Center Preserves Korean Culture - the International Institute of St

INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE
S AINT
lOUIS
U)
exPLORING THE PEOPLES AND CULTURES OF
ST. LOUIS AND THE WORLD
Spring 1998
Center Preserves Korean Culture
K
ay Song Lee is director of the Korean
Culture Center, and founder of a dream
He is also the owner and publisher of the Korean
AmericanJoumal and three other Korean-language publications, Lee came to the United
States to study at St. Louis University and
remained to rear his family. Today, he helps preserve the Korean traditions and customs which
have been transplanted to middle America,
"The first Koreans to come here were young
doctors," he said, "Then their families joined
them, Now, there are about 5,000 Koreans in St.
Louis. I had planned to go back after receiving
my MBA degree, But by then, we had four children - the two youngest born here, They loved it
and wanted to stay"
"I wanted to help Korean-Americans," he
added, "The first generation, especially, has a language handicap, They could not understand
American newspapers and TV,"
So, Lee started a Korean language newspaper. That first newspaper led to more, including Beauty Times, which he now publishes in
both Korean and English.
In 1993, Lee and other leaders joined together
to create the Korean Culture Center, a non-profit
agency. It nurtures and promotes Korean art and
culture, "We felt that we had to do it," he
says, 'There was no other agency working to preserve Korean culture for the
second generation, And Americans
had no way to know about the
wonderful traditions we bring."
The Center is gradually
collecting costumes, art work,
calligraphy and other artifacts
of Korea It shares office space
with theJoumal and Lee's other
Bride and Groom costumes collected by the Korean Culture Center. Photo courtesy St. Louis Chinese
publications.
American News.
"Today, we don't have any
way to exhibit the collection
A year later, local Korean women got so interor otherwise share it with outsiders," Lee says.
ested that they fonned their own drum troupe
"But we are working to build a real center, a
place where we can have a Korean cultural
within Eo Ul Lim. Now the two groups perform
together at International Folkfest and other
school for the young people and display examevents. There they can encourage pride among
ples of our culture."
Koreans and introduce that faraway country's
Today, their best known activity is the popular
artistry to Americans of a different heritage.
dance troupe called Eo Ul Lim ("Get Together"),
Moving toward its
vision of the
American Dream
Kay Song Lee peiforms with Eo U1 Lim, the popular
Korean dance troupe.
traditional masked dance, very popular all over
Korea It is performed at New Year,
Independence Day and other festivities . In the
old days, it was supposed to drive out evil spirits
Now it's just for fun.
Korean Culture Center is moving toward its
vision of the American Dream-the view of
America not as a melting pot but as a rainbow, a
creation of many hues and colors, each adding to
the loveliness of the whole .
e " orne" for International Institute
on ed by ationsBank
I n February, NationsBank announced the
.• donation of a 30,000 square-foot office
building to the International Institute, a St.
Louis-based, not-for-profit organization that
resettles refugees in the south City area The
building is valued at $500,000
The two-story office building, located at 3654
South Grand, is near the heart of the city's
International District, where more than 6,000
refugees from Vietnam, Bosnia , Croatia, Somalia,
Iraq and many other countries have settled since
1990 under the auspices of the International
Institute. More than IS,OOO refugees and immigrants now live in south St Louis.
"The International Institute occupies a unique
role in our community, bringing people together
in a safe haven," said Richard Jensen, president of
NationsBank St Louis. "America has always
drawn strength from its diverse immigrant population, and we are proud to help the International
Institute with its mission."
The International Institute will move from its
current quarters at 3S00 Park near Cardinal
Glennon Children's Hospital to the South Grand
location in early 1999
"The NationsBank donation will give us more
classroom space to teach critical skills for adapting to life in this country," said Linda Morice,
chair of the Board of the International Institute.
"The new location is a more accessible site, doubles our parking space and puts us right where
we need to be for our refugee population."
The international corridor along South Grand
boasts some of the area's most successful ethnic
Il PpoJrc f
restaurants and
businesses, which
arc operaLed by
foreign born
owners and proprietors Many of
these businesses are
just north of the
intersection of Grand
and Gravois.
Serving as a
catalyst for economic
development, the
International
Institute typically
settles about SO to
120 people monthly.
Nearly 1,500
refugees, including
1,100 Bosnians,
settled in south
from lejl: Craig Schmid, 10th Ward Alderman, Linda Morice, Chair oj the InterSt Louis last year
national Institute Board, and Richard Jensen, President of NationsBank St. Louis,
"These new
scan renovation plans for the Institute's new facility at 3654 So. Grand Blvd.
