As a part of the New York State DREAM Coalition, the MinKwon Center announced on February 14, 2012 the launch of their “Dare to DREAM” campaign to push for passage of NYS DREAM legislation to ensure equal access to higher education for undocumented immigrant students.  MinKwon’s Executive Director Steven Choi said, “With the Federal DREAM Act stalled in Congress, it is more important than ever to work on the state level to bring justice for our undocumented immigrant youth.” He also added that “the MinKwon Center will work with the Korean American and Asian American communities and the New  York State DREAM Coalition to pass DREAM legislation and help build a strong, pro-immigrant agenda.”
Korea Times:  http://ny.koreatimes.com/article/712390
Korea Daily: http://www.koreadaily.com/news/read.asp?art_id=1357574

On February 15, 2012, the 13% and Growing Coalition, a coalition of 45 Asian-led and serving organizations co-led by the MinKwon Center, held a press conference on City Hall steps to kick off the start of its 2012 Campaign.  MinKwon community members and staff came out to support the Coalition’s efforts to push for fair distribution of City budget and discretionary funds for the underserved Asian American community.  MinKwon’s 84-year-old community member, Sung Mo Choi from Corona, Queens, spoke personally about the difficulties he faced while applying for food stamps.

On February 7th, 2012, the MinKwon Center staff and our active community members attended the Queens public hearing on redistricting held by the New York State Legislative Taskforce on Demographic Research and Reapportionment (LATFOR) at Queens Borough Hall.  Executive Director Steven Choi spoke on behalf of the MinKwon Center to deliver the needs of the Korean American community.  Mr. Choi recognized LATFOR for being responsive to the Asian American community and proposing a new Asian majority State Senate district, but also expressed his concern about the proposed lines artificially dividing the Korean community in half.  MinKwon’s James Hong testified on behalf of the Asian American Community Coalition on Redistricting and Democracy (ACCORD), and MinKwon’s community member Mr. Jae Kyung Song also testified, asking LATFOR to keep Flushing unified as they amend the proposed district lines.

On January 31^st,  the  MinKwon Center-led ACCORD Coalition (Asian American Community Coalition for Redistricting & Democracy) held a press conference on City Hall steps to respond to the new legislative district lines proposed by the New York State Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment (LATFOR).  Notably, LATFOR had proposed the very first majority Asian State Senate district and three majority Asian State Assembly districts (up from one).  MinKwon’s Civic Participation Coordinator James Hong commented, “Although we appreciate the effort made to create this district, we hope that it can be adjusted to include more of Flushing, an important community of interest for the Asian American community.”ACCORD continues to push for protecting all minority voters from being disenfranchised.
Korea Daily: http://www.koreadaily.com/news/read.asp?page=2&branch=NY&source=NY&category=&art_id=1348332
Korea Times: http://ny.koreatimes.com/article/710038

On January 28^th, the MinKwon Center’s traditional Korean musical troupe Binari led our annual Korean traditional Lunar New Year celebration event, Jishin Balpgi ("Stepping on the Spirits of the Earth").  Binari and NYU’s drumming troupe NYURI filled the streets of Flushing with the sound of poongmul,  visiting 15 small businesses in Flushing to wish good fortune in the new year.

On January 26th, MinKwon Center’s Executive Director Steven Choi spoke at Fordham Law School on “New American Dreams: Workers’ Rights & Immigrant Rights in New York,” as part of the Feerick Center for Social Justice's annual luncheon speaker series.  Mr. Choi shared his experiences of founding and leading the Korean Immigrant Workers Rights Project as a litigation attorney, and how he chose to fight for social justice through community action at the MinKwon Center.  He emphasized the importance and value of public interest law and encouraged students to become more engaged with social justice work.

From January 6th to the 8th, the MinKwon Center’s board and staff members went on an annual retreat at Bailey Farm located in Ossinig, NY. During the retreat, we reflected upon our activities in 2011, analyzed the current political and social landscape, and discussed our organizational direction for 2012. The MinKwon Center will continue to build community movement, increase political involvement and to grow to be a stronger organization.

On December 20th, the MinKwon Center held a press conference to highlight the accomplishments of this past year’s Social Service Program and our ground-breaking Immigrant Rights Legal Clinic, which served over 4,056 community members in 2011 and provided over 500 of them with high-quality, in-depth direct assistance ranging from direct help to obtain food stamps to full legal representation.  These efforts resulted in more than $2.3 million worth in free benefits to our community. Several clients also gave firsthand accounts of the services they received from the MinKwon Center.
Korea Daily: http://www.koreadaily.com/news/read.asp?art_id=1322254

On December 10th, in light of the bills being introduced in 34 states attempting to curb the voting participation of low-income and marginalized voters, the MinKwon Center participated in the "Stand for Freedom" rally organized by New York voting rights advocates. This rally was also held on the annual Human Rights Day. James Hong, Civic Participation Coordinator attended the rally carrying the sign "Stop the Suppression of Voter Rights!".