Statement of Need: When the Compact of Free Association Treaty between the United States and the Federated States of Micronesia was ratified in 1987 it opened up the US borders to citizens of Micronesia. Since then there has been a steady migration of Micronesians to the United States including large numbers of Fanapi outer islanders. The largest concentration of Fanapi islanders live and work in Hawaii, Guam, Texas, Oregon, Missouri, Tennessee, and the FSM capital of Pohnpei. They have formed regional associations to empower themselves. Increasingly these associations have expressed the desire to help their home islands. Yet, there has not been a formal structure of community organizing and mobilization of these associations. As Compact funding continues to decrease and financial sustainability becomes a real issue, it is imperative that the Fanapi diaspora are organized and empowered to actively engage in addressing the needs back in their home islands in educational reform, preventative healthcare, community development, and economic empowerment.
Program Objectives: The Overseas Community Engagement Program aims to develop culturally-informed, regionally-focused consultations and training for the fanapi island communities and associations abroad to engage them in the various needs in their home islands.
Funding Need: Funds are needed to support transportation for trainers, printing expenses for training materials, and in some locations, training facilities rental.