Americans are
revitalizing neighborhoods and are making proThe South Grand building, which recently
ductive contributions to the community at a time
housed medical offices and once served as a car
when 51. Louis has experienced a population shift dealership, will be renovated by the International
away from the City," said Craig Schmid, St. Louis,
Institute. Renovation plans are being developed
Alderman for the 10th Ward "They have joined
by the Mayer Design Group, in cooperation with
the great American melting pot and are making a
the volunteer services of Austin Tao, a wellwonderful impact on local commerce and neighknown Chinese-American landscape architect,
borhoods," he added. "The NationsBank donaand Rene Michel-Trapaga , a noted Mexicantion will allow the International Institute to better American artist
serve this community."
or I'HE iN r::RNATIONfJ.i INSTITUTE
The International
Institute will rnove in
early 1999
IOSEPH H. A,\H) F10RE'\CE \. !<OfH U
f-OU~D/I TI(}\!
SPECTRU""
New Procedures
Citizenship Process More Complex
E
ffective Augus 30, the Immigration Service
is emllng pnvate testing for citizenship,
currently conducted at 1,500 centers throughout
the US. The International Institute in St. Louis
has been serving as such a testing site.
Applicants who need to be tested after August
30, 1998, will have the option of being examined
during the INS interview or may choose to take
the examination at an Application Control
Center, where fingerprinting is conducted. The
nearest ACC is located in Chicago.
To qualify, the applicant must be:
• At least 50 years old and a resident of the
US for at least 20 years, or
• At least 55 years old and a resident for at
least 15 years.
The only remaining testing date is June 27 at
the International Institute Telephone 773-9090
for more information and to register. Registration
will cost $30.
Citizenship Test in English until Aug. 30:
All N-400 Forms (Application for
Naturalization) must now be submitted directly
to the Lincoln Service Center of the Immigration
and Naturalization Service. N-400 applications
are no longer accepted at the St. Louis INS Office
or at INS offices elsewhere. This process does not
allow for application review by a knowledgeable
official before its submission. Thus, the odds are
raised that the Lincoln Service Center will reject
an application as being incomplete or inaccurate.
Each application must include: 1) N-400
application, 2) two photos per instructions,
3) a legible copy of both sides of the Permanent
Resident Alien Registration card, and 4) a check
Testing in English to qualified candidates is
still available at the International Institute, 3800
Park Ave in St. Louis, on April 11, May 9,june
13,july 11, and August 8. Telephone 773-9090
for more information and to register. Registration
will cost $30. After August 8, citizenship testing
will only be available during the INS interview.
Citizenship Test in Russian and Spanish
until Aug. 30:
Certain Russian and Spanish speakers can take
the US citizenship test in their native language.
New Rules on Filing N-400, Applicationfor US
Citizenship:
Springboard to Learning:
Expanding Minds and Hearts
Spril1gboard's unique
uhands-on" approach
----------------------------
t began with one grandmother, one classroom and one big dream.
Today, Springboard to Learning is a multicultural school program like no other. Young
people visit faraway places with strange-sounding
names - without leaving their school desks.
They learn how children in other countries play
and what food they eat. They don their clothing
and marvel at how kids can walk, dance, and run
in them.
The program is far more than a geography or
history lesson. Nor is it limited to a foreign land.
Young people also learn about prejudice and
racism and how to understand another person,
I
to a different culture and way of life.
He even had an opportunity
to taste venison."
"Now a successful attorney, he still remembers
these experiences. In fact,
he called Springboard his
'dream supplier.'"
Springboard was
founded by Elise
Schweich. Her
dream was to bring
the outside world
into the lives of
or money order for $95 per applicant. Please
review each application or petition carefully
before submission.
All applications must be mailed to:
Lincoln Service Center, PO Box 87400, Lincoln,
Nebraska 68501-7400.
INS Plans to Raise Filing Fees
The US Department of Justice has announced
proposed increases in filing fees. In certain cases,
the fees are being more than doubled for
Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)
applications and petitions.
For example, 1-485, Application to Register
Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, will
increase from $130 to $220 per person. 1-763,
Application for Employment Authorization will
increase from $70 to $100. N-400, Application
for Naturalization, will increase from $95 to
$225 per person.
It was not known at publication time whether
the new fee schedule would be approved.
Confirm fees with your local INS office before
submission. An incorrect payment will delay
action on your application or petition.
-wn1l::tT1Pl1l'i1L[1L ISOIl l]\,W(~ It''''>IT"<=-ur- - -1'I'IIreT,,o,rv------;:----
across the world.
"We all are different," said Shellie Hexter,
Springboard's Executive Director. "Learning to
accept and appreciate those differences is a very
important part of being an educated person"
Many Springboard teachers have immigrated
from other countries Others are from St Louis.
They work in a classroom once a week for 14
weeks At the end, children have learned more
about another country. They have also come to
know someone who has personally experienced
the cultural differences in America and in St
Louis.
