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HCSM October Bimonthly Digest 2 October 29, 2007

Dear Members,
Have we got news for you! In this very long and informative digest, please enjoy an overload of Hmong New years, opportunities, events, and HCSM involvements. We hope you are doing very well. Please spread the word that the Statewide Meeting is coming on November 10th at St. Kate’s. Also, we’d like you to join us in our board meetings, because more ideas are serious need. Take it easy.

TABLE OF CONTENT

I. HCSM Statewide Meeting

II. HCSM Board Meetings – You’re Invited!!

III. Become an AVID Tutor – $10 per hour!

IV. 2008 Barbara Jordan Health Policy ScholarsProgram

V. *Saint Paul** School Board Election! Your Participation is
needed!*

VI. M College of Continuing Education – Breakfast Series

VII. Hmong American Institute for Learning Reading – Events

VIII. Low Income Fellows Together (L.I.F.T) to End Poverty

IX. JAS Adult Circle Coordinator/AATN Program Lead Staff

X. Understanding Hmong Youth Nov. 7th – Dr. Zha Blong Xiong

XI. Saint Olaf/Carleton Hmong New Year November 3

XII. Gustavus Hmong New Year

I. HCSM Statewide Meeting is Coming Up November 10th

The HCSM Statewide Meeting will be held at College of Saint Catherine in the Jeanne d’Arc Auditorium on November 10th, from 2-5pm. Parking will be in the O’Shaughnessy Parking lot, either entering through gate 3 or 4 would be the best options. Signs and volunteers will be available in directing people to the Jeanne d’Arc Auditorium.

Professional attire is encouraged. Please be ready to discuss issues in the Hmong community. And most of all, your enthusiasm is required!!

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II. HCSM Board Meetings – You’re Invited!!

HCSM would like to invite you to join in and participate in our board meetings! Our next meeting is on Sunday, November 4th from 9 am to 12 am at the College of Saint Katherine in the Center of Excellence. Volunteers will be available to direct anyone who wants to join the meeting.

Another board meeting will be held at St. Thomas on Sunday, November 18th at 9am-11am. The exact location is still undetermined, please stay tune or contact us at HCSM.

Another board meeting will be held at Hamline on December 2nd at 9am-11am.
Exact location is TBA. Stay tune.

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III. Become an AVID Tutor – $10 per hour!

AVID is a research based college preparatory program designed to enhance the chances of average to above average students with potential and desire to earn a college degree. Having experience as an AVID Tutor is a huge plus when you look for jobs in education. AVID Tutors lead groups of around 7 students in a process that helps students find their own answers to the pressing questions they generate from class. AVID uses the Socratic Methodologies and emphasizes on questions for these students because as we all know, college isn’t about getting answers, but rather asking the correct questions. You need to be currently enrolled in college or a college graduate to become an AVID Tutor. Space is limited so please sign up with me through email or phone! Thank you!

Yi Vue
AVID Tutor Recruiter
AmeriCorps VISTA
651-793-5503
yi.vue@spps.org

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IV. 2008 Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program

Washington, D.C. - The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation is accepting applications for the 2008 Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program.

This opportunity is for college seniors and recent college graduates who have a strong interest in addressing racial and ethnic health disparities, or who are themselves a member of a population that is adversely affected by racial and ethnic health disparities. The application deadline is 5:00pm ET on December 14, 2007.

During their nine-week experience, the Scholars work in congressional offices in Washington, D.C., obtaining first-hand experience in the policy-making process. They participate in seminars and site visits to enhance their practical knowledge of health care issues and gain first-hand knowledge of the federal legislative process. Each Scholar also writes and presents a health policy research paper in one of the following areas: Medicaid and the uninsured, Medicare, or HIV/AIDS.

“The Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program is a chance for motivated students to learn about the policy-making process on Capitol Hill and immerse themselves in the substance of a health policy issue. Barbara Jordan would be proud to see these students grapple with difficult health policy issues and work to address disparities,” Foundation President and CEO Drew E. Altman said.

Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens who will be seniors or recent graduates of an accredited U.S. college or university in the fall of 2008. Individuals with an advanced degree, and those individuals currently enrolled in an advanced degree program are not eligible to participate. Candidates are selected based on academic performance, demonstrated leadership potential, and interest in health issues that disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minorities or underserved communities. Scholars receive roundtrip transportation to Washington, a stipend, and housing at Howard University for the duration of the program.

