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.

Vision

Through the Montagnard American Organization (MAO) youth program under the Montagnard Association of NC Inc.. We’re committed to working with the Montagnard community across the state and nationally. We are committed to creating an environment that is diverse, inclusive, and equitable, where all staff, Montagnard community members, partners, community partners, vendors, and board members are treated with respect and dignity.

MAO long-term sustainability

“Sustainability” for us is based on the recognition of severe disparities in power and influence, including access to appropriate levels of funding and mutuality among players. It is based on the promotion by MDA of the professional development of community members, program development, leadership development, creating an inclusive workplace, and capacity building with concomitant promotion of community empowerment through information, education, and awareness. Sustainability for us is beyond the timespan of an externally funded project, which means that we have successfully created the community conditions for broader and deeper changes, changes that ultimately can only be realized with the cooperation of powerful system players.

Cultural Preservation

We promote the cultural preservation of the Montagnard American community. We promotion of positive traditions and preserving good values by develop activities to support togetherness like traditional dance and music classes, language classes, workshops, festivals, cultural presentations, and other events.

Community outreach
Training and education

Community involvement

Higher Education/Life success

College? We want to strengthen the higher education opportunities for Montagnard youth through educational mentoring, service learning, community engagement activities, college presentations, technical assistance in applications, scholarship opportunities, and follow-up counseling support for college students.

College application assistance
College financial aid application assistance (FAFSA)
Not college? There's a lot you need to know, like getting a good start on the job, planning a career, saving, renting or buying a home, understanding insurance, bills, how to pay for stuff — all important life skills you want to master.
- MAO encourages life success — whether through employment after high school or through college.
- Job and career planning
- Make career progress! Are you looking for your next career move? Don’t know which job to look for next? As next-generation community members, we encourage meeting, sharing, and supporting one another. Get to know others, network, get ideas, share ideas!