September 14, 2020 to September 18, 2020

I may not have to convince you that you matter and your civic leadership matters more than ever, but I want to make sure you know it does. 

I’ve observed that leaders who’ve been part of CAAL are those who know that things can be difficult, and near impossible at times; however, you are dreamers, believers and doers of taking collective action for greater good. Because you witnessed through your own lived experience, consciously observed what was happening around you, or you were intentionally listening in, you saw the truth of what was happening to those who are made most vulnerable. I’ve seen how you then connected with others, and stepped up and stepped in to ensure that you could propel actions to take care of family, community and our world right now. In the last several months, through many moments of great pain, you were actors and creators of important hope. You’ve inspired me, and I ask that you keep this up in the months to come, because I expect our role and work may become more difficult as the election nears. 

Our communities are still in deep pain, and beyond just putting the magnifying glass on what it looks like for those who are suffering the most right now, we must do all we can to ensure that they can participate in democracy. I know this is easier said than done because many are using the multiple crises facing us now as excuses to limit civic participation of so many, making various acts of democracy, like completing the census, becoming a citizen, registering to vote, voting by mail, all the more difficult.

As dreamers, believers and doers, I ask that you join us as we work to ensure that our communities can fully exercise their civic duties in the coming months. You can do this through multiple means, such as making sure you complete your family’s census by September 30, helping your community members request an absentee ballot and so on. I also invite you to join our next State of Asian Minnesotan session on September 24 to hear from incredible experts, organizers and activists who will share data, talk about what voting means this year, and share what you can do to help communities exercise their civic duties. Help us ensure that Asian Minnesotans can safely vote by mail or in person in historic numbers, because our future depends on it. 

Onwards,
Bo Thao-Urabe
Executive and Network Director

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!

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

Fall 2020 Solidarity Semester for youth ages 18-25
Tuesday, September 15, 2020 to Thursday September 15, 2020Building Movement Project and Solidarity Is is launching the Solidarity Semester, a free five-week series on social change roles and solidarity practices for young people ages 18-25who are interested in honing their awareness and building their skills to address the pressing structural issues facing our country. Learn more about this course here. 

NAAAP WIN! MN, Money Talk
Wednesday, September 16, 2020 (12:00 PM to 1:00 PM)

Personal Finance is more than just about money, it is also about well-being. Join NAAAP MN to learn more. Register at this link.

Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM) – Undergraduate and Graduate Policy Intern
The policy interns will assist ILCM’s Executive Director to advance strategies to promote policies that protect and enhance rights and opportunities for immigrants and refugees and counter anti-immigrant initiatives in current immigration and public policies. See position description for full description or apply here.

Join #OurFamiliesCount Census Week of Action

Join Asian American Organizing Project (AAOP) and Voices for Racial Justice (VRJ) for #OurFamiliesCount Census Week of Action this coming week, September 14-20. With the looming deadline of September 30th, this is the last month to make sure communities are counted in the 2020 Census. Make sure to complete your family’s census here.

Tapping the Potential of Community Engagement 2020
A 4-part Introduction to the Field of Community Engagement

Brought to you by NEXUS Community Partners, this workshop series is designed to deepen knowledge, broaden perspective, and sharpen skills to explore the potential for community engagement to create equitable, healthy, and sustainable communities. The sessions are for anyone who is interested in learning more about community engagement, or for those who wish to deepen their work with community. Apply here before Friday, October 23.

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.