Dear Friends,
We are delighted to share with you some of our undertakings and our major impacts in 2022. We are pleased that our advocacy, education, and service in the past year enjoyed significant growth and strengthening while our response to the emerging needs in the community has been enhanced. Our response to the complex global humanitarian crisis —particularly what stemmed from Myanmar (Burma), Afghanistan, and Ukraine —has been sustained. Notable progress has also been made in undertaking major initiatives to increase the organization’s operational capacity and development.
Highlighted in the following are some of the outcomes and major impacts in 2022.
In 2022 alone, we assisted 4042 (595 increase from last year's number of 3447) individuals with Citizenship and English language training, naturalization applications, and other immigration requirements, as well as provided support in gaining employment and training, mentorship and scholarships, and college & university admissions. This made a total of over 20,000 individuals served since 2011. Similarly, we continued providing technical assistance to a number of start-up organizations including those that are faith-based, which is an important part of the overall successful integration into the community.
The Upward College Program (UCP) for high school students continued to maintain 100% admissions to postsecondary institutions for the students who completed this BACI program. Furthermore, we helped over 50% of current college students who were previously enrolled in the UCP to receive scholarships. This past year also saw the college going rate among the Burmese recent high school graduates increase to 93% from 43% in 2014.
In response to the emerging needs in the community, especially in light of COVID-19 impact, we have been able to enhance our basic needs assistance and mental health related service provision while also joining the resettlement community in the US to welcome the Burmese, Afghan, and Ukrainian humanitarian parolees reflecting the Hoosiers' hospitality and the American leadership.
Guided by our 2021-2026 strategic plan, the Capital Campaign Feasibility study conducted by our consultant concluded that sufficient philosophical and financial support exists in the community to move forward with the Community Center vision in CREATING A HOME FOR ALL, a campus to serve the community in more impactful ways.
Moving forward, we will be strengthening, enhancing, and expanding our programs and services inclusively and in innovative ways while materializing the vision of the community center in phases through mutually beneficial collaborative partnerships. With renewed commitment, we hope you will continue to stand with us as we continue to put all the effort towards helping newcomers and members of our shared community in becoming economically self-sufficient, integrated, and productive citizens of our global society.
A very Happy New Year 2023!
The Burmese American Community Institute
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January 1, 2023 | BACI Newsletter |
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Congratulations Cang Hing (Rosy) on earning her B.S. degree in Community Health with a minor in Religious Studies from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) in May 2022.
Rosy has been working full-time as a Mentor for high school students in the BACI Upward College Program where she started as a high school student participant. Her passion to serve and give back to the community is exemplary. Beginning this year, Rosy will be assuming a coordinator role combining UCP and the Community Health & Wellness Program. We are so proud of Rosy for her accomplishments and grateful to have her in our team.
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Congratulations Temple Mawii (Mawite) on receiving Bachelors of Science (B.S.) Human Biology from Indiana University Bloomington.
As a manager of the BACI Basic Needs Assistance Program, Mawite was voted as the BACI Staff of the Year in Client Service category for her excellent customer services and care for members of the community. We are incredibly proud of Mawite’s continued success and grateful to have her in our team.
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Upward College Program for High School Students |
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Of the 244 students enrolled in the BACI Upward College Program for the 2021-2022 academic year, over 30 seniors graduated from their high school in the summer of 2022 while 100% were admitted to colleges and universities with full or partial scholarships. We continue to be pleased with the overall accomplishments of the program. A total of 651 (626 high school students and 27 middle school students) and their parents were served during 2022. |
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Upward College Program Continues to Grow with Innovations |
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The Upward College Program is a comprehensive year-long program that assists students with their college academic readiness and success. The program is unique and rigorous with several components: tutoring, STEM and life-skills training, leadership and public speaking, a Summer Scholars research program, and college preparatory classes – including standardized test prep, individualized college and scholarship application assistance, and extracurricular opportunities, including engagement with volunteer and community service. |
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Photo (above): Participants in the Upward College Program held an election session for the Student Government Body for the academic year 2022-2023.
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Mini Olympic Games and Tournaments Held - Upward College Program |
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The Upward College Program hosted the Mini Olympic Games and Tournaments in November. Congratulations to all those who won the prizes! Congratulations also to all those who enthusiastically participated to make the event this year so lively and a success! |
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Community and Volunteer Service is an integral part of the Upward College Program design. In photo: students engaging in a day of volunteer service at Indy Urban Acre Farm, a project of Indy Parks and Recreation |
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Participating students in the Upward College Program celebrated Halloween in 2022. We are grateful as we are able to host the event this year in person at our new home: BACI new campus. |
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Upward College Program 2022-2023 Celebrates Students' Successes |
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The BACI Upward College Program Fall semester concluded successfully by celebrating the success of the participating students.