Springboard's unique "hands-on" method of
education breaks through the barriers of racial
and ethnic stereotypes.
"I have a letter from an African-American
attorney who, as a child, was in a Springboard
program," said Hexter. "The instructor taught the
children about Native Americans This was the
first chance for this inner-city child to be exposed
efugee
SeA Friend!
. P ECTRUM
children.
"Elise was
inspired by
Children at Froebel Elementary School wait to perform an Irish dance as part of a Springboard
PreSident
to Learning program there. Photo courtesy of Springboard to Learning Program.
Kennedy's
Commission-St. Louis, helped underwrite
challenge. 'Ask not what your country can do
for you ; ask what you can do for your country,'"
Springboard's 128 programs last year. Major
said Hexter.
funding also comes from the Metropolitan
Schweich knew her own grandchildren
Desegregation Plan. And Monsanto Fund underenjoyed hearing about her travels So, when the
writes programs in predominantly African
City school system was advertising for aides, she
American St. Louis County school districts not in
applied At Ford School, she talked with pupils
the Desegregation Plan.
about other countries she had visited The expe"Springboard and International Institute share
rience was so successful that the schools asked
a strong desire to serve the community and to
her to find others to join her
help the community understand its ethnic diverSpringboard to Learning, now headquartered
sity," said Hexter "We feel that getting to know
at 634 N Grand, has nourished Schweich's
and appreciate such a wide variety of people
dream, growing steadily for more than 30 years.
breaks down stereotypes - of critical importance
Today, Springboard's 35 teachers work with
in a world of growing economic and ethnic inter20,000 public school students The Arts and
dependence."
Education Council as well as the Regional Arts
ens Str tch to Learn
- lknow how hard it is when you first
come," said Bach Nguyen, 15, a refugee
from Vietnam many years ago. Now a top student at Gateway Institute of Technology, a city
magnet high school, Nguyen volunteers to help
other refugee teenagers "get the right start"
through homework coaching sessions at the
International Institute
Each weekday afternoon, dozens of newly
arrived refugee teenagers flock to the Institute's
After School Tutoring Program Most of them
have been in the US for less than two years They
face learning challenges as diverse as astronomy,
English, biology, math , and American history.
"Schools assign refugee children to a grade
level by age," said Jane Knirr, the Institute's
Youth Services Coordinator "Often, refugee students struggle due to language, cultural and academic differences."
Take Hamdi Ibrahim, for example. She arrived
with her family from Somalia about two years ago
Even though she didn't speak English, she was
placed in the fourth grade. Today, she still takes
English as a Second Language classes Ibrahim is
also studying sixth grade math, science and social
studies with the rest of her American classmates.
Determined to succeed, she faithfully takes the
bus to the Institute each afternoon to find a volunteer to help her study.
"The refugee students are making great
progress and are so grateful for help with their
homework," said Knirr. "I've seen them literally
shake with worry about not finishing an assignment on time "
For Nguyen and other volunteers, it's a chance
to help others to achieve their dreams
From left: Hamdi Ibrahim gets homework help from
Kathryn Gunn, a volunteer who attends St. Louis
Universtiy School oj Medicine.
A
More volunteers willing to help young people with
their homework are needed M-F afternoons from
3:30 to 5 PM and M-TH evenings from 7-9:30 PM.
Telephone Jane Knirr at (314)773-9090 for more
information
PROJECT OF THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE
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Calendar of Ethnic and International
Events: Spring 1998
Photos courtesy of Wayne Crosslin.
Correct as of publication date. Please call to confirm
details. Unless otherwise noted, all phone numbers are
area code 3 I4.
Voices from the Dust: Making a Digital Edition of the
Canaanite Literary Texts from Ugari1. Lecture by Wayne T. Pitard.
The Mikado. Webster University, Conservatory of
Theatre Arts. Loretto Hilton 968-7128.
The St. Louis Art Museum. 721-0072.
Baaba Maal, African singing sensation. Edison Theatre at
Ancient Gold: The Wealth of the Thracians,
Treasures from the Republic of Bulgaria. Special exhibition at The
Saint Louis An Museum. 721-0072.
The Greatest Places. Omnimax visit to the
locales and inhabitants of seven of the most beautiful and leastvisited places in the world. 289-4444.
Africa's Needs: What US Role? Lecture by Jean-Germain Gras.
Sponsored by World Community Center. Salad Bowl Cafeteria.
862-5735.
The Ethnic Nation and the Political State in ModemJapan.
Lecture by Kevin Doak. Sponsored by the Joint Center for East
Asian Studies at Washington U and UM-St. Louis.
Washington U. 935-4448.
Re-Inventing the Multicultural Arts Festival. Free workshop
presented by the International Institute. See box on page 5.
