I can’t believe that 2010 is almost halfway done.  SOY has changed and grown so much in the past year and a half.  We completed our Strategic Process (report available here).  We’ve implemented a Theory of Social Change of Empowerment into the work that we do.  Currently, we are structuring and piloting projects that we hope will allow us to create cultural and social changes for Hmong LGBTQ.

I recently hired Chong Moua as Program Coordinator.  She will assist with evaluating and structuring programs and events here at SOY.  Ming Lee is now Outreach Coordinator, and he will continue building our constituent and volunteer bases, while creating strategies to sustaining these relationships.

As SOY approach the second half of 2010, we have been very ambitious with being involve with events that are true to the work that we are doing.  We are in the process of planning for our 2010 Twin Cities Pride event, 2011 SOY New Year celebration, Queer Southeast Asian Conference, and Sip For SOY 2^nd Annual Fundraiser.  Please contact any one of us here at SOY for more information on how to get involve with the planning process.

As I continue to build individual and community relationships, structure this organization, and create a space for Hmong LGBTQ to be heard, I encourage and challenge all of you to take part in this process.  As I learn and grow with all of you through this process, let’s build a foundation that will not only last a life time, but create the changes needed for us to be inclusive along the way.