September 21, 2020 to September 25, 2020

I am reminded that our work for justice, equity and liberation is built on great pain but it is love that guides and moves our hearts in these hard times. I am grateful for those who fight everyday for our shared future. And, because I’ve spent years working closely with individuals and families who have experienced detention and incarceration I believe it is those with lived experiences who will bring us closer to liberation.

I started the week reading about Dawn Wooten, a courageous medical worker who exposed abuses in a private ICE detention center, where immigrant women were given nonconsensual hysterectomies. There are mounting calls to action from immigrant and women’s rights groups and attorneys, and if you’re moved please consider taking action, such as signing onto this letter.

ICE also deported 100 Somalis last week, most of whom are from Minnesota. As someone who knows what this feels like as an impacted family, I found myself shedding tears to release anger, frustration. I felt the anxiety and fear of those family members who are facing an oppressive system. But, I know that it is important to mourn, rest, connect, breathe, and listen to – what my partner would say, “our village” – so that we can continue fighting, organizing, and resisting so we do not lose any more of our community members.

There is always something we can do. Recently, the Executive Office for Immigration Review proposed a rule which would strip immigrants/refugees of due process rights and make it very difficult for old deportation orders to be reopened. The proposed rule cannot be finalized, until public comments are reviewed.The deadline for public comments is Friday, September 25th at 11:59 PM. We ask you to join us in voicing your concern and opposition of this proposed rule. Click on our action alert and public comment kit to make your voice heard.

I end with inspirational quotes from the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, an icon and powerhouse, “Fight for the things you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” And “Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.”

Rest in Power RBG. May her memory be for a blessing ✊🏽

Best,
Jenny Srey
Safe and Welcoming Communities, Lead Organizer 

CAAL ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

Stronger Together Fund – Applications Due September 25 at 5PM CT

CAAL’s Stronger Together Fund aims to support Asian Minnesotan organizations who are supporting the most vulnerable segments of our community at this time: those who are limited English, those who have limited technology fluency, individuals who are undocumented or mixed status families, those who are low income, large multi-generational households, micro-businesses, the elderly, and young people. The fund can also be used to support organizational capacity and infrastructure to transition to an ongoing remote work environment.

Submit your completed application to us no later than Friday, September 25, 2020 at 5:00 PM CT by completing this online form. For general questions, technical assistance, and accessibility needs, please contact Kara Carmosino at kara@caalmn.org. If you would rather be interviewed for this application rather than complete it, please contact Kara.

State of Asian Minnesotans: Fired Up and Ready to Take Action
Thursday, September 24 (3:00 PM to 4:30 PM CT)

Join us for the next session of State of Asian Minnesotans Series, where will we talk about this election cycle and why Asian Minnesotans must show up as we’ve never shown up before to vote.

We’ll be joined by experts, organizers, and leaders and hear about voting data and how we can ensure the community exercises their right to vote to shape our cities, state and country’s future.

Don’t miss this session. Register here and join us!

Racial Equity Townhall
Friday, September 25, 2020 (3:00 PM to 4:30 PM)

This listening session and conversation with Governor Walz, Lt. Governor Flanagan, Commissioners and policy staff is a call to action for government leaders and to center racial justice, equity and accountability. BIPOC community demands are clear, but what will it take for our government leaders to follow through and positively impact the well-being, increase access opportunities and ensure successful thriving BIPOC communities. This event is hosted by the LinkingLeaders Partnership, which consists of African American Leadership Forum (AALF), Coalition of Asian American Leaders (CAAL), LatinoLEAD, and Tiwahe Foundation. Register here.

Youth Fellowship Opportunity

CAAL is seeking passionate and hardworking young people (ages 15-24) to support civic engagement efforts for the 2020 elections. Join us in ensuring that Asian Minnesotan communities have access to safe voting during COVID-19. Fellows will work in a team to ensure Asian Minnesotan communities are Ballot-Ready and can safely vote by mail. Fellows will help lead and support community outreach efforts.

Duration: September 2020 to November 2020, 8-10 hrs/week (50 hrs total)
Compensation: Stipend of $750.00
Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota (Remote & Limited In-Person)

To apply & learn more: https://caalmn.org/civic-engagement-youth-fellow/ 

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES & EVENTS

Time is Running Out: Plan Your Census Outreach

Join Census Bureau partners nationwide in reminding your network that time is running out to respond to the 2020 Census! Learn more about creative ways you can reach out to your network here, or if you haven’t responded to your census yet, you can learn more about where to be counted here.

Professional Associations Forum
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, September 22, 2020 (before 11:59 PM)!

The 2020 BE MSP Professional Associations’ Forum offers two tracks of content centered around Fundraising & Communication and Membership Engagement & Event Planning. Join other leaders from Minneapolis-Saint Paul professional associations & affinity groups to explore best practices & growth strategies. BE MSP will offer a $10 GrubHub gift card as a sign of their appreciation for folks who will be spending their lunch hour with them. Learn more about this event here. 

Asian Food Distribution
Saturday September 26, 2020 (1:00 PM to 6:00 PM)
Location: Wat Promwachirayan, 2544 Highway 100 South, St Louis Park, MN 55416

Asian Media Access is excited to announce that they will be providing perishable food items and PPE. To receive an additional $25, along with the free food items and PPE, please pre-register here.

 Ensuring Police Excellence and Improving Community Relations Advisory Council
seeks API Representative
Applications due Monday, October 5, 2020

The State of Minnesota is currently accepting applications for three positions, one from the Asian American, one from the Hispanic/Latino, and one from the American Indian community. All interested individuals must apply here.

Report Discrimination and Bias

If you experience or witness discrimination, please report it to Minnesota’s Discrimination Helpline at 1-833-454-0148 or submit this online form. The helpline is staffed by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. Translation/interpretation services are available.