Mission Statement
The Council on Asian-Pacific Minnesotans (CAPM) was created by the Minnesota State Legislature in 1985 pursuant to Minnesota Statute 3.9226, subdivision 1, to fulfill three primary objectives: to advise the governor and members of the legislature on issues pertaining to Asian Pacific Minnesotans; to advocate on issues of importance to the Asian Pacific community; and to act as a broker between the Asian Pacific community and mainstream society.
Goal 1
The Council actively advises policymakers on the issues pertinent to the community and works with them on addressing those issues.
Goal 2
The Council zealously advocates for and believes in unleashing the internal strength and power of the community.
Goal 3
The Council builds bridges leaveraging assets and linking communities for a common good.
Description
On behalf of the Asian Pacific Minnesotan population, the council plays the role of advisor, advocate, and broker. In these capacities, it deals with problems unique to non-English speaking immigrants and refugees; administrative and legislative barriers blocking Asian-Pacific people's access to benefits and services; opportunities for affordable housing and health care; and taking appropriate measures to increase Asian Pacific peoples' level of preparedness for, and overall presence in, the state's ever-evolving workforce.
The council may perform its own research or contract for studies to be conducted for use in developing policy recommendations intended to benefit the Asian Pacific community. Areas of focus may include education, work-force development, human rights, mental health, affordable housing, economic development, violence prevention/intervention, immigration and refugee issues, social welfare, or any other timely subject matter. For a more thorough understanding of these issues or to facilitate a community dialogue, the council frequently hosts roundtable discussions, forums, and workshops. It also convenes workgroups, taskforces, and special committees focusing on issues of particular importance -- issues that require more detailed examination or ones where the need for solutions is conveyed with a sense of urgency by the community.
