Lao Advancement Organization of America

tutoring in just a few local schools. But, it has grown. Today, it is a strong agency with a Board of Directors determining the long-range goals of the Lao PTA. The Executive Director and his staff have a strong vision for the future of Lao PTA; have worked diligently to implements the goals set by the Board. The youth council has provided a unique view on how Lao PTA should attain its goals. Volunteers, from both the Lao and mainstream communities have played a vital role in making Lao PTA an active service provider to the community. Together, they have made Lao PTA the center point around which everyone in the Lao Community gathers. With the competition of the first five-year strategic plan from 1995-2000 and the implementation of the second five-year plan in 2001, Lao PTA has seen a steady increase in the number of programs it offers.In 1988 Lao PTA had one program that was geared towards preserving Lao culture through dance and language. By 2002-2003 there were more than a half dozen major programs administered by Lao PTA. One of its programs in crime prevention was used in 1998 as a model by the National Crime Prevention Councils for their book- Powerful Partnership: 20 crime Prevention Strategies that work for Refugees, Law-Enforcement and Communities. Lao PTA began with 50 students in 1988 and has seen continued growth. By 2003 there were 350 students serves, a growth of up to 700%. The annual budget of Lao PTA has changed dramatically from its modest beginnings of $1,400.00 in 1988 to nearly $500,000.00 in 2000, a 450% increase.The mission of Lao PTA is to work with the Lao community, in all stages of life, in an effort to improve educational, employment and economic opportunities- at times a difficult task in a bi-cultural environment. Lao PTA encourages the kids in the community to strive towards academic success, by providing homework assistance. Lao PTA works with parents, helping them understand the rules and expectations of the schools and the laws of our community. This allows the parent to become directly involved in their children’s’ education. Because of bi-cultural difference it seems as if parents and children are living in two worlds. Lao PTA works to bridge this gap and promote healthy relationships between parents and children. Together, parents and children become empowered with the knowledge needed to successfully enter their new life.

Lao PTA demonstrates its commitment to education by providing tutors to several area schools. In the past several years they have worked with: Bancroft, Lincoln, Kenny, Ericson, Bryn Mwr, Lyndale and West Central Elementary Schools; Sanford and Anwatin Middle Schools; and Roosevelt and Henry High Schools. Lao PTA also provides academic tutoring, as part of its after-school program, at the Lao Cultural Center. Lao PTA has an active sports program mainly soccer, is dedicated to

promoting good health and co-operation to both Lao and Mainstream communities. At its facility, the Lao Cultural Center, Lao PTA provides a wide array of classes, including traditional dance, Lao language, math, English and computer. The Cultural classes and sports program serve as a vehicle to attract kids to the academic programs. Fro example, during the 2001-2002 school year nearly 200 kids participated in the Sinh-Na-Champa dance troupe. They performed at Lao New Year Festivals, government sponsored events, foundation, fundraising events and the Festival of Nations to an audience of over 10,000. Also, during the school year 2001-2002 nearly 100 students participated in various soccer tournaments. Lao PTA was able to sponsor 4 teams for boys and 2 for girls. Lao PTA teams have proven themselves to be excellent soccer players, winning several 1st place trophies. One Lao team was able to claim 1st place the USA Cup Championship at the national Sports Center in Blaine. At the end of 2001, Lao PTA had successfully completed its first five-year plan. This signified a great accomplishment, which gave encouragement and a strong foundation for the Lao Community to move forward toward a common goal for the community at large. The creation and the opening of the first Lao Cultural Center in this land of freedom created a culturally affirming environment. Here Lao people can practice and preserve thousands of years of cultural traditions. All community members can learn about and be exposed to Lao art, dance, and music. In addition Lao children and youth have a safe and fun place to learn math, English, and computer literacy, skills needed to succeed academically and in life. The Lao Cultural Center is a place where friends and relatives can celebrate special occasions. Lastly, Lao PTA’s activities can flourish at the center can that Lao families in our community are strengthened and nurtured for years to come. Up to now Lao PTA has raised a total of $625,580.00, representing 67% of our total capital campaign. In order to fulfill our Cultural Capital Campaign, we still need $301,160.00. These funds will be used to resurface parking lot, paint entire building, replace windows, repair side walk, purchase new sign for Lao Cultural Center, purchase furniture, repair and update restrooms, lighting, landscaping, window treatments, plumbing and kitchen, and provide artwork.

At the Lao PTA’s retreat held on October 6, 2001 the Lao community acknowledge our value to the community and was very pleased by our great success. The over all accomplishments of the Lao PTA encourage us to execute the second five-year strategic plan.

At Lao PTA Board of Directors meeting in April 5, 2003 Lao PTA was given a new name, Lao Advancement Organization of America (L.A.O. America). This was done to provide more effective and efficient service to the Lao community.

15 Years of Success (1988-2003)