Clayton (MidCounty) Public Library. 773-9090.
Washington University. Co-presented by The Sheldon and Edison
Theater. (Tickets through Metratix 534-1111).
Pan-American Day Celebration. Latin American food,
musical program and ballroom dancing. Sponsored by La
Sociedad Hispano-Americana de San Luis. Clayton
Community Center. 645-3903.
Changes and Funny Stories from Travels in the
Soviet Union and Russia: 1989-1998. Lecture by Rex
Migration Melodies. Listen and dance to tradi-
Van Alsick. Sponsored by Webster U Center for
tional folk and ethnic music, plus family-oriented
International Education. Webster U. 968-7432.
craft activities. Jefferson Memorial, History
Museum, Forest Park. 746-4599.
Balkan Dance Workshop with Yves Morau
John Redboum! One of England's finest gui-
from Canada. Holy Communion Church, U City.
tar stylists, playing blues, Renaissance and
Irish music. Focal Point. 961-6881.
Sponsored by the International Folk Dance
Association.
638-4024.
West African Craft and Story Time.
Chinese Bronze Food Containers: Special Spring Break
Program for Families. The St. Louis An Museum. 721-0072.
Wales in Spirit and Song. Lecture by Bob Willis. Travel
Lecture Series, Graham Chapel, Washington University.
935-5212.
Big Muddy Folk Festival. Thespian Hall, Boonville, MO.
(660) 882-7977.
S1. Louis-Stuttgart Sister Cities Volkswalk through Zoo and
Forest Park. 741-0924 .
Middle East Dance Show with live
CajunlZydeco Dance and workshop with live music by Blue
Bottle Swamp. Focal Point. 869-8216.
1 ,'ol. 1 ~ 1998 World's Fair Family
Weekend. Celebration of exotic cultures in a family atmosphere, featuring some of the area's finest ethnic
performers. Jefferson Memorial,
History Museum at Forest Park. 4543121.
Worldways Children's Museum. 909-0408.
Explosive Development of Early Cahokia
Mounds. Lecture by Dr. Timothy Pauketat.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site,
Collinsville, IL (618)344-7316.
Multicultural Celebration. Multi-ethRe-Inventing the Multicultural Arts
Festival. Free workshop presented by the
nic potluck dinner and impromptu
performances by members of the Five
International Institute. See box on page 5.
Church Association. Bring family,
friends and an ethnic dish and come share in the
At the International Institute. 773-9090.
fun. Compton Heights Christian Church. 776-1410.
MU5\!i;.@!~~ID.§Q!!!!Jn'..._
________
) Deutscher Maennerchor Spring Dance at German
_ _~~_ _~~~~~":""--=-
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wrn~nmese
Simone's 7th Veil Dance Studio White House Reception Hall.
984-8008.
Czech Festival. Traditional Czech food, music, dance and
song plus fashion show of authentic and beautiful costumes.
American Czech Center 352-4561 or 832-3744.
StorytellingJrom an Tlliniwek wdge
(for the young) followed by oral traditions of the Eastern
Woodlands . Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site,
Collinsville, IL. (618)344-7316
Polish Blessing oj
Easter Food. St Stanislaus
Kostka Church. 4215948.
Classical/Flamenco
Concert featuring guitarist
Virginia Luque. Ethical
Society. Sponsored by the
Classical Guitar Society.
567-5566.
Deutscher Kulturverein
Easter Concert and Egg Hunt Donau Park.
771-8368 .
Creatures oj the Amazon Visit up
close and personal with a live boa constrictor and other animals of the Amazon
Basin St. Louis Science Center. 5338887
Tibetan Buddhism: Art and Culture.
Lecture by Robert E. Gross. Cosponsored by the
An Museum and the Asian Art Society. The St. Louis Art
Museum. 721-0072.
St. Louis African Chorns Once again these St. Louis favorites
bring their joyous sound to an evening of music from around
Africa The Sheldon. 533-9900.
A
PROJECT OF THE rNTERNATION4l INS TITUT[
Carmen San Diego International Puzzle Hunt.
For children between 4 &:. 11. Worldways Children's
Museum 909-0408
Kahok Indian Dancers. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site,
Collinsville, IL. (618)344-7316.
Polka Mass St Stanislaus Kostka Church. 421-5948
ana]apanese lftjluences
on Porcelain. Lecture by Elizabeth Semmelhack. The
St. Louis Art Museum. 721-0072.
Turkey: Pivotal State Astride Europe and Asia. Lecture by
Ahmet Karamustafa. Sponsored by World Community Center.
Salad Bowl Cafeteria. 862-5735
Planning the Multicultural Arts Festival: Nuts and Bolts. Free
workshop presented by the International Institute. See box on
page 5. Clayton (MidCounty) Public Library. 773-9090.
