Hmong Association of Washington (HAW)

HMONG PEOPLE BACKGROUND

The Hmong people are a minority group who lived in Southeast Asian (Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Southern China). Much of the Hmong people in Laos became political refugees in the mid 1970's, due to political turmoil and persecution in the aftermath of the Vietnam War. In Laos, the Hmong people were slash-and-burn, subsistent farmers with little or no formal education. In the late 1960's and early 1970's, the Hmong people were caught in the middle of a political war, and were recruited by the United States to support the CIA in the war against the spread of Communism. When the US pulled out of Vietnam and Laos, the Hmong people had to flee Laos to save themselves and their families. From the Thai refugee camps, the Hmong refugees resettled in the United States, France, Canada, Australia, Argentina, Germany, French Guyana.

ORGANIZATION HISTORY

The early Hmong families who settled in Washington state established the Hmong Association of Washington (HAW) in 1983 to help Hmong immigrants and to preserve their culture. When HAW was first established, the target Hmong community consisted of foreign-born, non-English speaking families. HAW provided social and educational assistance programs, such as job placement, ESL, citizenship, and immigrations. HAW also preserved the Hmong culture by holding the annual Hmong New Year. Since then, the Hmong community has evolved. The Hmong people are now integrated into the American society, working as normal citizens and trying to live out the American dream. The older generation remain tied to the past, while the younger generation look forward to the challenges of a hi-tech world. Many Hmong families still turn to farming because they lack the skills to survive in the hi-tech workforce.

CHALLENGES FOR THE COMMUNITY

Even though the Hmong people have come a long away in improving their lives, there is much to be done still. Some have found success, while the majority are still struggling to survive. The issues facing the community are:

(1) EDUCATION. The graduation rate has not improved much. Many Hmong youth still underperform in school and few attend college.

(2) CULTURAL EROSION. Many youths grow up not learning about their own culture and accepting the American culture. They lose their language and traditions. Some shy away from the traditional practices while others are struggling to juggle between the traditions of an old culture and the world of today. Language and culture are being cast aside in the struggle to survive in a hi-tech world.

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATIONS

Though HAW is based in Seattle, HAW is an organization predicated to help all Hmong residents of Washington State. The Hmong community in the Puget Sound region is spread out into the King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties. In King county alone, communities are separated geographically into Seattle and the Eastside. Due to long travel distances, HAW is unable to reach out to all of Washington at this time. The hope is, as resources become available, HAW can branch out into other Hmong communities within Washington.

FINANCIAL NEEDS

HAW is currently funded through private donations from the Hmong community and through grants from from the state and local agencies. Without financial support, many of the cultural and educational programs cannot be started. Even though HAW has been serving the Hmong community for many years now, HAW still feels like it is at its infancy.

MISSION: CULTURAL PRESERVATION

As with all immigrants who come to America, Hmong tradition and culture are at risk of eroding away as the older generation pass away and the younger generation struggle to hold on to the old ways. Cultural assimilation is quickly becoming a reality. The goal is not to Many Hmong communities within the United States have already recognized this issue and have created organizations to provide cultural programs.

HMONG CULTURE: LANGUAGE, MUSIC, DANCE, SONGS, EMBROIDERY, AND ART The Hmong culture is rich, passed down through generations. Unfortunately, it is slowly disappearing. Hmong children need a program where they can learn about their rich culture. They also need a stage where they can practice their culture.

AFFILIATIONS

HAW works closely with the local organizations to support them and to also receive help. HAW is a participating member of the Lao Highland Association (LHA) of King County, which serves the Hmong, Mien, and Khmu minorities. HAW also participates in the larger Asian communities, primarily the Asian Pacific Islander Community (APIC). The Asian Counseling Resource Service (ACRS) and Nonprofit Assistance Center (NAC) have also contributed to HAW.

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

HAW provides educational programs in learning Hmong culture. The programs include: language, dance, music, singing, weddings/funerals. Many of these traditional practices take years to understand and learn. Textbooks are purchased through bookstores with Hmong books. Educators are local community elders who volunteer their time. These programs are open to the public. HOW YOU CAN HELP HAW currently needs a place where programs can be held. HAW needs financial funding to pay for materials for the classes. HAW needs volunteers to help run the programs. HAW needs TBd. Your support will help fund HAW Activities: PUBLIC EVENTS Graduation Night Each year, in June, HAW honors the highschool and college graduates within the Hmong communities. HAW recognizes that these are the leaders of tomorrow's Hmong communities and needs to let them know that their hard work is appreciated and that they will be representatives of the Hmong community for the next generation. HAW has a scholarship program aimed at helping bright highschool students who are looking to continue their education beyond highschool. If you wish to help donate money to the scholarship fund, please contact TBD. HAW brings in an inspirational speaker to speak to the graduates on the importance of education and other topics related to their education. Hmong New Year The Hmong New Year at the Seattle Center is now a yearly event and is part of the Festal programs. The event celebrates the traditional Hmong New Year, and includes traditional dance performances, singing, ball tossing, Hmong clothes, Hmong food, and other activities. Summer Picnic - TBD. Website - The Website provides an easy and accessible path to contact HAW. Newsletter - HAW prints a yearly/quarterly newsletter which contains information on Hmong related news. The newsletter includes information on Hmong-owned businesses in the region, Hmong voices, Hmong issues, and other information. If you want to be on the email list or newsletter list, please contact HAW.