Module 3: Laotian American Activism and Advocacy
Despite the US’s Secret War in Laos, have Laotian Americans found home in the United States?
The experience of Laotian Americans has been shaped by their relationship with the US, particularly through the legacy of the Secret War. Since they arrived in the late 1970s, Laotian Americans have remained hopeful and determined to support, advocate, and organize for their communities.
Despite challenges of resettlement, Laotian Americans found ways to develop grassroots strategies to address their needs, including mutual aid, cultural preservation efforts, advocacy work for social, financial, and educational advancement, youth-led activism, and civic participation in political leadership. Learning about Laotian American communities’ struggles and resilience contributes to the broader Asian American experience, while recognizing that advocacy and organizing help heal and empower the community.
This module centers on the activism and advocacy within Laotian American communities to build strategies of belonging and representation, support for future generations, and demand recognition in US history and policy.
How have Laotian Americans’ historical relationship with the US shaped their resettlement experience?
What strategies have Laotian Americans implemented to address their social and economic needs?
Why is it important to learn the unique struggles of Laotian American communities?