Rubber Plant Christmas Tree: Crossing Cultural Boundaries.
Lecture by Diana Pascoe. Sponsored by Webster U. Center for
International Education. Webster U 968-7432
Tom May and Mark Mobek. St. Louis singer/songwriter Mark Mobek is joined by Denver
singer/songwriter Tom May for a folk
music collaboration. The Sheldon.
533-9900.
Impact on Panama's
Environment oj US Militmy Policy
and Colonization. Lecture by Jesus
Alemancia. Salad Bowl Cafeteria.
Sponsored by Fellowship of
Reconciliation; Sisters of Loretto;
American Friends Service Committee;
St Louis Inter-Faith Committee on Latin America 721-2977 .
Cultural Integration Lecture by Prahan Cumarasamy.
Sponsored by Webster U. Center for International
Education. WebsterU 968-7432 .
The Greatest Places. Omnimax visit to the
locales and inhabitants of seven of the most beautiful and leastvisited places in the world. 289-4444.
Cinco de Mayo Celebration. Storytelling, crafts
and activities in Oaxaca Village Exhibit. Worldways Children's
Museum 909-0408 .
Dance the Sun Up Morris Dance. Sutton and Zephyr
647-1804
In the Soul of Spain. Lecture by Bob Chrysler Travel Lecture
Series, Graham Chapel, Washington University. 935-5212.
Continued on page 4
SPECIAL ATTENTION!
International Night presented by international students
at Lindenwood University. Food, dance and music from
different countries represented. Lindenwood University Club.
949-4978 .
Don McLean. Famous singer-songwriter now celebrating
the silver anniversary of the day the music died . Fantastic Folk
Series at the Sheldon 533-9900.
June 6 and 7
I
II
al
vents:
.' Planmng th e Mul ticultlrral Arts FestfvaL Free workshop
presented by thl'. Intemational lnslltute. See box on page 5.
At the Im emationallnstitute. 773-9090.
.: Native American Culture Through Storytelling and Music.
Sponsored by the UM-St. Louis and 19th Annual St.
Louis Storytelling FestivaL Cahokia Mounds State
Historic Site, Collinsville, IL (618)344-7316
Folk harpist Kim Robertson conducts workshop at Music Folk (961-2838) and concert at
Focal Point (961-6881).
Crazy About French. French puppet
shows, storytelling, cooking demos and a
guest appearance by Madeline. Advance
reservations required. Cosponsored
by Worldways and the Alliance
Francaise. Worldways
Children's Museum. 9090408 .
American Indian
Center Pow-Wow. Location TBA
773-3316.
@
rl
I
. Religion's Role in World Affairs: Challenges Jor the US.
Lecture by David Winder. Sponsored by World Community
Center. Salad Bowl Cafeteria. 862-5735 .
Attracting Attendance for Multicultural Arts Festivals. Free
workshop presented by the International Institute See box on
page 5. At the International Institute. 773-9090.
. International Social Services. Learn about the tracing, message and reunion :.ervices the Red Cross proVides for families separated by disaster. American Red Cross, St. Louis County
Headquarters 286-8201.
The Festival of Nations. Outdoor street festival, designed
to highlight diversity and celebrate the unity of the greater South
St. Louis community. South Grand Blvd. 772-4640
, International Relief and Development. Training to enable paid
and volunteer staff to respond to inquiries and coordinate community-based international relief and development. American
Red Cross, St. Louis County Headquarters. 286-8201
" Nature/Culture Hike. Three-mile hike through archeological and natural areas at Cahokia Mounds State
Historic Site, Collinsville, IL. (618) 344-7316.
, Earth Day Festival. Celebration of the earth
and its resources. Includes International Folkfest
Preview Stage . Tower Grove Park. Sponsored
by Alliance for a Livable World . 776-4442
Maifest by Deutscher Kulturverein .
Donau Park. 771-8368.
Maifest by D'Froehliche Schuhplattler at
Concord Fanners HalL 544-4409 .
Arts and Children's Programming at
Multicultural Festivals. Free workshop presented
by the International Institute. See box on page 5.
Clayton (MidCounty) Public Library. 773-9090.
Polish Constitution Day Celebration. St.
Stanislaus Kostka Church. 421-5948.
French Cultural Heritage Festival, Old
Courthouse. 425-4468,
Cinco de Mayo Festival on Cherokee Street.
First annual festival combines Spanish mass at St. Francis
Arts and Children 's Programming at
Multicultural Festivals. Free workshop
Orientation to International Services. See listing for May 14.
American Red Cross, St. Louis City Headquarters. 286-8201
International Humanitarian Law. See listing for May 14.
American Red Cross, St. Louis City Headquarters. 286-8201.
International Social Services. See listing for May 15.
