CAAL - Coalition of Asian American Leaders

The CAAL Ignite Grant Fund is launching its next round to support Asian American small businesses and nonprofits in Minnesota. Join us for an upcoming in-person information session to learn more about the 2027 grant cycle, including eligibility, application requirements, key deadlines, funding priorities, and tips to strengthen your proposal. In-person: May 27, 2026, 5:30–7:30 PM at the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation Virtual: June 1, 2026, 6:00–7:30 PM via Zoom These sessions are designed to help both first-time and returning applicants better understand the opportunity and prepare a competitive application. Register today: /doUqf0kFSEuVRubEKKgAcA2 #caalmn #minnesota #asianamerican #asian #smallbusiness

🔔 UPDATE: May 11th, 2026, SF 3699 (also known as “Protected Spaces, Visible Faces”) passed the MN State Senate. 🔊 This states that every Minnesotan child should have the right to attend K-12 public school. It also includes that ICE agents are barred from entry to churches, schools, hospitals and courthouses without a proper warrant. Another major component of the bill requires ICE/Federal agents to have their faces visible. ✊ As the 2026 Minnesota legislative session concludes, NSA continues building on its efforts for immigrant communities, carrying this work forward through continued organizing, support, and policy advocacy for immigrant neighbors who live here in Minnesota.

Today, CAAL honors Hmong American Day. May 14 is a day to remember the history, resilience, sacrifice, and leadership of Hmong communities in Minnesota and across the country. From elders and veterans who carried stories of survival, to organizers, artists, educators, entrepreneurs, public servants, and young leaders shaping what comes next, Hmong Americans have helped define the cultural, civic, and economic fabric of Minnesota. At CAAL, we know our collective power is rooted in remembering where we come from, honoring the communities who paved the way, and continuing the work toward equity, belonging, and justice for all Asian Minnesotans. Today and every day, we celebrate Hmong history, leadership joy, and futures. Happy Hmong American Day. #asianamerican #aanhpi #hmong #minnesota #caalmn

You pour so much into others. When was the last time you poured into yourself? The MOVEE Program is your space to pause, reflect, and invest in your leadership journey. Through TWO immersive retreats, you’ll gain: 👉Time to reset and refocus 👉Tools to lead more effectively 👉A network that supports your growth You deserve spaces that develop YOU, not just your work. Deadline to apply: May 24 Apply now: https://bit.ly/2026MOVEE #movee2026 #investinyou #leadershipgrowth #minnesota #caalmn

For 8 months, once a month, for 2-3 hours Asian men entered this space to be in community. To show up as they are. Here's a short video that shares a little insight about us! Shot and chopped by videographer @jayna__win Thank you @caalmn and the 2025 CAAL Ignite Grant for support and funding our program. Thank you to @chonburilee4mayor for your guidance as our grant liaison! Thank you to @indigeroots and staff for the support and sharing your incredible space with us! Thank you to So Nummy for providing us tasty catering to nourish our tummies as well as our souls. Thank you to all the friends and family who support the men in your lives. Thanks to all the men who came through. You are forever Akasha. 🫰 Brian @garyvaj @jeffreyvang_music @tousaikunites Lis @mengsta_yangsta @meng31 @theothersideof_steve @k.rider_forge @mbmoua85 Oliver @kaibai8 Tou @happymondayviet Lupe Aniell @dahmun Chris Talee Chong Chester Sonny Jai and anyone else who I might have missed on here.

🔔 UPDATE: May 11th, 2026, SF 3699 (also known as “Protected Spaces, Visible Faces”) passed the MN State Senate. This states that every Minnesotan child should have the right to attend K-12 public school. It also includes that ICE agents are barred from entry to churches, schools, hospitals and courthouses without a proper warrant. Another major component of the bill requires ICE/Federal agents to have their faces visible. ➡️ Hear Greg King, member of the North Star Alliance (NSA), share how SF 3699 could impact the people around him, the community he serves, and why this issue matters deeply to him. ➡️ While the 2026 Minnesota legislative session is nearing its end, Future of Us remains committed to working alongside the NSA to amplify the voices of immigrant communities and advocate for policies that protect, support, and uplift our immigrant neighbors who call Minnesota home.