Congratulations to each of the students for successfully completing the Fall Session! We are incredibly proud of you and look forward to working even more closely in Spring and beyond as as you all prepare yourselves for future endless success!
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60 students are honored for their academic excellence for achieving high GPAs while 6 students were recognized with the Exemplary Youth Award. Many students were also recognized and appreciated for their efforts and active participation in group sessions, especially in Volunteer and Community Service Projects throughout the semester. |
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We also thank and command members of the Student Government Body for their leadership and dedication. |
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The Upward College Program mentors and mentees spent time together sharing and exchanging gifts with fun factors during the Christmas and Holiday season of 2022.
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Summer Programs and Community Service Fair |
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11th Annual College and Youth Summit |
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The 11th Annual College and Youth Summit was organized combined with the Community Super Service Fair with the motto of Creating & Fostering a College Going Culture Since 2010, where representatives from our partner Universities presented information about the schools, departments and scholarships, as well as other special opportunities they have to offer. |
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We were thrilled to be able to host the second BACI Community Super Service Fair on June 18, 2022. The Community Comprehensive Service Fair included a College & Scholarship Fair, a Job Fair, a Health and a Basic Needs Assistance Fair, a Citizenship Fair, and a Sports Fair. Over 300 community members participated in the event. |
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Summer Scholars Program – PAR Policy & Action Solution Oriented Research |
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Congratulations to Young Scholars! |
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35 youths successfully completed the Upward College Summer Scholars Program 2022, supported by 10 college and graduate students and 4 faculty members from our partner Universities while a total of 98 students participated in both UCSSP and the College Prep and Leadership Development Program. |
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Photo above: Young Scholars and lead researchers at the Upward College Summer Scholars Program - Summer 2022 |
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Our interns and summer staff - Summer 2022 |
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Career Pathways & Professional Development |
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Education and Leadership Field Trip to Chicago - Summer 2022 |
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Basic Need Assistance & Community Health |
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In response to emerging needs in the community, especially in light of COVID-19 and its impact, and in partnership and support of the United Way of Central Indiana (UWCI), we have expanded our services to the areas of basic need assistance which allow us to serve families with their housing needs, healthy food and nutrition, and physical, mental & behavioral health services. Our volunteers, staff, and our partner, the UWCI, also assisted members and families of the community with their energy assistance applications. We are particularly pleased that BACI became an accredited partner of the UWCI in 2021 as such coming together will undoubtedly bring a greater impact on our shared community.
We served 462 individuals through the program in 2022.
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Photos above: our staff and student volunteers in collaborative effort with our partners, distributed nutritional food to 176 families and more than 100 individuals of diverse backgrounds and delivered Flu and COVID vaccines at a single event. Thanks our partners: Gleaners and ICBC and all the volunteers for their impactful work.
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In addition to the key programs and services, with the recognition of the responsibility to step in to respond to the crisis, we've also been working with our partners assisting Afghan refugees/parolees through the Afghan Placement and Assistance Program (APA), Burmese refugees/parolees, as well as Ukrainian refugees/parolees. |
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Mental Health First Aid Training Conducted |
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Responding to the increasing needs and to effectively help address Mental Health problems in the
community & the country, especially in light of COVID-19 impact, the BACI successfully conducted Mental Health First Aid Training (MHFA) and Psychological First Aid Training in 2022. Over 20 trainees including faith leaders, educators, health professionals, social workers etc. completed the
trainings.
This initiative and training was made possible through a collaborative partnership between the
Burmese American Community Institute (BACI), United Way of Central Indiana, Indiana Department of Health, National Council of Behavioral Health, and the Office of Refugee Resettlement/DHHS.
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Employment and Microenterprise Development |
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The EMEDP, which assists newcomers in becoming economically self-sufficient and allows them to give back to their communities and contribute to economic growth -- streamlined since 2018 -- continues to grow. Channeled through the Center for Integration and Community Development (CICD) in an effort to be more effective and inclusive, but also to be more strategic in our approaches, the program also successfully conducted a major intake for home-based childcare licensure for women in our community in 2022. |
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In 2022, 16 women in our community participated in the orientation for child care licensure training to become home-based childcare service providers whereby they not only become self-sufficient economically but also help the community in many ways culturally and economically to make our shared community a more vibrant place to live. |
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English, Citizenship and Integration |
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Congratulations to the ECI Graduates and New Citizens! |
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Congratulations to our community members who have just graduated from their English and Citizenship Class in 2022! ECI teaches English simultaneously with civics covering topics including the U.S. Constitution, U.S. Government, and U.S. History in order to prepare students to ensure they are ready to become the U.S. Citizens – holders of U.S. Citizenship. Photos (below): some of the 2022 ECI graduates as they get a step closer to becoming US citizens so that they can fully exercise their rights and responsibilities in freedom!