American Red Cross, St. Louis City Headquarters. 286-8201.
International Relief and Development. See listing for May 15.
American Red Cross, St. Louis City Headquarters. 286-8201.
Polish Corpus Christi Mass and Procession, followed by
luncheon. St. Stanislaus Kostka Church. 421-5948
Magic Quilt Around the World. Hear folktales, create
crafts and share experiences from five cultures. (For ages 4-7)
COCA. 725-1834.
African Textile Show. Features
garments from Senegal to the Congo. The St. Louis Art
Museum. 721-0072 .
West African Drumming. Course
introducing the fundamental concepts of rhythm
through various West African musical traditions
COCA. 725-6555.
- - m-'::;,ale5, paTa~ lTown Cnerokee sn'eer; IOJrowedO. Tooaana - - - ,nC;"":Jll""n)'YL'
entertainment (including mariachi band from Mexico) at the Casa
Lorna. 664-7234.
Institute. See box on page 5. At the
International Institute. 773-9090.
Kids'Day at Cahokia. Hands-on activities, crafts, games and
dancing for kids of all ages. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site,
Collinsville, IL. (618)344-7316.
.
St. Louis-Stuttgart Sister Cities
Volkswalks from Tower Grove Park to three
places: The Hill, Shaw Gardens and Compton
Heights. 741-0924.
Building a Firm Financial Foundation for the Multicultural
Festival. Free workshop presented by the International Institute.
See box on page 5. Clayton (Mid County) Public Library.
773-9090.
Kahok Indian Dancers Cahokia Mounds
State Historic Site, Collinsville, IL.
(618)344-7316.
Angels in the Vatican. Special Exhibition at
The Saint Louis Art Museum. 721-0072.
Outing to Augusta Winery. Sponsored by
St. LOUis-Stuttgart Sister Cities. 842-4999.
Building a Firm Financial Foundation for the Multicultural Arts
Festival. Free workshop presented by the International Institute.
See box on page 5. At the International Institute. 773-9090
Second Annual S1. Louis DRAGON
BOAT FESTIVAL. A dragon boat is a 40-foot long
canoe with a carved and painted dragon head and
tail. Exciting races between 21-member teams, plus
Chinese Awakening of the Dragon ceremony, food , souvenirs and dancing. Hosted by StreamTeach, Inc. Spanish Lake
Park.
725-1907
ULAU with Narisa Bond. Powerful trio of a capella singers
blending traditional and contemporary indigenous music of the
Americas. Duck Room, Blueberry Hill. For info: 353-WIRE. For
tickets: 534-1111
Dancer's Passion - HawaiianlTahitian Weekend 98.
Two days of seminars on Polynesian dance and music. Also,
Saturday evening recitaVconcert. Oscar's Banquet Center at
Westport. Sponsored by the Hawaiian Polynesian Revue
921-1817.
Divine Design: Angels in Italian Art through the Ages.
Lecture by Everett Fahy. St. Louis Art Museum 721-0072.
Missouri Folk Art Festival. Traditional artists, craftsmen
and performers from Missouri and the world. Warren County
Fairground, Warrenton, MO. (314) 456-4404.
Salsa! Learn the basics of salsa and Latin
dancing step-by-step. Center of Contemporary Arts (COCA).
725-1834
Orientation to International Services. Overview of the
International Red Cross, the Red Crescent Movement and the
international involvement of the American Red Cross. American
Red Cross, St. Louis County Headquarters. 286-8201.
Attracting Attendance for Multicultural Arts Festivals Free
workshop presented by the International Institute See box on
page 5 Clayton (MidCounty) Public Library. 773-9090.
International Humanitarian Law. The powerless victims of
war are not without hope, due to international humanitarian law.
American Red Cross, St. Louis County Headquarters. 286-8201.
SPECTRUM
runaralsmgJur me lVJUlLlLUlLUfU! fU L~
Festival. Free workshop presented by the
International Institute. See box on page 5.
Clayton (MidCounty) Public Library.
773-9090.
Friendship International Family Picnic. Join families from around the world to celebrate summer and
fellowship. Tilles Park. Sponsored by Friendship
International. 569-1190 (ext. 314).
Fundraisingfor the Multicultural Arts Festival.
Free workshop presented by the International
Institute. See box on page 5. At the
International Institute. 773-9090.
Second Annual Latin American Festival
at Union Station Sponsored by Arts and Treasures of
Latin America. 231-7378.
SI. Stanislaus Kostka Church Annual Picnic Begins with Polka
Mass, followed by homecooked Polish dinners, games, and music.
St Stanislaus Kostka Church 421-5948,
Ferias of Spain. Flamenco performances, movies, workshops, food and gifts. Sponsored by the St. Louis Cultural
Flamenco Society. Clayton Community Center. 781-1537.
