as they take the field. We have about 3-4 spots open at this point.
If you have interested parties, please submit the child's name, parent's name, and contact info by Friday (3/29) to our executive director Sunny Chanthanouvong. Please let them know that the child will have to be at Asian Media Access by 1PM on 4/1 or at Target Field by 1:30PM. The games is at 3PM but they need to prep the kids.
The Lao Assistance Center will have adults/parents to supervise and chaperone the kids. Kids can be picked up at Asian Media Access or Target Field after the game.
If you have interested parties, please submit the child's name, parent's name, and contact info by Friday (3/29) to our executive director Sunny Chanthanouvong. Please let them know that the child will have to be at Asian Media Access by 1PM on 4/1 or at Target Field by 1:30PM. The games is at 3PM but they need to prep the kids.
The Lao Assistance Center will have adults/parents to supervise and chaperone the kids. Kids can be picked up at Asian Media Access or Target Field after the game.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Upper Mississippi River Development Project Meeting at Lao Assistance Center
The Lao Assistance Center is holding a Lao community meeting on the Upper Mississippi River Development Project this Saturday, March 9, from 10 to 1 PM. Please join us if you can. Refreshments and lunch will be served.
Clearing Bombs, Protecting Lives Voices from Laos Speakers Tour, April 2013
Legacies of War is very excited to announce “Voices from Laos: Clearing Bombs, Protecting Lives,” a groundbreaking, national speakers tour across the United States. The tour will create a space for dialogue on how individuals and communities are affected by Vietnam War-era unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos, how the problem is being addressed in the country, and ways in which people in the U.S. can help to clear Laos of bombs, support survivors of accidents, and help to create a safer future for the people of Laos.
The speakers tour aims to educate audiences about the dangers of UXO in Laos, mobilize positive action, and show how war and conflict can haunt innocent civilians decades later. The tour will also present an opportunity for healing and hope. By mobilizing communities, Legacies of War will build a movement to stop the senseless deaths and injuries caused by UXO and build a bright future for the children of Laos.
The speakers tour aims to educate audiences about the dangers of UXO in Laos, mobilize positive action, and show how war and conflict can haunt innocent civilians decades later. The tour will also present an opportunity for healing and hope. By mobilizing communities, Legacies of War will build a movement to stop the senseless deaths and injuries caused by UXO and build a bright future for the children of Laos.
Sia Her appointed new Executive Director of Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans
Congratulations to Sia Her, who has been selected as the new Executive Director of the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans. We look forward to the coming years ahead working with her.
The Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans (CAPM), a state agency that focuses on policy development and advocacy on issues that affect the Asian Pacific community announced that Sia Her has been appointed as its new Executive Director. Ms. Her will manage all operations and projects of the Council and develop and implement strategic and well-informed plans for CAPM. “On behalf of the board, I want to express how pleased we are to have Sia Her leading the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans (CAPM) into the next phase of our work,” said Hue Danny Lee, chair of the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans board of directors. “She has a strong track record of public service, policy knowledge, and connection to the Asian Pacific Islander Community. Sia has demonstrated great leadership in her previous roles and given her strong passion for education and the experience she is ideally suited to take the helm of the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans in today’s fast-paced, dynamic environment."
According to Adeel Lari, member of the search committee, Ms. Her was selected after CAPM conducted an extensive and public search for the new Executive Director. The search resulted in over 80 candidates with some very competent and diverse applicants. The search committee took input from the community and the staff before making its final decision.
Ms. Her comes to the Council with more than a decade of experience in non-profit management, policy advocacy, and engaging new Americans in both the political and policy processes. She served as Education and Training Department Manager at Hmong American Partnership for more than four years. Most recently, she served as Campaign Manager for the successful Saint Paul Public Schools’ “Strong Schools, Strong Communities” levy referendum campaign which secured over $300 million dollars for the Saint Paul Public Schools. Ms. Her holds a master’s degree in public policy from the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Macalester College.
Ms. Her will begin her duties on March 6th.
The Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans (CAPM), a state agency that focuses on policy development and advocacy on issues that affect the Asian Pacific community announced that Sia Her has been appointed as its new Executive Director. Ms. Her will manage all operations and projects of the Council and develop and implement strategic and well-informed plans for CAPM. “On behalf of the board, I want to express how pleased we are to have Sia Her leading the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans (CAPM) into the next phase of our work,” said Hue Danny Lee, chair of the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans board of directors. “She has a strong track record of public service, policy knowledge, and connection to the Asian Pacific Islander Community. Sia has demonstrated great leadership in her previous roles and given her strong passion for education and the experience she is ideally suited to take the helm of the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans in today’s fast-paced, dynamic environment."
According to Adeel Lari, member of the search committee, Ms. Her was selected after CAPM conducted an extensive and public search for the new Executive Director. The search resulted in over 80 candidates with some very competent and diverse applicants. The search committee took input from the community and the staff before making its final decision.
Ms. Her comes to the Council with more than a decade of experience in non-profit management, policy advocacy, and engaging new Americans in both the political and policy processes. She served as Education and Training Department Manager at Hmong American Partnership for more than four years. Most recently, she served as Campaign Manager for the successful Saint Paul Public Schools’ “Strong Schools, Strong Communities” levy referendum campaign which secured over $300 million dollars for the Saint Paul Public Schools. Ms. Her holds a master’s degree in public policy from the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Macalester College.
Ms. Her will begin her duties on March 6th.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Condolences to the Kongmalavong, Insixiengmai, and Phannhotha families
The Lao Assistance Center extends its sincere condolences to the families of Souli Kongmalavong, Bounthieng Insixiengmai, and Bounma Phannhotha, who died during their recent trip to Laos.
Lao New Year Committee Needs Volunteers
The 2556 Lao New Year Planning Committee is looking for volunteers for the Lao New Year on Saturday, April 13th, at the Crystal Community Center. If you or someone you know would like to help, please contact the committee through the Lao Assistance Center staff who will connect you to the organizers.
Kaphet Koracan funeral to be held Saturday, March, 9th.
Kaphet Koracan, long-time board member of the Lao Assistance Center of Minnesota passed away on March 2nd. Over the years she served in many ways to the organization, including as the president of the Lao Assistance Center board of directors.
The funeral for Kaphet Koracan will be held on Saturday, March 9th at the Crystal Lake Chapel and Cemetary at 3816 Penn Ave N, in Minneapolis. The service will be from 12:30 pm to 3pm. Her family thanks everyone for your support and appreciates your condolences.
The funeral for Kaphet Koracan will be held on Saturday, March 9th at the Crystal Lake Chapel and Cemetary at 3816 Penn Ave N, in Minneapolis. The service will be from 12:30 pm to 3pm. Her family thanks everyone for your support and appreciates your condolences.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Lao Minnesotan Dr. Ketmani Kouanchao keynote speaker at Laotian American Community of Fresno Banquet
Dr. Ketmani Kouanchao will be the Keynote Speaker for the Laotian American Community of Fresno Banquet on March 9, 2013 at the Clovis Senior Center. She'll be speaking on the journey of Lao Americans in education, civic engagement and the role of parents and elders in building the future with our youth.
The Laotian-American Community of Fresno was founded in 2000 by concerned Laotian community members as a source of mentorship, guidance, and support for community members and their families as new lives were being established in the United States. They are the only Lao-run nonprofit in the Fresno area, and their mission is to promote and preserve Lao cultural heritage and traditions through traditional Lao dance classes and Lao literacy classes, and also to empower and encourage Lao youth to pursue college educations. In 2013, a grant from ACTA's Living Cultures Grants Program will support an ongoing program of traditional Lao dance instruction designed to preserve and promote cultural transmission to Lao-American youth. The classes taught by culture-bearers will concentrate on five dances which range from the popular ritualistic dance of welcome to dances depicting the enlightenment of Buddha.
Dr. Kouanchao currently serves as the director of EOPS/CARE programs at Mt. San Jacinto Community College. She received her doctorate degree from California State University- Fullerton in Educational Leadership Administration focusing on Community College. She received her Master’s Degree in Education and her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Public Health and East Asian Studies from the University of Minnesota.
Dr. Kouanchao was born in Laos and raised in Minneapolis, MN. She has over 15 years of experience as a university and community college administrator including the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She works nationally on issues of cross-cultural leadership, women’s leadership and transformative leadership development – especially in communities of color and addressing federal and state-funded programs and connections with the non-profit sector.
