NGEC Minnesota's Community Engagement Process (2007 - 2008)
NGEC was founded on the principle that communities who are most impacted by inequities must be fully engaged in the planning, implementation and progress measurement of efforts that aim to build a more just and equitable society.
As the NGEC began its work in Minnesota, we started with a series of interviews and community conversations. Time and time again, we heard from community members that although they found the conversation with us about social justice invigorating, what they most wanted to do was take the conversations to their own communities and stakeholders. In response, the NGEC launched a 6-month Community Engagement Process which provided financial support, technical assistance and a joint learning space for 22 local Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) groups.
The guides listed below offer insights on the process, tools and methods that others might consider for their community engagement efforts.
NGEC Guide on Community Engagement:
Making Social Justice Work Inclusive (2009)
This is an overview and summary of NGEC's Community Engagement Process.
Facilitation Guide for Community Engagement
by the National Gender and Equity Campaign in Minnesota (2008)
This is the full version guide written for Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) organizations and community groups in Minnesota that were National Gender & Equity Campaign partners. This guide is intended as a resource for community-based groups who seek ways to effectively dialogue with the communities they serve. This facilitation guide also helps communities collectively explore the vision, the assets and the common themes that help build a movement for positive and lasting social change.
For additional information about the 22 partners in the MN Community Engagement process, visit their websites at the links below:
- Adopsource
- Ananya Dance Theatre
- Asian Media Access
- Asian Pacific Cultural Center
- Association for the Advancement of Hmong Women in Minnesota
- Center for Asian Pacific Islanders
- Center for Hmong Arts and Talent
- Filipino American Women’s Network Minnesota
- Hmong 18 Council (site unavailable)
- Hmong American Institute for Learning
- Hmong American Partnership
- Hmong Women Achieving Together
- Korean Service Center (site unavailable)
- Lao Advancement Organization of America
- Lao Assistance Center of Minnesota
- Mu Performing Arts
- National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum—St. Cloud Chapter
- SEWA Asian Indian Family Wellness
- Shades of Yellow
- United Cambodian Association of Minnesota
- Vietnamese Broadcasting of Minnesota
- Vietnamese Social Services of Minnesota
NGEC Minnesota's Community Engagement Partner Stories
Below are profiles on some of the MN Community Engagement partner organizations. Click on each one to read more about their organizational journey, experiences and reflections on participating in the community engagement process.
Adopsource
"Integrating Culture, Identity, and Life Experiences"
Asian Media Access
"Connecting the Dots to Connect the Disconnected"
Asian Pacific Cultural Center
"Foreseen Place for Pan-Asian Community Action"
Hmong American Partnership
"Conversations for Change and Growth in St. Paul's East Side Communities"
Hmong Women Achieving Together
"Talkin' 'Bout our Generations"
Lao Advancement Organization of America
"LAO America Explores the Power of Community Collaboration"