Chinese Celebration Day. Chinese Garden tours, Chinese food
vendors, craft demos and sales, demonstrations of traditional
Chinese music, art and the fabulous dragon dance Missouri
Botanical Garden 577-9400.
A
PROjf:.CT OF THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE
YOlJr~
Calen ar!
_. . --..st Ex andirl toT ree
or the first time this year, International
F olkfest will expand to three days of lively
ethnic music, mouthwatering food, and fun
The doors at Folkfest '98 will open at 6 PM on
October 16 at Queeny Park The foot-stomping
entertainment that has made Folkfest famous will
continue all day on October 17 and 18 ,
"By visiting on Friday evening, ethnic food
and music junkies can avoid the crowds that
have been flocking to Folkfest during its traditional two-day venue," said Barbara Qureshi,
Folkfest Chair. "Families with small children will
especially be delighted," Qureshi added. "Kids
can enjoy making ethnic crafts in the children's
area, while grown-ups leisurely stroll around"
Folkfest '98 is being expanded , since crowds
are reaching near capacity Also, there is more
entertainment than time permits
'The indoor space at Queeny Park is too small
to add another stage or to spread out the activities more," said Qureshi. "We have many fine
ethnic acts that we want to add to the schedule ."
a s: Oct~ 16 - 18
"Adding Friday hours will help the Folkfest
grow to meet the really outstanding need."
Members of ethnic organizations wanting to
operate food and gift booths can apply to participate in April. Contracts are mailed first to those
who participated last year.
Folkfest tries to present as diverse array of ethnic food and gifts possible So, only one gift booth
and one food booth per participating ethnicity is
pennitted Contracts are available by calling the
International Institute at (314) 773-9090.
~e..
I~
n a few short years, Nhi Nguyen, 26, has
made vast strides toward carving a niche for
herself in her new homeland. Nguyen immigrated
from Vietnam in 1993. There, she had studied to
be a teacher of English.
This May, Nguyen will complete an Associate's
Degree in Business Administration from St. Louis
Community College at Forest Park In September,
she will enter St. Louis University to study
Management Information Systems. Her strong
academic perfonnance and community service
ac tivities are gaining her more than $12 ,000 in
scholarships.
Nguyen works part-time at the International
Institute, where she also participates in the
agency's STAR program for job upgrading. Now
in its third year, STAR has helped hundreds of
s
refugees return to work in fields related to their
skills or education.
"Nhi is an outstanding example of what excellent work and dedication to education can mean
for newcomers," said Margaret Silver, Education
Director at the Institute. "It is remarkable how
well these newcomers can get on with their lives
with some intensive yet very sensitive assistance."
Nhi Nguyen
~ ulticultural Arts
he Missouri Arts Council has awarded
the International Institute $9,000. With
it, technical assistance will be provided to multicultural arts festival planners
Members of St. Louis' ethnic communities
are eager to preserve and promote their unique
cultural traditions. But their efforts to operate
festivals have sometimes floundered. For them,
disappointing turn-out can translate to leadership bum-out, financial disaster on both a personal and organizational level, and even to loss
of trust with artists and vendors. In some
cases, a festival's failure has even led to the
demise of the sponsoring organization.
L
. Ihe...C(lllncil. re.cJlQlli7p<:'IJ~1 PIhnir li><:nvnl
Festivals To Get Help
and production issues for artists and vendors.
Participants will include members of long-established black and white communities as well as
recent immIgrants
"We are aiming to provide practical infonna-
tion about festivals," said Rynearson, "The
partiCipants, themselves, will pitch in to share
their experiences and learn from each other,
since there's a good deal of hands-on
information out there"
Folkfest (98 is adding
riday night festivities
presenters need culturally-appropriate specialized technical assistance To be successful, the
help must be given by trusted, knowledgeable
institutions and individuals
Accordingly, professional event organizers
will lead a series of free workshops on successful festival elements. One-on-one consultations
between ethnic leaders and Ann Rynearson,
the project director, will tailor the more general information to meet specific needs.
Rynearson serves as director of the Institute's
cross cultural programs. She is also assistant
director of International Folkfest, one of our
region's most successful annual multiethnic
festivals
Among the workshop topics are: identifying
audiences; techniques for reaching targeted
audiences; fundraising; establishing the financial and legal credibility of the organization
Workshops will be held approximately twice
monthly, from April through June Learn festival
basics and inside tips [rom experts:
RE-INVENTING THE MULTICULTURAL
ARTS FESTIVAL (Apr. 16 and 18)
• Why do we want to have a festival?
