March 30, 2020 to April 3, 2020

In the last several weeks, numerous COVID-19 related aid executive orders or bills have been issued or passed at the city, state and federal levels. Now, community members are wondering who it will help, and how they will be able to access those resources. There’s a lot to sift through, so as we learn we’ll share more.

Below are some websites about COVID-19 responses. Please note this is not an exhaustive list.

Federal 

• The Coronavirus Aid, Relief Economic Security (CARES) Act
• White House, CDC, and FEMA Coronavirus Response
• Department of State COVID-19 Response & International Travel Information

Minnesota

• Governor Walz COVID-19 Response
• Basic – What’s in the COVID-19 Bill
• Minnesota Department of Health
• Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
• Minnesota Department of Human Services

Local

• Saint Paul’s Bridge Fund
• Saint Paul Public Schools Response Plan
• Minneapolis Public Schools COVID-19 Resources
• Osse School District Response Plan
• Ramsey County COVID-19 Info 
• Hennepin County COVID-19 Response

Community Specific Information

• Minnesota Council of Nonprofits – What Nonprofits Should Know
• MDH materials in Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Hmong, Karen, Russian, Somali, and Vietnamese
• Hmong Chamber of Commerce’s Asian Businesses to Support 
• Springboard for the Arts – Artist Emergency Fund
• Minnesota Disaster Recovery Fund for Coronavirus

As relief aid rolls out, we’re paying attention to how Asian Minnesotan’s most vulnerable communities are supported and served, and identifying where there might be gaps that prevent individuals, families and organizations from accessing resources or help. We ask that you stay in touch and share what you’re learning with us too. 

Lastly, we continue to hear about increasing anti-Asian violence and have been having conversations locally and across the country to understand what infrastructure is in place to help address and prevent this. We are forming a local response network to do more work on this issue. As we work on this, I want to share that we are mindful and grounded in the historic fact that anti-Asian racism is not new; and, what’s happening now must also be understood in the context of our Black, Indigenous, Jewish, Muslim, and Latinx communities who are also experiencing xenophobia and racism. In this crisis we aim to help our community be empowered to share what is happening to us without it being viewed as exclusive of. We seek ways to support impacted individuals and local communities to prevent and end bias, discrimination and violence, but stand in solidarity with those who have suffered from xenophobia and racism. We have always worked collaboratively and co-created with impacted individuals and partners in order to transform systems because we know that ending xenophobia and racism is a collective act that requires cultural and systems change. We will continue doing that.

I want to end this week’s note by thanking all of you for all that you’re continuing to do during this difficult time. Despite so much uncertainty, I’ve been inspired by the many stories of creativity, persistence, generosity and kindness. Please continue to share them with us too.

Be well,
Bo Thao-Urabe, Executive & Network Director

Here’s what’s coming up for us this week:

Webinar (April 3, 2020, 3:00pm-4:30pm) Self & Community Care In Times of Crisis Webinar

Community care is community power. As our families and communities weather the COVID-19 pandemic together, we want to build a space for social solidarity. This virtual gathering is the first of a few that brings together Asian Minnesotans to share our stories, unpack our challenges, gift our resources and knowledge to each other, and lean into our collective healing. Sign up to be part a part of these conversations and shape how we spend this time meaningfully as a community. This first virtual gathering will be hosted by CAAL leaders – Jae Hyun Shim, Kara Carmosino, Sook Jin Ong, and Mysee Chang. Register HERE. 

Virtual Asian Minnesotans at the Capitol (April 2, 9am – 1pm) Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan will join us as we show up powerfully to exercise our civic leadership at this virtual day at the capitol. Register HERE and join us. 

MOVEE Summer Program for Social Justice Movement Leadership – application due April 3

Social justice movement leadership is needed more than ever. Join our summer cohort and build on your knowledge and skills to be effective and sustainable in social justice. APPLY and be a part of MOVEE’s Summer program. 

Spark Leadership Fund – rolling deadline

At CAAL we don’t just believe people are leaders, we invest in them. Given the crisis we are in and the fact that we need to ensure safety, health, and solutions for all, we are opening up this year’s Spark round to Asian, African, Black, Indigenous, and Latinx leaders (who are often identified under the umbrella of BIPOC) who have a project that addresses an urgent community need during this pandemic. Applicants can apply for up to $1,000 to carry out the project. Examples of projects include: using art to combat racism, creatively provide accurate in-language information about COVID-19 or the relief resources to community, holding healing spaces for community, coordinating support (e.g.-grocery pick up) for those who cannot do it, supporting students/parents in new e-learning environment and so on. There is a rolling deadline and decisions will be made quickly so we can get support out to those who are using their leadership for community benefit at this time. APPLY today.