Montagnard American Organization (MAO)
A youth professional development program of Montagnard Association of NC Inc.. is inclusive, not divided by tribe, ethnicity, language, church affiliation, school or college enrollment, or politics.
MISSION: To increase visibility and strengthen the broader Montagnard community. MAO develops programs and resources for youth to promote community building, higher education, and cultural preservation. Our programs or public events/activities are inclusive to all Montagnards and friends regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual identity, family status, age, disability, and socio-economic status. All community members are encouraged to attend, participate in community events, and we welcome community members to volunteers with us.
The BIG Vision
The Montagnard American Organization (MAO), a youth program under the Montagnard Association of NC Inc., is committed to serving the Montagnard community both statewide in North Carolina and nationally.
We are dedicated to creating an environment that is intentionally diverse, inclusive, and equitable. Every individual within our ecosystem—including staff, Montagnard community members, strategic partners, community allies, vendors, and board members—is systematically treated with absolute respect and dignity.
MAO long-term sustainability
For us, "sustainability" is not just about keeping the lights on—it is about shifting power dynamics. True sustainability recognizes the severe disparities in power, influence, and funding access affecting our community.
We define success as creating lasting community conditions for big, structural change that outlives any single external grant cycle. This transformation requires two simultaneous tracks: Internal Capacity Building and External Systems Change.
1. Internal Capacity Building (Community Advancement)
Investing directly in our people to lead the organization from within.
Professional Development: Training community members to take on specialized, career-level roles.
Leadership Development: Cultivating the next generation of Montagnard youth and advocates to step into decision-making spaces.
Inclusive Workplace Culture: Designing an internal work environment where diverse staff members are supported, respected, and fairly compensated.
Community Empowerment: Arming community members with the information, education, and awareness needed to advocate for themselves.
2. External Systems Change (Strategic Influence)
Our ongoing goal is to rebalance power structures and collaborate with systemic institutions to secure a permanent seat at the table.
Funding Equity: Addressing funding disparities by advocating for appropriate, long-term investments rather than short-term project grants.
Funder Mutuality: Shifting relationships with foundations and donors away from transactional charity and toward reciprocal, mutual partnerships.
System Player Collaboration: Partnering with and holding accountable influential external institutions (such as city leaders, school leaders, and state leaders) to realize deeper, permanent societal changes.
Cultural Preservation
1: Cultural Arts & Traditions (Our main focus)
Bringing community members together to practice, share, and honor the rich heritage of the Montagnard American community.
Traditional Arts Program for Students (TAPS): Weekly traditional dance and music classes to pass rhythms and movements to the next generation.
Language Preservation: Classes dedicated to teaching ancestral languages (such as Jarai, Ede, or Bunong) to youth.
Other Arts & Crafts: Workshops focusing on traditional textile weaving and instrument making.
2: Community Involvement (Internal Gathering)
Creating intentional spaces that foster a deep sense of belonging, unity, and shared values.
Cultural Festivals: Large-scale annual or seasonal events celebrating Montagnard identity through food, music, and community pride.
Intergenerational Workshops: Spaces pairing traditional craft practitioners and elders with youth to share oral histories and values.
Togetherness Events: Periodic community gatherings, block parties, or wellness circles designed to keep families connected.
3: Training & Education (Capacity Building)
Building knowledge, leadership skills, and economic opportunities around heritage preservation.
Youth Leadership: Training young community members to become cultural ambassadors, class instructors, workshop coordinators, and/or internship opportunities.
Educational Workshops: Seminars exploring the history, resilience, and contemporary journey of the Montagnard people.
Digital Preservation: Teaching youth to use social media, video, and digital archiving to document and share cultural stories.
4: Community Outreach (External Awareness)
Increasing visibility and building strong networks with the broader local community.
Cultural Presentations: Educational showcases hosted at local schools, universities, museums, or civic events.
Volunteer Programs: Inviting both Montagnard members and external allies to support and engage with cultural activities.
Cross-Cultural Collaborations: Partnering with local arts councils, neighborhoods, or municipal entities to highlight Montagnard contributions to the region.
MAO’s Next-Gen Success Initiative
The College Pathway (Higher Education Support) Academic mentoring and technical assistance to get students into and through college.
Application Assistance: Hands-on help with college and university applications.
Financial Aid & FAFSA: Step-by-step guidance to unlock grants, loans, and work-study.
Scholarship Opportunities: Access to dedicated funding sources and essay-writing support.
College Presentations: Informational sessions to expose youth to various campus options.
Follow-up Counseling: Ongoing check-ins and academic counseling to ensure college retention
The "Life Success" Academy (Adulting & Civic Engagement): Essential life skills and community connections that everyone needs, regardless of their path
Financial Literacy: Teaching youth about budgeting, saving, understanding bills, and how to pay for things.
Housing & Protection: Navigating the complexities of renting an apartment, buying a home, and understanding insurance.
Community Engagement: Experiential learning through service learning and community activities.
Peer Networking: Facilitating spaces for next-generation members to meet, share ideas, and support one another.
The Career Pathway (Employment & Technical Tracks): Actionable guidance for youth transitioning directly into the workforce after high school.
Job & Career Planning: Assessments and counseling to find the right industry fit.
Career Advancement: Strategic planning for those looking to make their next career move.
Resume & Interview Prep: Technical assistance to help applicants stand out to employers.