The mission statement
• Who's working on it? Committees, volunteers
and staff
• Who's going to come? Defining the target audience
(e .g, the ethnic group, schoolchildren, residents of
a particular area, people with a certain interest)
• How many people can we reasonably expect)
Researching other festivals' history
FESTIVAL PLANNING: NUTS AND BOLTS
(Apr. 30 and May 2)
• Where and when will we have the festivaP
Alternative sites and dates
• How should we layout the site? Traffic flow
(human &: cars) and physical necessities
• Do we need a permit or forms? Health department
and city regulations; taxes
Multicultural festivals help preserve culture and promote tourism Pictured here: Holy Rosary Folkloric group at
Intemational FolkJest
• How do we present the artists? Sound system,
staging, dressing rooms
BUILDING FINANCIAL FOUNDATIONS
(May 7 and 9)
• How do we keep basic records? Building a "paper
trail ," plus double entry bookkeeping
• How do we develop financial reports and file tax
forms? Establishing credibility
• How do we become a SOl(c)3?
• Why should we?
• How much can we reasonably expect to raise?
Establishing a realistic budget and avoiding debt
ARTS AND CHILDREN'S PROGRAMMING
(May 21 and 23)
• How do we find the artists) Talent scouting locally
and nationally?
• How do we schedule the artists) Building
excitement and keeping continuity
• How do we contract with the artists? Preventing
misunderstandings
• How do we make the festival both fun and
educational for children and their families?
ATTRACTING ATTENDANCE
Oune4and 6)
• What are the characteristics of our target audience?
Demographics-age, income, ethnicity, etc
• How do we reach them? Targeted outreach
• What's our image? Graphic design
• What do we say? Public relations and advertising
FUNDRAISING
Oune 18 and 20)
• How much can we raise on site? Entrance fees,
concessions and souvenirs
• How can we package to event for [unders?
• Government arts agencies
• Corporations and small businesses
• How can we match our target audience to funders'
interests?
Call Ann Rynearson at (314) 773-9090 for
further informationand to register
Organized by the lntemational Institute with support
from the Missouri Arts Council a state agency
'
~
'--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
PROJECT OF THE IflwTERNA1/0NIH fNSiiTUTf:
Practicallnforrnation
for Event Or: nlzers
rrm
~
SPECTRUM
•
I
h W b'
growing number of web sights can help
you learn more about world-wide refugee
issues . Check out the following addresses.
OneWorld
http://www.oneworld.orglindex.html
An Internet coalition of 120 global justice
organizations, providing a central location for
news and information pertinent to current world
affairs. Special topics focus on child labor,
apartheid, gender, environment, and human
rights abuses.
The Refugee Network
http://web.nmsu.edul-lsheltonlref.htm
Links together organizations, volunteers,
students and researchers interested in refugee
resettlement and adaptation and other subjects
important to refugees.
I
s
Refugees and Migration
http://www.oneworld.orgloverviews/refugees
/stalker_migration.html
Useful infonnation on diverse aspects of
migration with expertise in international labor
Provides a selected list of books and journals and
links to other web sites pertinent to refugee
Issues.
Refugee Studies Programme, Oxford University,
United Kingdom
http://www.qeh.ox.ac.ukJrsp/
A leader in research and teaching on the
causes, consequences and experiences of forced
mIgratIOn.
National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
http://www.nniLorg
~
d d
U
L
nternalionalInslilUte is looking for additional part-time interpreters and translators to meet increased support service needs
among other helping profeSSions locally.
More Spanish speakers are espeCially needed
"As our ethnic communities have grown,
so has the demand for interpreters to help
newcomers at other service agencies, like the
police and schools," said Suzanne LeLaurin,
the Institute's Director of Social Work.
Interpreters are paid on an hourly basis.
Translators are paid on a per page basis, with
a price negotiated in advance of the job.
An application and testing is reqUired.
Send your biographical sketch to: Suzanne
LeLaurin, Intemationailnstitute, 3800 Park
Ave., St. Louis, MO 63ll0. Include details
about any technical translating or interpreting
you can do, such as medical terminology ,
special business terms, etc.
From the archives of
the International
Institute (circa
1920). Do you
recognize these
young girls? What is
the nationality of
A forum to share information and analysis, to
educate communities and the general public , and
to develop action plans on important immigrant
and refugee issues.
American Friends Service Committee
http://www.afsc.orgldefault.htm
Focuses on issues related to economic justice,
peace-building and demilitarization, social JUstice, and youth in the US, Africa, Asia , Latin
America , and the Middle East.
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
http://www.unhcr.ch!welcome.htm
Information regarding refugees and displaced
persons from an international perspective
are wearing? [[ you
ha e information ,
contact Ann
Rynear on at (314)
773-9090.
800
PARK AVE.
T. LOUIS, MO 63110
Non-Profit OIg .
. . Postage
PAlD
St. Louis, MO
Permit No. 2812
SA I NT
lOUIS