The Laotian American National Alliance, Inc. (LANA) is the premier resource and advocacy organization in the United States who strives to cultivate the strengths and leadership of all Laotian Americans comprising of the diverse ethnic communities from Hmong, Iu-Mien, Khmu, Lahu, Lao, Tai Lue, Phu Tai, Tai Dam, Tai Phuan and other descendants from Laos who make up the dynamic, collective Laotian American community.

The mission, of the Laotian American National Alliance, Inc. (LANA) as a national organization, is dedicated to advancing the social and economic well-being of Laotian Americans in the United States through civic participation and public policy advocacy. LANA is a full voting member of the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) http://ncapaonline.org.

Third Laotian National Conference > Conference Letter (Lao version) > Conference Program, including Registration > Conference Sponsorship > Presenter Submission Form > Sponsorship/Advertisement/Donation Form > Vendor Information

Our goal as a national organization is to unite, educate, and advocate for social, health, economic, and educational equity for stronger community. LANA fosters cultural preservation. As one of three leading organizations who founded the San Francisco’s International Lao New Year Festival (ILNYF) www.LaoNewYear.com going on our 4th year in 2012 on the last Saturday of every April.

We hope the Laotian National Conference which LANA introduced in April 2010 will help our strengthen and move our community forward. The purpose of the annual conference is to provide the opportunity and forum for different organizations and all interested individuals to share information and discuss issues in education, advocacy, health, community and national organizing.

Also, the main goal of the conference is to connect the younger generations with the older generations for a relevant discussion about the preservation of culture, tradition and language.

For the best two years, we have organized and successfully put on a national conference for the community. Our first conference was in 2010 in San Francisco and the theme was: Yesterday, Today, and Building a Better Tomorrow!” We had many distinguished speakers such as Karen Narasaki, head of the Asian American Justice Center, Daphne Kwok, head of the Asians & Pacific Islanders with Disabilities of California (APIDC), and Congressman Mike Honda, 15th Congressional District of California.

Due to the success of the first conference we decided to organize the second one in D.C. and our theme was “Today’s Youth, Tomorrow’s Leaders!” Once again we had support from leaders of national organization such as S. Floyd Mori, National Executive Director/CEO of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), Eskinder Negash, Director of Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), and Lisa Hasegawa is the Executive Director of the National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development (National CAPACD).

For 2012 3rd annual conference theme: Leadership, we would like to come to Minnesota and organize a two day conference. In order to do this we need the participation and cooperation of the community and the sponsorship and partnership of the diverse community organizations. Since we are a nonprofit organization, we rely solely on the donation of the Board Members, community and generous individuals to help pay for the venue, food, materials and other expenses associated with holding such a big event. A venue alone can cost from $2,000 and up depending on the length of time, the number of attendees, the amount of food, and the technology required.

Also, the amount of money it will take  to put on a national conference is dependent on the number of organization willing to contribute. This contribution can range from monetary to man power to a free venue. It is crucial that the community ban together and use their resources and connection to help organize the national conference. We need strong leaders and organizations in Minnesota to participate, donate, or partner with LANA for the betterment of the greater community. Please let us know how you would like to help.

In return you will have the full participation of the LANA Board Members who are going give their time, effort, and resources to ensure the success of the national conference. However, we are only a small and modest group of passionate individuals who seeks to make a difference in the community. We cannot do it alone; we need your support. Together we can unite, educate, and advocate.

If you have further questions, please contact Anasone@lana-usa.org (928) 388-8661 or Sourichanh@lana-usa.org (415) 680-4027

Kind Regards,