In 2022, we served 1,446 individuals through BACI CCEP which was mainly comprised of N-400, Application for Naturalization and N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship.
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December 2022 ECI graduates who successfully completed 40+ hours of English and Civic education. |
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Another group of ECI graduates in June 2022. Nearly 200 members of the community graduated from this class last year.
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Celebrate Diversity, Participate and Engage with the Community |
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Celebrate Diversity, Participate and Engage with the Community |
With the appreciation of the need to engage and contribute to our shared community as we continue to be a welcoming and inclusive place that welcomes and celebrates diversity, BACI fully recognizes the importance of newcomers becoming integrated citizens of a cohesive society. As such, we are grateful to participate in a number of cultural events around the city every year, such as the International Festival where we have the opportunity to engage, learn from one another, and promote a greater understanding among different groups. |
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Center for Research, Policy and Innovation (CRPI) |
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Researchers and scholars at the BACI successfully designed and executed 22 topics of research, policy solutions and service oriented projects through the Center for Research, Policy and Innovation (CRPI) in collaboration with higher education institutions in 2022. The topics are primarily aimed at informing the stakeholders substantively in support of democracy in Myanmar and helping address some of the most pressing issues. While the findings and recommendations of the study have been widely shared with the stakeholders, the executive summary will be published soon.
The CRPI is designed to promote collaborative research, policy solution and action projects with local researchers, Burmese scholars, international colleagues, and stakeholders engaged in work related to the Burmese American community, Asian Americans, Myanmar, Southeast Asia, and the diaspora communities. The goal of the CRPI is to further innovative research activities, policy, and development-oriented projects that align with BACI’s vision and mission for advocacy, education, and service.
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CRPI 2022
In 2022 summer the following 22 research topics and projects were successfully designed and executed.1. A Study of Online Teaching and Learning on Students at the High School Level in Myanmar မြန်မာနိုင်ငံရှိ အထက်တန်းကျောင်းအဆင့်...
Read more
thebaci.org
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The National University of the Union of Myanmar (NUUM) - Global Campus Website Launched |
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A collaborative initiative of people from diverse academic, ethnic and professional backgrounds, including faculty of universities in Myanmar, members of civil society organizations (CSOs), and others, joined by members of the Myanmar diaspora as well as friends of Myanmar from the United States and around the world, NUUM currently offers 12 certificate programs and various programs taught and implemented by over 90 teaching fellows, professors, and administrators.
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NUUM Launches Its Website
"The website will bring us closer to realizing the vision of NUUM of a well-educated society in a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous Myanmar in which all members have the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from civic and economic...
Read more
nuumedu.org
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First NUUM Graduation Ceremony Held
28 students Graduated from Their Certificate Programs
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Welcome Speech Delivered by Elaisa Vahnie at the 1st Commencement Ceremony of the National University of the Union of Myanmar – Global Campus August 27, 2022
We are aimed at strengthening existing programs and expanding academic, training, research and democracy projects in 2023.
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Myanmar Scholars and Leaders Program |
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Spring Flowers International Conference on Myanmar Held with a Celebration of the Union Day of Myanmar 2022 |
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In an effort to support peace and democracy in Myanmar, we hosted the unprecedented Spring Flowers International Conference on Myanmar in February which brought together local, national, and international actors from diverse backgrounds around the globe. Governor Eric J. Holcomb, Senator Todd Young, Mayor Joe Hogsett, Congressman Andre Carson, Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Kritenbrink, among others, delivered remarks in support of the people of Myanmar and their struggles for democracy.
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U.S. Congressman
Andre Carson
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Indianapolis Mayor
Joe Hogsett
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Keynote speakers included Acting President of the National Unity Government of Myanmar (NUG), the Prime Minister of NUG, and Chairman of the Committee Representing the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw; various ministers and inclusive actors from diverse backgrounds were among those who delivered over 40 keynotes and speeches at the conference. We are happy to observe the ideas generated and the impact the conference has effected in the past year, especially on the strategic coordination front. |
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Spring Flowers International Conference Concluded with a ...
The Conference reaffirmed its support for building a federal democratic Union of Myanmar based on the Panglong principles of freedom, equality and self-determination INDIANAPOLIS, February 19, 2022 - The Spring Flowers International Conference on ...
