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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

  • Preserve our cultural heritage from one generation to the next through cultural events,
    art exhibits, lectures, and classes
  • Challenge western narratives about Afghanistan through advocacy and education
  • Provide referrals for educational resources like language classes, vocational training,
    systems navigation workshops and academic tutoring refugees
  • Provide a welcoming community space for Afghans and their friends
  • Act as an advocacy and referral center for community needs

    • 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
    Location
    301 Cedar Avenue S
    Minneapolis, MN 55454
    Website
    https://afghanculturalsociety.org
    Mission
    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 well-being. Afghan Cultural Society’s unique strength is its ability to reach, communicate with, and empower newly arriving refugees and established immigrant communities. ACS multi-lingual and multi[ethnic staff deploy into the ethnic communities they both live in and serve.
    Contact
    boardconnector@propelnonprofits.org
    Share
    Location
    301 Cedar Avenue S
    Minneapolis, MN 55454
    Website
    https://afghanculturalsociety.org
    Mission
    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 well-being. Afghan Cultural Society’s unique strength is its ability to reach, communicate with, and empower newly arriving refugees and established immigrant communities. ACS multi-lingual and multi[ethnic staff deploy into the ethnic communities they both live in and serve.
    Contact
    boardconnector@propelnonprofits.org
    Share
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