The Kaiser Family Foundation established the Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program to honor the legacy of former U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Jordan-the first African American elected to Congress from Texas and a much-admired member of the Foundation’s board of trustees. Barbara Jordan had a distinguished career exemplified by her tireless advocacy on behalf of vulnerable populations. She brought this passion to her work, inspiring others to become involved in addressing challenging health policy issues.

The Kaiser Family Foundation operates the program in partnership with Howard University. Application materials and more information are available online at www.bjscholars.org. For questions, please contact program director Cara James, Ph.D., at (202) 347-5270 or cjames@kff.org or program manager Jomo Kassaye at (202) 238-2385 or jzkassaye@howard.edu.

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V. Saint Paul School Board Election! Your Participation is Needed!

Nyob Zoo/Hello Everyone,

We’re almost there… It is 19 days till the General Election on Tuesday, November 6, 2007 and I wanted to share with you some upcoming events and opportunities that you, your families and/or friends can participate in and that can help get me re-elected to the St. Paul School Board! *

I hope you’ll be able to help me out! :-) Please feel free to share these opportunities with others also.

Ua Tsaug/Thanks in advance for your assistance,

Kazoua Kong-Thao
Candidate for Re-election to the St. Paul School Board
651-238-1869
www.kazouakongthao.org*

Upcoming Forums and Meet & Greets:

Get Out the Vote (GOTV) from now until Nov. 6th:

Fundraising:

Note: current campaign drive….I’m looking for 100 people to each give $100 as they become my top “100 Education Champions” in assisting me in my school board re-election bid to continue to provide quality and equitable education to all our children.

Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 6th (all day):

After the Election Day:

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VI. U of M College of Continuing Education – Breakfast Series

How ready are you for what lies beyond today’s horizon? Are you looking forward to the unique challenges and opportunities posed by a rapidly changing, constantly evolving workforce…or are you dreading them? Where do you see YOUR organization in 10 years? In 20?

This new breakfast series from the U of M College of Continuing Education is an engaging forum geared toward Twin Cities area upper-management professionals. Each session offers an opportunity to hear from nationally recognized business experts on key workforce trends, and then opens the floor for a moderated discussion on how to address these important issues.

2007-2008 SCHEDULE:

Whether you’ve got ideas to share or want to hear what others are bringing to the table, as Malcom Forbes said, “the best vision is insight.”

To learn more about the Strategic Leadership Insights 2007-08 season, including complete speaker list and registration details, visit the series Web site today!

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VII. Please mark your calendars for two exciting readings this fall hosted by the Hmong American Institute for Learning (HAIL).

*Spirit and Sacrifice – Friday, October 26, 2007*

If you missed the magazine release party of the last issue of Paj Ntaub Voice, “Spirit and Sacrifice,” you can catch it again. Featured writers include Kathie Culhane-Pera, Viseth Moua, and many more!

*Humor(less) – Friday, November 30, 2007*

If you thought that Hmong writers only wrote about dark, depressing stuff, you’re right (and wrong). Come join us as we celebrate the newest issue of Paj Ntaub Voice, “Humor(less).” The evening is guaranteed to have you laughing, crying, and looking at literature in a new way. Featured readers include Paj Ann Herr, Dr. Gary Lee, May Lee-Yang, Sovanneary Phann, Lorrie Xiong, Ka Vang, Sai Vang, Mary Yang, and many more!

Both readings will be at 7:00 p.m. at:
Nina’s Café
165 Western Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55102
(corner of Western Avenue and Selby Avenue)

Copies of *Paj Ntaub Voice* as well as *Bamboo Among the Oaks,* the groundbreaking anthology of creative writing by Hmong Americans that was inspired from *Paj Ntaub Voice*, will be available for purchase in Common Good Books located just below the café.

These events are made possible through the generous donations of Nina’s Café and Common Good Books.

For more information, go to www.hmonghail.org or contact May Lee-Yang at (651) 587-1208 or email may_lee_yang@hotmail.com.

May Lee
Email: may_lee_yang@hotmail.com
Phone: (651) 587-1208

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VIII. Low Income Fellows Together (L.I.F.T) to End Poverty

SAVE THE DATE!

Community Dialogue on Poverty With:
The Legislative Commission To End Poverty In Minnesota, Minneapolis/St. Paul Elected Officials, and Leaders from the Low Income Community

November 7, 2007
Check In: 5:30 p.m.
Dialogue: 6:00 p.m.— 7:30 p.m.
Great Hall
Arlington Senior High School
1495 Rice Street
St. Paul, MN 55117

Join us for this groundbreaking community dialogue around issues relating to poverty. Come share your personal experiences about living in poverty with Elected Officials and create a cooperative approach toward eliminating poverty in Minnesota. To register for this event, please contact Sina Black at 651-603-5879 or email sblick@caprw.org.

