Since our founding in 1993, HND has advanced tremendously, developing the capacity of individuals and organizations to ensure the full participation of the Hmong in society. Today, HND is recognized as a national resource and works with more than 80 local Mutual Assistance Associations (MAAs) to provide programs that help community-based organizations develop the capacity to better meet the needs of their local Hmong constituents.

Hmong National Development continues to develop leaders and advocate with Hmong communities across the United States. Here are some highlights of our recent work:

  • We welcome our new Executive Director, Ms. Bao Vang, along with our new subsidary relationship with the largest Hmong-led social service agency in the US, the Hmong American Partnership based in Minnesota.
  • The 14th Hmong National Conference (HNC) held in Appleton WI drew approximately 1000 people from throughout the United States, representing a variety of professions, generations, and cultures.
  • We have recruited additional Board Members to serve on the HND Board of Directors. Board Members and HND Staff have been hard at work finalizing HND’s Strategic Plan for the organization in the next 3-5 years. HND Board & Staff have updated the organization’s mission and vision to incorporate a greater focus on leadership development, capacity building, and advocacy & civic engagement.
  • HND partnered with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Risk Management Agency, the Southern Region Risk Management Education Center (SRRME), Winrock International , and other agencies and non-profit organizations to provide financial management trainings and one-on-one technical assistance for Hmong contract poultry farmers in the Ozark region who are currently facing acute financial crisis. HND continues to work with a number of local and national Hmong community-based organizations (CBOs) and government agencies to bring both short-term and sustainable solutions that will ensure the financial viability of the farms.
  • Successful completion and program evaluation of the Hmong Action and Visibility in Education (HAVE) Project, HND’s community strengthening program that worked with Hmong Women’s Heritage Association (HWHA) in California and United Hmong Association of North Carolina (UHANC) to increase the participation of parents and students in K-12 education advocacy.
  • Strengthened HND’s policy advocacy efforts by enlisting full-time policy staff. Recent national advocacy efforts include mobilization around material support provisions in the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 and the REAL ID Act of 2005; comprehensive immigration reform; increase in citizenship/naturalization fees; hate crimes and civil rights issues facing Hmong Americans; legislation impacting K-12 and higher education; and collaboration with various local Hmong CBOs and national Asian Pacific American organizations.
  • Our youth initiative continues to offer scholarship and internship opportunities to Hmong American youths throughout the United States. This year four scholarships, in the amount of $500 each, were awarded to three graduating high school seniors and one undergraduate student in 2008, while three internship positions have been filled for the Summer 2008 session.
  • HND News Flash, our bi-weekly e-newsletter which reaches over 2,000 individuals nation wide, provided timely information about HND programs, national issues of importance to the community, and resources.
  • Provided resources and referrals to MAAs, individuals, Federal Agencies, and Congressional offices.

In the coming year, we will continue our innovative & strategic work on capacity building, leadership development, and advocacy & civic engagement. Additionally, we will continue to explore new models for organizing and funding HND. We are encouraged by success of the past 15 Hmong National Conferences and the enthusiasm of stakeholders and volunteers.

We hope that you will help aid in this year’s success by joining us in April 2017 for the 18th Hmong National Development Conference in Milwaukee, WI!