In September, the Southeast Asian Resources Action Center (SEARAC) held its 8th Annual Leadership Training in Washington D.C. for members of Southeast Asian community-based organizations from across the nation. The objective of this training was to provide Southeast Asian-American community leaders to participate in a three-day seminar on advocacy, education, and leadership, as well as on strategizing, collaborative networking, and communicating with law makers.
Scores of Southeast Asian community leaders from various states participated in this year's training, including leaders or representatives from various Lao-American communities such as Lao Loum, Hmong, Mien, Thaidam, and Kha Mou, who came not only to learn but to make known their concerns about the many problems facing their communities.
In reply to VOA's question, "What did you learn from this training and how would you use this experience to better your community?" Many Laotian American community leaders from various organizations said that_they were glad to be a part of this training, to learn, to have a chance to network with other Asian communities, and get their voice heard so that they can learn how to prevent troubles before they occur. Another importan process that they learn from this training is to see and understand how American government officials and law makers address the various issues and problems pertaining to their communities.
Listen to Lao Diaspora report for more details.