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IX. JAS Adult Circle Coordinator/AATN Program Lead Staff

Job Number: 151723

Overview:
Facilitate work of one bilingual adult circle as part of the Jane Addams School for Democracy (JAS) and co-facilitate planning and programming for All-Around-the-Neighborhood (AATN) for youth aged 6-12. The Center for Democracy and Citizenship is a lead partner in both of these initiatives on St. Paul’s West Side. Staff member will work with immigrant adults, college students, and other community members as part of JAS to promote active citizenship, public work, and democratic education. For AATN, staff member will support youth leadership development and education via programming in a community context.

Work Plan Functions:

Required:

Preferred:

To Apply:
Submit resume, cover letter, and the contact information of three
references, online to https://employment.umn.edu
Job Number 151723

Derek Johnson
Jane Addams School for Democracy/ Neighborhood Learning Community
Center for Democracy and Citizenship
301 19th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55455
derek_johnson@umn.edu
(612) 807-5159, (651) 209-3519-Baker Office
(612) 625-3513 fax
www.publicwork.org/jas

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X. Understanding Hmong Youth Nov. 7th – Dr. Zha Blong Xiong

Free Event sponsored by Hennepin County Library

UNDERSTANDING HMONG YOUTH
Wednesday, November 7, 4-6 p.m.
Champlin Park High School IMC room (library)

Dr. Zha Blong Xiong, University of Minnesota professor of Sociology and Family Studies, discusses current Hmong youth issues and shares his latest research findings and practical tips for positive interaction with Hmong teens.

Sponsored by the Library Foundation of Hennepin County in collaboration with the Friends of the Champlin Library, Jackson Middle School, Champlin Park High School, and the Brookdale Library International Teen Club.

Champlin Park High School
6025 109th Avenue N., Champlin, MN
763-506-6800

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XI. St. Olaf/Carleton Hmong New Year

It’s that time again for Hmong New Year collaboration! St. Olaf and Carleton are celebrating the Hmong New Year at St. Olaf campus on November 3rd 10am to 3pm in the Lion’s Pause.

Contact:
651.276.3874
yangm@stolaf.edu

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XII. Gustavus Hmong New Year

Please come join Gustavus for their Hmong New Year on Nov 17th from 11 am to 5 pm; it’s going to be at 800 West College Avenue, Saint Peter, MN 56082.

They are also looking for performers, so if you’re interested, please contact Cheng Lee.

Contact info: Cheng Lee
Clee4@gac.edu
651-491-5466

HCSM Statewide Meeting TBH at College of St. Catherine’s, Nov 10th from 2-5pm

Mark your calendars for November 10th, 2007! This year’s HCSM Statewide Meeting will be held at the College of St. Catherine from 2 pm to 5 pm.

Our theme will focus on CULTIVATING NEW LEADERS, so please come dressed in your most professional dress! Please be ready to discuss issues in the Hmong community. And most of all, your enthusiasm is required!!

Where: Jeanne d’Arc Auditorium,
College of St. Catherine, St. Paul Campus
When: November 10th, 2007 from 2-5 pm
Directions to Jeanne d’Arc Auditorium

Parking will be available at the O’Shaughnessy Parking lot, either entering through gate 3 or 4 would be the best options. Signs and volunteers will be available in directing people to the Jeanne d’Arc Auditorium.

We hope to see you there!

Tentative Agenda

  1. Introductions/Check in

  2. Brief overview of HCSM
  3. People introduce selves
  4. Ice Breaker
  5. Breaking into two groups
    • Open discussion about issues within the Hmong community and larger community

    • Informational session about HSCM, mission statements.
    • Groups switch
  6. Sign up for committees
  7. Dinner/social time
  8. Clean up

HCSM October Bimonthly Digest October 15, 2007

Hey All,

We hope everyone is doing well. We would like to invite you all to our monthly Executive Board Meetings which will be held at various colleges and universities throughout the Twin Cities area. Our next two meetings will be October 21st at St. Olaf from 9 AM to 11 AM, and November 4th at St. Kate’s from 9 AM to 11 AM. Also mark your calendars for St. Olaf’s Hmong New Year on November 3rd, 2007. For more information on these events and more please visit the HCSM website in forum’s tab. Good luck on midterms and see you all the next meeting!