She enjoys helping all students to discover their own unique leadership style so they can share their success with others and help everyone reach their full leadership potential. She is a regular columnist for the Twin Cities Daily Planet and Little Laos on the Prairie.
The Laotian-American Community of Fresno was founded in 2000 by concerned Laotian community members as a source of mentorship, guidance, and support for community members and their families as new lives were being established in the United States. They are the only Lao-run nonprofit in the Fresno area, and their mission is to promote and preserve Lao cultural heritage and traditions through traditional Lao dance classes and Lao literacy classes, and also to empower and encourage Lao youth to pursue college educations. In 2013, a grant from ACTA's Living Cultures Grants Program will support an ongoing program of traditional Lao dance instruction designed to preserve and promote cultural transmission to Lao-American youth. The classes taught by culture-bearers will concentrate on five dances which range from the popular ritualistic dance of welcome to dances depicting the enlightenment of Buddha.
Dr. Kouanchao currently serves as the director of EOPS/CARE programs at Mt. San Jacinto Community College. She received her doctorate degree from California State University- Fullerton in Educational Leadership Administration focusing on Community College. She received her Master’s Degree in Education and her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Public Health and East Asian Studies from the University of Minnesota.
Dr. Kouanchao was born in Laos and raised in Minneapolis, MN. She has over 15 years of experience as a university and community college administrator including the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She works nationally on issues of cross-cultural leadership, women’s leadership and transformative leadership development – especially in communities of color and addressing federal and state-funded programs and connections with the non-profit sector.
She enjoys helping all students to discover their own unique leadership style so they can share their success with others and help everyone reach their full leadership potential. She is a regular columnist for the Twin Cities Daily Planet and Little Laos on the Prairie.
Lao American Storytellers Festival Schedule
On February 21st-22nd, the Lao Assistance Center will be presenting the first Lao American Storytellers Festival at the Harrison Neighborhood Center at 503 Irving Avenue N. in Minneapolis, MN.
The festival will include formal presentations of traditional folk tales, oral histories, worship sessions and cultural exhibits from 1pm to 3pm each day.
Thursday, February 21
10 AM
Sunny Chanthanouvong: 30 Years, A Community of Stories
11 AM
Chanida Phaengdara: Little Laos on the Prairie Review
12 PM
David Zander: Discovering our Stories
1 PM
Saymoukda Vongsay: No Regrets 5th Anniversary Reading
2 PM
Sue Veerasaeng: Lao Minnesotan Journeys. Documentary and Discovery
Friday, February 22
10 AM
Bryan Thao Worra: Beyond the Other Side of the Eye
11 AM
Phouthakannha Nantharath: Elder Voices, Youth Visions
1 PM
Chay Douangphouxay's Remission: Finding Light in the Midst of Social Darkness.
2 PM
Komany Saopathong: Speaking Memories of Secret Histories
This activity was made possible in part by a grant provided by the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Metropolitan Region Arts Council, through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature from the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.
The Lao American Storytellers Festival is a key outcome of a year-long intensive apprenticeship program of the Lao Assistance Center to encourage the next generation of Lao American storytellers. This is the first year such a program has been implemented.
Monday, February 18, 2013
Lao Storytelling Festival to begin
Check out our Lao Storytelling Festival starting this week from Thursday through Saturday from 10-2pm at LACM. Learn about Lao stories, folklore and more. See you there!
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Lao American Storyteller Festival coming to Minneapolis
On February 21st-23rd, the Lao Assistance Center will be presenting the Lao American Storytellers Festival at the Harrison Neighborhood Center at 503 Irving Avenue N. in Minneapolis, MN. The festival will include formal presentations of traditional folk tales, oral histories, worship sessions and cultural exhibits from 1pm to 4pm each day. Free and open to the public. Further schedule details will be announced on the Lao Assistance website (www.laocenter.org) and social media such as twitter: @laocenterMN.
Among the guest presenters will by Lao Minnesotan Storyteller Fellows Saymoukda Vongsay, Phouthakannha Nantharath, Sue Veerasaeng, Saphaothong Komany, and David Zander. The festival will also be presented in conjunction with Bryan Thao Worra's summit, Beyond the Other Side of the Eye: Discussions in Southeast Asian Futurism.
