Overview
H.E.M.P. Campaign
HEMP stands for Heritage Empowerment Marketplace Prosperity. It is a bold capital campaign to support the following three projects:
- Incorporate Hmong Town Connections community-based model in the development of Pan Asian Center.
- Build a contemporary Hmong American Museum.
- Construct a Hemp-to-Hmong textile demonstration farm.
Why Hemp? Often misunderstood in the U.S., hemp is frequently mistaken for marijuana. But in Hmong culture—and many global traditions—hemp is a revered sustainable miracle plant used for: food, oil, cosmetics, tea, paper, fabric, building materials, and soil rejuvenation. It is perhaps most cherished by Hmong for its role in textile-making. For generations, Hmong have transformed hemp into clothing that are practical, artistic, and woven expressions of identity. In addition, it is used by Hmong to make final garments for loved ones crossing into the afterlife. Many of these products are sold throughout the globe, offering a marketplace for wealth creation and culture preservation.
By reclaiming the word hemp, we seek understanding of our unique heritage and we affirm the following truths in our pursuit of prosperity:
- Our ancestral ingenuity – honoring centuries of sustainable living, craftsmanship, and resilience.
- Our communal strength – drawing from the power of clanship, mutual care, and interdependence.
- Our cultural wisdom – uplifting the stories, language, and traditions that bounds us across time and distance.
Contact us today to learn how you can support the campaign.
Volunteer Today
We are always looking for passionate and dedicated volunteers to help us carry out our mission. Whether you have a few hours to spare or want to make a long-term commitment, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference. Contact us today to learn more about volunteering with HmongTown Connections.
campaign Projects
"HmongTown 2.0" - Maplewood
Integrating learning programs, community spaces, and events into the development of Pan Asian Center.
Hmong American Museum
The development of a museum inside Maplewood Mall featuring historical and modern-day Hmong history and accomplishments that honors the past and inspires the future. We are currently seeking stories, artifacts, artwork, exhibits and milestone achievements to be featured in the museum. We are especially interested in collaborating with m
The development of a museum inside Maplewood Mall featuring historical and modern-day Hmong history and accomplishments that honors the past and inspires the future. We are currently seeking stories, artifacts, artwork, exhibits and milestone achievements to be featured in the museum. We are especially interested in collaborating with mission aligned groups and organizations; acknowledging the power of our collective efforts.
Hilltribe Hemp Village
Hilltribe Hemp Village
The development of 20 acres in Afton, MN into a hemp-to-Hmong textile demonstration farm replicating traditional tools and weaving practices found in Southeast Asia Hmong villages. We are currently seeking knowledge keepers of this craft to serve on the planning and design committee.