MN Zej Zog

06/11/2026

Istrive @ HOPE Community is FULL.

The same greatness still have very limited availabilities at our North Hennepin Community College site from August 3-14th. Sign-up today before it’s too late.

For detailed information on camp registration costs, links to register, Scholarship info, dates of the camp, camp curriculum, transportation and more, etc…can be found on the iStrive FAQ here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19byrUktZUYDmcQL6_WqhPKmHUvlQq05WOMvmbhzF0pQ/edit?usp=sharing

Register for camp jotform: https://pci.jotform.com/form/253568299126166

If you have any further questions, comment below or please don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].

We are looking forward to a great camp year with your children!

📣UPDATE: We have met our capacity for iStrive student enrollment. I'm sorry if this has caused any disruptions to your summer plans and schedule.

I have curated a waitlist and if more students drop out by June 15th, I will reach out to you and reconfirm with you. Otherwise, if you do not hear from me, then our program will be at full capacity and will no longer be accepting any new permission slip forms.

Thank you for understanding.

__________________________________________________

iStrive Summer Camp at HOPE Community Academy is open to the community (Current students in Grades K-8).

Contact Mr. Jackson Yang for the registration form or with any questions you may have: [email protected]

**Registration due on June 15, 2026

06/07/2026

We have less than 12 days left to register for our last Istrive Hmong Camp at North Hennepin Community College if you need bus transportation.

Join us for this super special year! Don’t wait until it’s too late. When we reach capacity, registration form will close.

For everyone who has registered, we will be sending out a welcome email soon. We are finalizing details. Thanks for your patience!

It takes an entire village of youth leaders and teachers to raise our Hmong youths. The energy, time commitment, and purposeful planning begins in the early spring of each year. Join us this summer as it’s a super special year taking HMong language to a whole new level.

For detailed information on camp registration costs, links to register, Scholarship info, dates of the camp, camp curriculum, transportation and more, etc…can be found on the iStrive FAQ here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19byrUktZUYDmcQL6_WqhPKmHUvlQq05WOMvmbhzF0pQ/edit?usp=sharing

Register for camp jotform: https://pci.jotform.com/form/253568299126166

If you have any further questions, comment below or please don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].

We are looking forward to a great camp year with your children!

06/06/2026

Any prek Hmong language teachers out there?

Thank you for your interest in being a part of the 2026 iStrive Camp Staff. Pending student enrollment numbers and grant funding, we be interviewing new teachers/youth leaders in May and will officially offer your contract in May/June of 2026 to work at the camp if selected. Watch for an email from....

06/04/2026

St. Paul families,
This is what you’ve been asking for years. Come one come all. Run by the iStrive leaders and teachers from MN Zej Zog and Hmong Early Childhood Coalition. Have fun with Hmong language in July!

Cost: Free, due to sponsorship.

Apply by June 15th for busing transportation - in St. Paul and surrounding cities. Inquire for more details.

📣UPDATE: We have met our capacity for iStrive student enrollment. I'm sorry if this has caused any disruptions to your summer plans and schedule.

I have curated a waitlist and if more students drop out by June 15th, I will reach out to you and reconfirm with you. Otherwise, if you do not hear from me, then our program will be at full capacity and will no longer be accepting any new permission slip forms.

Thank you for understanding.

__________________________________________________

iStrive Summer Camp at HOPE Community Academy is open to the community (Current students in Grades K-8).

Contact Mr. Jackson Yang for the registration form or with any questions you may have: [email protected]

**Registration due on June 15, 2026

06/04/2026

📚✨ You're Invited to a Special Book Launch Celebration! ✨📚

Join Hmong Early Childhood Coalition (HECC) as we celebrate the launch of our newest bilingual children's book:

🌟 Kuv Lub Npe Muaj Ib Zaj Dab Neeg ~ My Name Has A Story

Written by Gao Vang and beautifully illustrated by Pasi Lee, this heartwarming book celebrates the stories, meaning, and pride behind our names.

🎤 Author Reading
✍️ Book Signing
🎨 Kid-Friendly Activities
🍪 Light Snacks Provided

📅 June 23, 2026
⏰ 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 225 University Ave W, Suite 125

Bring your family, friends, and little ones for an evening of storytelling, creativity, and community. Whether you're a book lover, parent, educator, or simply looking for a fun family event, there's something for everyone!

💛 All are welcome! We can't wait to celebrate with you and share this special story.

05/29/2026

📣✨ Heritage Hmong Preschool is OFFICIALLY licensed by the state of Minnesota and ready to open our doors! 📣✨

We’ll welcome preschool students and school-age students for their first day of the Hmong Summer Program on June 15, 2026.

It’s been a long road, and honestly, the emotions are running high today. Taking this leap wasn't easy, but I’m so glad I bet on myself. Huge thank you to everyone who has been in our corner cheering us on—we couldn't have done this without you!

🎒 **Enrollment is now open!** Join our village and secure your child's spot today

www.HeritageHmongPreschool.com

01/21/2026

Aspiring authors: here’s your chance to publish your book. Cohort 2 of Untamed Roots Collective is taking in serious applications (up to 6 authors) by Feb 1st. Learn more and apply below:

Informational Meeting: Untamed Roots Self-Publishing Cohort 2 Register here by Jan 30th to begin in Feb 2026 Timeline: Feb 2026-Sept 2026; celebration Fall of 2026 Meeting records Summary The informational meeting hosted by Hmong Children's Books, led by Ka Yang (Hmong Children's Book...

01/21/2026

Statement from MN Zej Zog

January 20, 2026

MN Zej Zog’s board members, staff, and our community extend our deepest concern to everyone in the Twin Cities who has been affected by the recent events involving increased U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity and related incidents, including the tragic loss of life and the heightened fear felt across many neighborhoods.

As a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the Hmong language, culture, and heritage, we recognize that moments like these can evoke profound hurt, anxiety, and uncertainty. Many families and individuals throughout our state, especially those in immigrant and refugee communities, have shared stories of fear, stress, and disruption to daily life. Our hearts go out to every person and family who is carrying that burden right now.

We understand that people from all walks of life are seeking safety and peace for themselves and their loved ones. We want to emphasize that everyone in our community deserves to feel safe, supported, and respected, regardless of background or circumstance. If you or someone you know is experiencing fear, trauma, or distress, we encourage you to reach out for help and connect with trusted local support services, legal resources, and community organizations that can assist you. Your well-being and safety matter. A list of resources with links is available below.

During times of heightened tension and uncertainty, we must hold onto our shared humanity, communicate with compassion, and lift one another. The strength of our community lies in our ability to care for each other, listen deeply, and work toward healing together.

MN Zej Zog stands with all community members in wishing for safety, understanding, and peace for every family and neighbor in the Twin Cities and beyond.

With love,
MN Zej Zog and its Board of Directors

Resource List

1. The surge of DHS agents into Minnesota has done tremendous harm to the people of Minnesota, and AG urges those who have personally experienced or directly witnessed that harm to share their stories.

To submit a report, visit: ag.state.mn.us/Federal-Action/

2. Resources for families - reach out to your school counselors and teachers,
AFT for Educators:
https://www.aft.org/immigration-ice-raids-resources-educators-and-advocates

3.. Immigrant Legal Resource Center

https://www.ilrc.org/community-resources/protecting-children-schools-against-immigration-enforcement

Or state level:

https://www.ilcm.org/

4. Email your legislators and let them know:

https://gis.lcc.mn.gov/iMaps/districts/

01/09/2026