This activity was made possible in part by a grant provided by the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Metropolitan Region Arts Council, through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature from the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.
In the United States there are approximately 200,000 Lao with the largest populations residing in California, Texas, and Minnesota. Minnesota has the 3rd largest Lao refugee population in the US with 12,000 to 25,000 residents. There are still many gains to be achieved in both education and the arts. Many members of the community expressed concerns regarding the preservation and transmission of traditional culture to the youth.
The Lao American Storytellers Festival is a key outcome of a year-long intensive apprenticeship program of the Lao Assistance Center to encourage the next generation of Lao American storytellers. This is the first year such a program has been implemented.
Among the guest presenters will by Lao Minnesotan Storyteller Fellows Saymoukda Vongsay, Phouthakannha Nantharath, Sue Veerasaeng, Saphaothong Komany, and David Zander. The festival will also be presented in conjunction with Bryan Thao Worra's summit, Beyond the Other Side of the Eye: Discussions in Southeast Asian Futurism.
This activity was made possible in part by a grant provided by the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Metropolitan Region Arts Council, through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature from the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.
In the United States there are approximately 200,000 Lao with the largest populations residing in California, Texas, and Minnesota. Minnesota has the 3rd largest Lao refugee population in the US with 12,000 to 25,000 residents. There are still many gains to be achieved in both education and the arts. Many members of the community expressed concerns regarding the preservation and transmission of traditional culture to the youth.
The Lao American Storytellers Festival is a key outcome of a year-long intensive apprenticeship program of the Lao Assistance Center to encourage the next generation of Lao American storytellers. This is the first year such a program has been implemented.
Friday, January 11, 2013
2nd Quarter Lao Assistance Center Computer Literacy Program Schedule Announced
Based on current community response the following training dates have been announced for the second quarter of the Lao Assistance Center Computer Literacy Program. Phouthakannha Nantharath is the lead director of the Computer Literacy Program. To get involved, please call the Lao Assistance Center at: (612) 374-4967 or sunny@laocenter.org
Trainings will continue to be offered on the following schedule based on demand:
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays:
Basic Skills Training. 9AM, 1PM and 4PM.
Tuesdays and Thursdays:
Intermediate Skills Training. 9AM, 1PM and 4PM.
Trainings are held at our location at 503 Irving Avenue N. in Minneapolis. Workstations are limited, so please remember to RSVP to hold your slot for classes.
The Lao Assistance Center program was funded last year by Wells Fargo to purchase and upgrade new equipment to help the organization carry out training and education programs to stabilize our community workforce.
If you would like to get involved with the Lao Assistance Center as a sponsor or employer, please contact sunny@laocenter.org.
Trainings will continue to be offered on the following schedule based on demand:
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays:
Basic Skills Training. 9AM, 1PM and 4PM.
Tuesdays and Thursdays:
Intermediate Skills Training. 9AM, 1PM and 4PM.
The Lao Assistance Center program was funded last year by Wells Fargo to purchase and upgrade new equipment to help the organization carry out training and education programs to stabilize our community workforce.
We are implementing a four-pronged strategy that will significantly enhance access to computer literacy programs, English skills program and employment skills and job searching skills that are culturally specific to the Lao community.
Our four key prongs are:
Our four key prongs are:
1. Develop a formal job readiness training curriculum that is culturally and linguistically appropriate.
2. Develop relationship with companies. High growth industry sectors are Healthcare, Finance/Insurance, Professional/Technical, Transportation and High-Tech Manufacturing.
3. Increase partnerships with organizations providing English language skills to Lao elders with limited English proficiency.
4. Leverage volunteers, including 2nd and 3rd generation Lao youth, to assist eldersPhouthakannha Nantharath, director of the program said: "Our community needs to be empowered with current skills in computer literacy if we want to be eligible for the best jobs and opportunities. Thank you to Wells Fargo, who provided us significant support for our Computer Literacy Program. I am happy to see our community is doing well and responding positively to the program."
If you would like to get involved with the Lao Assistance Center as a sponsor or employer, please contact sunny@laocenter.org.
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