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thebaci.org
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In collaborative partnership with diverse partners, we have been able to continue providing comprehensive support in a variety of ways including building a professional federal army under civilian oversight, developing a new constitution, strengthening functional and effective public institutions, and advocating and promoting strong international community partnerships as well. We are particularly pleased that the BURMA Act 2022 was included in the U.S. National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023. We look forward to strengthening our collaborative work with the U.S. Government, our friends and our partners to help effectuate real change in Burma. |
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Advocacy, Engagement Safeguarding and Promoting Democracy and Freedom
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Through continuous and consistent engagement with the international actors, meeting with the various U.S. government agencies and Congressional Offices, BACI continues advocating for the Burmese-American community's integration and success, strong and comprehensive support of the U.S. for restoration of the democratic process and freedom in Myanmar, sustainable peace and prosperity in the Southeast Asia nation in line with the United States Government’s policy, principled leadership, and mutual interests.
With a clear conviction and renewed commitment, BACI will continue to engage with stakeholders through our advocacy efforts locally, nationally, and internationally on the issues that concern our shared community in line with the BACI mission and vision, maximizing the impact of our unique and collective action, including supporting democracy in Myanmar.
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BACI Advocacy and Service Outcome |
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4042
total individuals
directly assisted
in 2022
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651
students served through the
Upward College Program, regular and summer in 2022
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1446
newcomers served in English, immigration, and naturalization
needs in the past year
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517+
individuals served through basic need assistance, resettlement & employment (EMED) during 2022
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5,000+
volunteer hours completed through BACI in the past 12 months
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20,000+
individuals and families served
since 2011
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93%
College going rate
averaged for 2022
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96%
College persistence rate among Burmese-Americans
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Burmese HS and College Graduates in USA 2022 |
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2,000
HS Graduates in 2022
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600
College Graduates in 2022
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Let Us Build Burmese Community Center |
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A Campus to Serve Members of the Community in More Impactful Ways
After over a decade of resolute advocacy, education and service, we have come to an agreement with the desires expressed by members of our community that we should move a step further not only in a view to sustain these integrative and vital services to our community members, but also to ensure we are responsive to the emerging needs in comprehensive and innovative ways in an inclusive manner. Accordingly, with consultations with our community and stakeholders, the Board of Advisors and Board of Directors of the BACI has agreed to begin plans for the development of the Burmese Community Center facilities for all community members as laid out in the institute’s Strategic Plan 2021-2026.
Good news! We have now secured a 10-acre property at 5212 & 5246 Bluff Rd for a new Community Center location. The project has been planned in phases. Your giving today will support the implementation of Phase I that includes construction of a Community Hall for educational activities, youth programming, other integration and human services delivery, community gathering, etc. as well as relocation of some of BACI’s administrative offices. We are grateful that the majority of the funding is coming from grants and other sources. But we still need your help!
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Help Us Build Burmese Community Center
A Campus to Serve Members of the Community in More Impactful Ways. Dear Friend, Warmest greetings. We are writing to you to share the good news for our community and request you to support the development of the Burmese Community Center in...
Read more
thebaci.org
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Our service outcomes and the positive impact that we are seeing in our shared community would not have been possible without your support and collaboration. With a dedicated board, proven leadership and committed and passionate staff, we hope to further strengthen and expand the community integration service provision while new initiatives and innovative partnerships will be developed and implemented in 2023.
Thank you for your continued support.
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Creating a HOME for all, a campus to serve the community better and in more impactful ways.
Date: Friday, Jan 13, 2023
Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Address: 5212 Bluff Rd Indianapolis, IN 46217
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2nd Spring Flowers
International Conference on Myanmar
Feb 8-12, 2023
in conjunction with
Myanmar Union Day 2023
Saturday, Feb 11, 2023 05:00 PM - 8:00 PM EST
Tel: 317-731-5537
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Designed to support democracy and freedom in Myanmar, the program will include:
· Keynote speeches
· Expert panels
· Panel presentations of academic papers and Roundtable Discussions
· Musical and Cultural Performances
Conference website, co-hosts, registration, etc. to be announced later. Updates will be posted on the BACI website. For general questions, contact: [email protected].
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Food Fair - Saturday, Feb 11, 2023 01:00 PM - 8:00 PM EST
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A variety of authentic food from Myanmar and Southeast Asia will be available. All proceeds will go directly to support the development of our Community Center, which will allow us to serve the community in more impactful ways. More information
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About Burmese American Community Institute
The Burmese American Community Institute (BACI) is a non-profit organization founded in 2011 that provides educational and vocational support to the Burmese community in greater Indianapolis. The BACI also supports community members regionally, nationally, and globally through new initiatives, collaborative and strategic partnerships, and advocacy.
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