Initiative
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The India Association of Minnesota [IAM], is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to community service since its inception in 1973. IAM aims to build a strong and cohesive community of Asian Indian origin people, through its three-prong mission of Culture, Charity, and Connections.
Seeking to build bridges of understanding that promote cultural exchange and preserve our heritage, IAM started its History Initiative in the early 1990s, with significant support and encouragement from the Minnesota Historical Society, especially Shri Jim Fogerty, then head of documentary programs of MNHS.
The scope of the initiative includes all Minnesotans of Asian Indian origin, in the Twin Cities area and Outstate, including Language organizations (Minnesota Malayalee Association), Religious organizations (Sikh Society, Hindu Society), Service organizations (School of India for Languages and Culture, India Association of Minnesota), Art organizations (Katha Dance, Indian Music Society of Minnesota), Diaspora (Guyanese East Indians), among others.
Know MoreSouth Asians Against Racial Injustice (SAARI) initiative was started by India Association of Minnesota (IAM) in collaboration with other South Asian partner organizations.
The Government Relations and Civic Engagement Committee was established ten years ago to enhance the Minnesota Indian American community’s relationship to elected officials and increase civic engagement within the community.
IAM is proud to be nonpartisan, neither supporting nor opposing candidates or political parties at any level of government, but always working on vital issues of concern to our members, the public and the Indian (and South-Asian) immigrant population in Minnesota. We partner with several social justice networks like CAAL, CAPM, AAOP. We also secure grants for civic engagement work. More details in subsequent meetings.
While we are non-partisan, we take position and ramp up work on issues related to-
Engage, showcase and participate in various Indian regional orgs activities and events. India Fest, Connect India. Attend and participate in BAM Durga Puja, MMA Kerala Day, TEAM Picnic and other community engagements.
Non-Indian-
Seeds to Harvest (STH)
Since the murder of George Floyd, civil unrest and ongoing covid-19 response has suspended public sector programs and destroyed the economic and civic physical infrastructure. Several community agencies and groups, leadership development and environmental organizations have formed the ‘Seeds to Harvest’ Coalition to serve its community to support the community and its program infrastructure. One hour a week.
The collective work of the Alliance involves keeping Five Promises to children and youth that form the conditions they need to achieve adult success.
STH Promises- Caring adults, Safe Places, Healthy start, Effective education, Opportunities to help others
We (IAM) started WIN (Women’s Initiative Network) late last year at the heels of a successful and much needed First-ever All-Women’s event called Pink Garba, supporting breast cancer awareness in our Indian and South Asian communities. Women make up a large and important constituency of IAM and the Minnesota Indian Community, and the WIN Committee will work to identify women’s concerns and address them through dialogue, community, and collective action.
WIN recognizes and promotes diversity of gender and identity, inclusivity, and collaboration with other groups across IAM and their p
artners. Anyone is welcome to join the WIN committee. We hope to ramp up WIN in 2023 and have quarterly engagements.
Mission statement– “Gender Equality Today for A Sustainable Tomorrow”
Goals:
Provide a platform for women to create sustainable social network within IAM
Identify and give prominence to women’s issuesProvide a safe and empowering space for women in IAM to share their concernsWIN also aims to create an open and honest environment.
Recognize and promote diversity of gender and identity, inclusivity, collaborate with other groups across IAM and their partners.
Pillars of WIN– Our events and projects will mostly be centered around these 4 areas.
Health and Wellness in Women ( Eg Pink Garba)
Careers in Women- Contributing women in various fields and careers
Call to Action (Eg bring attention to issues like Domestic Violence, LGBTQ+ issues)
Self Empowerment, History and Celebration
The WIN charter can be found in-
https://docs.google.com/document/d/14GQQoV4P4RO9FA1IvCgUtnWGDlaeHgCzpzU8K37Y4z8/edit