TABL OF CONTENTS

I Hmong Studies Hournal Research Panel Oct. 15th

II Full time Driver for Hmong Elders

III Horticulture Territory Sales Managers Open

IV Part-Time Hmong Interpreter Wanted

V Business Recruitment and Retention Intern Position

VI Paj Ntaub Voice Calls for Submission October 22, 2007

VII Gates Millennium Scholars *and* Page Education Foundation at
October 23

I Hmong Studies Journal Research Panel

A special panel presentation sponsored by the Asian American Studies program and the Institute for Advanced Studies of the University of Minnesota along with the Hmong Cultural Center in Saint Paul and the Hmong Studies Internet Resource Center will be held on the University of Minnesota East Bank campus.

The presentation will feature 3 scholars presenting papers that were
published as part of Hmong Studies Journal, Volume 7:

Time and place:
Monday, October 15, 2007
3:00 – 5:00 PM
125 Nolte Hall
University of Minnesota, East Bank Campus
Refreshments will be served

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II Full-Time Driver for Hmong Elders

ARE YOU KIND AND FRIENDLY?

DO YOU LIKE TO HELP HMONG ELDERS?

DO YOU HAVE A 5 + years SAFE DRIVING RECORD?

ARE YOU BILINGUAL IN HMONG AND ENGLISH?

$10/hr. FT DRIVER for HMONG ELDERS

Drive elders carefully from their homes to a Hmong Senior Center and doctor’s appointments and back. Caregiving/Medical Experience a plus. Must have 5+ years clean license and be willing to submit to background checks. Women are especially encouraged to apply; many of the Elders are women.

Stop in 9-4 M-Th or call:
Pebmoob Senior Center
906 Dale Street N.
St. Paul, MN 55103
Tia Yang 651-489-8567

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III Horticulture Sales Territories Open

Hmong/English or Spanish/English Bilingual a Plus

JR Johnson Supply, a leading Greenhouse Supply Distributor for over 90 years
has three immediate openings for professional Horticulture Territory Sales Managers. Headquartered in Roseville MN, the territories are Eastern MN and Western WI, Southern MN and Iowa, and Western MN and the Dakotas. Previous horticulture sales experience desired. Some overnight travel required. Meaningful base salary, car allowance, rewarding incentive plan, plus comprehensive health benefits and 401K plan. Previous horticulture sales desired.

Email resumes to HR Manager maryhall@jrjohnson.com.
Or mail JR Johnson Supply 2582 Long Lake Rd. Roseville MN 55113

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IV HMONG INTERPRETER (Part-time)

The Center for Victims of Torture exists to heal the wounds of torture on individuals, their families, and their communities and to stop torture worldwide. We work locally, nationally, and internationally to build healing communities where torture survivors feel welcomed, protected and healed. See www.cvt.org for more information.

Responsibilities:
Provide Hmong/English interpretation services to international clients who are receiving therapy, social or medical services. Interpretation is typically in a face-to-face setting, but there may be periodic need for phone interpretation or document translation. Interpretation services are provided on a part-time, as-needed basis, at locations in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Hours vary, but typically interpreters will work between 2 to 3 hours per week.

Qualifications:
Applicant must possess excellent interpreting skills. Fluency in Hmong and English. Interpreting experience in the medical, mental health or social service areas preferred. Experience working in a confidential environment. Interested in the advancement of human rights.

Must be able to work flexible hours between the hours of 9 am- 5 pm, Monday to Friday

Hourly Rate: $20-25 per hour

Application Process:
Submit resume and cover letter or an application. Please specify language skills and scheduling availability.

Address: Human Resources
The Center for Victims of Torture
717 East River Parkway
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Fax: 612-436-2606
E-mail: hr@cvt.org

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V Business Recruitment and Retention Intern

Sparc and St. Paul City Council Ward 5

Sparc is a not-for-profit community development corporation operating in the
Hamline Midway, North End, and South Como neighborhoods of St. Paul. Sparc’s mission is to create and maintain healthy, affordable and sustainable neighborhoods by improving residential and commercial vitality. Sparc’s programs include home improvement lending, commercial lending, housing development, corridor revitalization, and community development. Sparc has helped over 1,200 homeowners and business owners invest $25.7 million in inner-city St. Paul neighborhoods. More information about Sparc is available at www.sparcweb.org.

St. Paul City Council Ward 5 represents residents of the North End, Como Park, and Payne Phalen neighborhoods and is currently represented by Councilmember Lee Helgen. More information about the City Council is available at www.stpaul.gov/council/index.html.

