Zonta Paul June 2002 Page Three

Women and Childrens Recovery Center,
report was given by Judy C. in the absence of Sandy Kleven, Director. The $5000 grant was used mainly as rent subsidies for 10 women with 14 children. During the year two graduated to independent living, two were discharged for non compliance and three new residents were accepted. All women have jobs or are taking classes to demonstrate they can return to stable employment. A typical stay is 12 to 18 months. The Center is also supported by private donors and the Hazelden Foundation.

Hmong Womens Action Team,
report was given by team members Seng Vang and Pacyinz Lyfoung in the absence of Pa Dur Vang, the president. Each gave a brief review of their professional backgrounds. One is currently an aide in the office of Mark Dayton, Senator and the other is doing policy work in government relations as an attorney in the Minnesota Housing and Finance Agency. The Hmong Womens Oral History Project has been completed and will be celebrated on June 1 at the Minnesota History Center. The project recorded the stories of 16 women and girls. The 2002-2003 project is to produce a childrens book that will share with Hmong girls what is great about being Hmong and will convey positive messages to help girls develop positive self esteem and self image. The focus will be a contemporary perspective about identity issues facing Hmong girls in America. The message will also help focus on decreasing violence in their culture by bringing out the cultural change taking place and the important value of girls. The target group will be girls ages eight to twelve with a companion piece for younger girls. The book is also hoped to have an impact on boys. The goal is to present the finished project at their Annual Banquet on August 1, 2002.

Membership:
Connie N. announced a brainstorming session at the June meeting on how to bring in new members. A prospective member social is planned in July. One guest was greeted at this time.

Hospitality:
Member Kathy Pulse sent thanks for the cards, plant and prayers. She has started chemotherapy treatments.

Program:
 Installation of Officer:
The President installed Kathy Mangum as a Director on the Board.

International By Law Proposed Changes:
President Usher reviewed the changes suggested in Articles 20, 22 and 28. The consensus of the membership was that changes are needed at the Club and Area levels but that District and International should remain as is.

2002-2003 Calendar:
The tentative calendar was presented in the May Newsletter.

CALENDAR

  • June 10         Newsletter Deadline
  • July 23         Prospective Member Meeting
  • June 25         Board & Regular Meetings
  • August 12         Newsletter Deadline
  • July 12         Newsletter Deadline
  • August 27         Board & Regular Meetings

    HWAT CELEBRATION
    By Erma McGuire

    As a member of Zonta who has become acquainted with some of the HWAT team I was invited to help celebrate the completion of the Hmong Women's Oral History Project. The event was held at the Minnesota History Center on Saturday, June 1.

    The project centered on collecting the oral stories of Hmong women represented by sixteen mother, daughters, aunts and grandmothers. Each family group was asked a set of structured questions on life in Laos, leaving Laos, coming to the United States and life here. Every family's interviews were recorded in English and Hmong and published in separate booklets. A copy of each family's stories were presented individually and the full set will be archived at the MHC.

    The initiative was supported by MHC under the guidance of Jim Fogerty, staff person. The coming together of the women, although I could not understand the language, was filled with laughter and tears for some members had already passed away. Some of the older women said if they had known how important the stories were, they would have told much more. Pictures of the many groupings were taken by the MHC photographer.

    Among those present that our club has met at various Zonta events werePa Dur Vang, Maykao Hang, Bo Thao, Dara Yang, Seng Vang and Pacyinz Lyfoung. I was made to feel welcome and considered it an honor to be a part of this occasion. These are women who are making a difference!