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.

Center for Lao Studies Conference Schedule Available

The Center for Lao Studies has announced the conference schedule for the International Conference on Lao Studies next month.

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.

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.

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.

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.