City Council Ward 5 and Sparc are seeking a Business Recruitment and Retention Intern to work in conjunction with Sparc’s economic development department. The intern will support ongoing efforts to revitalize the Rice Street commercial corridor. The commercial corridor has suffered disinvestment over the years as shopping patterns have changed. The intern will assist Sparc and the City Council’s efforts to support new and existing small businesses and increase investment in the area.

Qualifications:
Candidates should have strong interest or experience in economic development
and/or marketing. Work experience in an office setting is preferred. Graduate
students, upper-level college students, and recent graduates are encouraged
to apply. Experience may be substituted for education. Experience with
outreach or with neighborhood development is preferred.

Strong candidates will be self-starters with strong follow through
capabilities and attention to detail, thrive in a flexible environment, have
strong communication skills, and enjoy interaction with a variety of people.

Candidates with language proficiency in Hmong are particularly invited to
apply.

Reporting:
The Business Recruitment and Retention Intern reports to the Legislative
Aide to Councilmember Lee Helgen and will work with direction from Sparc’s
Economic Development Program Manager.

*Responsibilities*

Schedule and Compensation City Council Ward 5 offers a competitive hourly
stipend.

Work hours are flexible. Ideally this position entails 10-15 hours a week
for 10 weeks.

Submit resume and cover letter to Allison Sharkey, Program Manager, via
email at allison@sparcweb.org or by fax at
651-488-6309.

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VI Paj Ntaub Voice Calls for Submission

The Call for Submissions is open to all writers. Hmong writers may write
about any themes or issues (Hmong or non-Hmong related). Non-Hmong writers
MUST write about themes or issues that are directly related to the Hmong
community. Submissions in English or Hmong are accepted. Original,
previously unpublished works only. We reserve the right to request
revisions and/or edit your submission before publication. All artists whose
work is published will receive a complimentary copy. In addition, artists
may have the opportunity to read or exhibit their work at a public reception
& reading. Visual and literary artists retain all rights to their work.

Please submit work in the following categories:

Submission Requirement

  1. A biographical statement of 3-5 sentences MUST accompany your
    submission.

  2. Email submissions are preferred. Please send to
    pajntaubvoice@yahoo.com with your submission attached as a Word document. If
    your submission must be sent through snail mail, please send to our mailing
    address.

Submission Deadline:
Must be received by 5 pm October 22, 2007.

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VII Gates Millennium Scholars *and* Page Education Foundation

Gates Millennium Scholars and Page Education Foundation at October 23
Forum for Students of Color Interested in College Scholarships. One-stop shopping for two important scholarships exclusively for students of color.

The Minnesota Minority Education Partnership (MMEP) will hold an event to
encourage Minnesota’s students of color to apply for the Gates Millennium
scholarships and Page Education Foundation scholarships on Tuesday, October
23 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM, at the St. Paul College, in the Commons Area. St.
Paul College is located at 235 Marshall Avenue, in St. Paul.

Students of color, their families, high school guidance counselors, college
access advisors or any other professionals who advise students on college
preparation or entry are encouraged to attend this event, as are community
members who are interested. Representatives from both organizations will be
on hand to will present information on the application process and
acceptance criteria, and to provide tips to make the application process
easier.

It should be noted that the bulk of these scholarships are awarded to high
school students who are interested in attending college, not to students who
are already in college.

Both the Gates Millennium Scholarships and the Page Scholarships are awarded
only to students of color. They have different acceptance criteria,
different requirements for disbursement, and differing award levels - and
together provide an important array of options for students of color and
their families that are concerned about financing a college education.

This event is a part of MMEP’s new initiative to develop a state-wide
network of college access programs, called the Minnesota College Access
Network (MCAN).

“We want all students from middle-schoolers to high schoolers and their
families, to attend the presentation and get a feel for how the application
process works” said Jennifer Godinez, Associate Director of MMEP and
Executive Director of MCAN. “It is important to think about and plan for
college early. Start thinking about college at middle school and you and
your family have time to develop a plan.”

For more information on the criteria for Gates Millennial scholars, go to
www.gmsp.org

For more information on the Page Education Foundation, go to www.page-ed.org

Questions about this event should be directed to Mona Harris at
mharris@mmep.net. Light refreshments will be served and RSVP’s are not
necessary.

St. Paul College is located in the Cathedral Hill neighborhood in St. Paul,
on the corner of John Ireland Boulevard and Kellogg Avenue, an easy exit off
of 94. Directions and maps can be found on their web site: www.stpaul.edu