On May 11th, 2026, SF 3699 (also known as “Protected Spaces, Visible Faces”) passed the MN State Senate. SF 3699 states that every Minnesotan child should have the right to attend k-12 public school. It also states that ICE agents are barred from entry to churches, schools, hospitals and courthouses without a proper warrant. Another major component of the bill requires ICE/Federal agents to have their faces visible. ✊ As Future of Us continues to fight for our immigrant communities, the MN State Senate has sent a strong message by the passage of SF 3699. The passage of this bill wouldn’t have been possible without the long-term coordination and dedication of the North Star Alliance (NSA), of which Future of Us is a member. ⏩ As the 2026 Minnesota Legislative Session winds down, Future of Us remains committed to uplifting the voices of our API and immigrant communities, and remains dedicated to fighting for future legislation that will protect and uplift our immigrant neighbors who call Minnesota their home.

This AANHPI Heritage Month, we’re proud to uplift @edinaasianamericanalliance a CAAL Ignite Nonprofit Grantee, and their upcoming AAPI Month Festival 2026: Cultivating Community. EAAA was formed in response to an anti-Asian and antisemetc social media incident at Edina High School, but their work has grown into something deeply powerful: a community-led movement for equity, inclusion, cultural understanding, and belonging in Edina and beyond. On Saturday, May 16, join for a joyful afternoon celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures through cultural performances, community tables, food, education, and connection. This FREE community festival is open to all and centers what is possible when we gather across generations, cultures, and communities to celebrate identity, build understanding, and cultivate belonging. AAPI Month Festival 2026: Cultivating Community 📅Saturday, May 16, 2026 ⏰12:00–4:00 PM 📍Rosland Park, Edina It's free and open to the public. We hope to see you there in support of EAAA and the vibrant Asian American and Pacific Islander communities they serve. #caalmn #minnesota #asian #asianamerican #edinamn

We hope everyone is having a wonderful start to AANHPI (Asian American, Native Hawaiian, & Pacific Islander) Month. We are so proud and thankful for our strong and beautiful community, and for this month to highlight and reflect on our diverse cultures, power, and connections. EAAA was empowered by starting off this month with one of our founding partners, Coalition of Asian American Leaders (CAAL) at CAAL's Day at the Capitol. We were privileged to accept Governor Walz's AANHPI Month State of Minnesota Proclamation alongside CAAL and many other friends and partners -- almost all of whom will be at our May 16th Festival! Let us all come together to intentionally cultivate community in ways that are both new and familiar. Can't wait to see you on the 16th at Rosland Park from 12-4 p.m.!

Our Senate MAP Caucus Co-Hosted with @caalmn a Legislative hearing on the impacts of federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities on Asian Pacific Islander communities across Minnesota. We heard powerful testimony from community organizations, businesses, educators, families, and community members who bravely shared their personal stories and the real impacts that ICE enforcement has had on their lives, their workplaces, and their communities. These were not just statistics or policy discussions. These were human stories filled with fear, uncertainty, pain, resilience, and courage. Speaking publicly about deeply personal experiences is not easy, and I want each person who testified to know that your voices mattered. Your lived experiences help us better understand the realities our communities are facing and are what drive meaningful conversations, accountability, and change. Thank you to CAAL, Executive Director Thaomee Xiong, and Derlee Moua for partnering with us to host this important hearing and for your continued leadership, advocacy, and commitment to supporting impacted communities across Minnesota. When communities come together to share truth, listen to one another, and stand beside each other, we can create lasting change and progress.

The federal government’s actions regarding main street businesses and workers have resulted in at least $600 million in lost business revenue in Minneapolis-Saint Paul alone and an estimated $240 million in lost wages, according to a survey from the U.S. Immigration Policy Center at the University of California San Diego. The Legislature has the responsibility to help #smallbusinesses recover. @womenventuretwincities @unidosmn @caalmn @mccdmn #MNCDFICOALITION

CAAL Executive and Network Director ThaoMee Xiong joined leaders from the Greater Minnesota Partnership, Minnesota Consortium of Community Developers, Unidos MN, and WomenVenture in calling for $100 million in small business relief following the economic impacts of the federal ICE surge. It highlights what many communities across Minnesota have already experienced: when workers feel unsafe, customers stay home, and small businesses lose revenue, the harm extends far beyond individual businesses. It impacts families, neighborhoods, workforce stability, and local economies across the state. Small businesses are essential to Minnesota’s economic future. Immigrant and BIPOC-owned businesses have helped strengthen main streets, create jobs, and build community in cities and towns across Minnesota. Now, lawmakers have an opportunity to respond with the urgency this moment requires. At CAAL, we remain committed to advancing policies that protect our communities, strengthen economic prosperity, and ensure Asian Minnesotans and all immigrant communities can live, work, and lead with dignity. Read the full commentary here: /operation-metro-surge-economic-impacts-main-streets-mn/601837055 #caalmn #minnesota #asianamerican #asian #twincities