Afghan Cultural Society (ACS)
History
Afghan Cultural Society (ACS) is a Minnesota-registered 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. ACS was founded by the local Afghan community during 2018 as volunteer self-help assistance organization to build community and preserve the Afghan culture. The collapse of the Afghan Government during mid-August 2021 caused sudden, large scale displacement of the country’s population. Because of this urgent needs of newly arriving Afghan’s resettling in the metro area, ACS’s mission shifted to advocate for and empower our communities through a range of services, including assisting them in improving their mental and social health, promoting economic self sufficiency, and creating a space for cultural wellbeing. Though we are a relatively new organization, we employ a staff of over 20 people working in six different program areas: assisters (general social service resources); coaching (school-based support for youth); health care navigation, and mental health programming for child/youth, men, and women.
Strategic Priorities
art exhibits, lectures, and classes
systems navigation workshops and academic tutoring refugees
Annual Budget: $1,400,000 – Foundations, Individual Contributions, Government Grants or Contracts
Skills
ACS is seeking board members with skills in the following areas:
- Board Governance
- Financial Management
- Human Resources
- Management and Leadership
Information
- Number of members currently: 3
- Meeting frequency: 12 meetings annually
- Meeting location: Virtually
- Does nonprofit carry liability insurance? No
Expectations
- Time Expectation: Up to 5 hours/month
- Financial Contribution Required: No
- Service on Committee Required: No
- Length of Term: 2 Years
- Renewable: Yes