Mission
Education and advocacy for protection and promotion of the rights of North Korean refugees
ValuesJustice, Freedom, Wholeness, Service, Compassion |
VisionFreedom for North Korean refugees |
Goals
- Raise awareness of the plight of North Korean refugees
- Secure safety of North Korean refugees in China
- Assure North Korean refugees who wish to settle in the U.S.A. that they are welcome and will receive the necessary support.
- Build the capacity of the organization
History
Established as a non-profit organization (501(c)3) in the United States of America in March, 2015. Offices in Minnesota, USA.
In 2015 and in 2016, two major Symposiums were held at the University of Minnesota -Humphrey Institute for Public Policy – with speakers from South Korea, refugees from North Korea, and Founder Hyon Kim, among others, who told their stories and shared their work toward the freedom of North Korean refugees. Politicians from MN (Keith Ellison, Sandy Pappas, Amy Klobuchar) were supportive (some were present) and Governor Dayton made a Declaration of the day for North Korean refugees. These educational events set a foundation and communicated the hope of our vision and mission.
In 2017, there has been concentration on the fine-tuning of our mission, and the expansion of our geographical area - from Minnesota to the Midwest – that represents the area of the Chinese Consulate in Chicago.
In 2018, we expanded our mission by changing our name to Midwest Alliance for North Korean Refugees and updated our Facebook page and Twitter account. We held a public Lunar New Year event in February, cosponsored with AdopteeBridge, and, with this event, became one of American Refugee Committee’s Changemakers! Presentations on North Korean Refugees were offered in various places including civic organizations, schools, and faith communities. Hyon Kim, Founder, traveled to South Korea making connections with North Korean refugees and engaging in networking with organizations serving this population. We had exhibit tables at events sponsored by Global Minnesota and World without Genocide.
In 2019, we are sponsoring events that will engage the public and create a broader network of support as we seek to make a change in one of the worst human rights violations in the world; a travesty spanning more than 70 years.
Join us this year. Learn more, meet up with others who are invested, and become involved. We look forward to working with you! Sign up for the e-newsletter on the “Get In touch - Contact” page.
In 2015 and in 2016, two major Symposiums were held at the University of Minnesota -Humphrey Institute for Public Policy – with speakers from South Korea, refugees from North Korea, and Founder Hyon Kim, among others, who told their stories and shared their work toward the freedom of North Korean refugees. Politicians from MN (Keith Ellison, Sandy Pappas, Amy Klobuchar) were supportive (some were present) and Governor Dayton made a Declaration of the day for North Korean refugees. These educational events set a foundation and communicated the hope of our vision and mission.
In 2017, there has been concentration on the fine-tuning of our mission, and the expansion of our geographical area - from Minnesota to the Midwest – that represents the area of the Chinese Consulate in Chicago.
In 2018, we expanded our mission by changing our name to Midwest Alliance for North Korean Refugees and updated our Facebook page and Twitter account. We held a public Lunar New Year event in February, cosponsored with AdopteeBridge, and, with this event, became one of American Refugee Committee’s Changemakers! Presentations on North Korean Refugees were offered in various places including civic organizations, schools, and faith communities. Hyon Kim, Founder, traveled to South Korea making connections with North Korean refugees and engaging in networking with organizations serving this population. We had exhibit tables at events sponsored by Global Minnesota and World without Genocide.
In 2019, we are sponsoring events that will engage the public and create a broader network of support as we seek to make a change in one of the worst human rights violations in the world; a travesty spanning more than 70 years.
Join us this year. Learn more, meet up with others who are invested, and become involved. We look forward to working with you! Sign up for the e-newsletter on the “Get In touch - Contact” page.
PeopleLynn Scott, Executive Director
Board of DirectorsKim Jackson
Joan Jemison Hyon Kim – Chairperson, Founder Jane Lee Jack Rendler Chris Thomas Martha Vickery |
|