Events
Academic Discussion with Parents in Keene, Texas - On Friday, January 13, 2023
MANIT's Community Coordinator, Ernest Aaron, attended a meeting called by the Keene Independent School District. Most of the parents who attended were from the Marshallese community. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss with families the programs provided through Title III and the roles parents can play to help their children excel in their academics. Other issues discussed at the meeting were the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS) and the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR).
Enra Bwe Jen Lale Rara! - Salem, Oregon & Tigard, Oregon on December 24, 2022
Enra bwe jen lale rara! It is a cultural practice in the Marshall Islands where families enact compassion through sharing food. Enra is a hand-weaved basket made from coconut leaves and used as a plate to share and distribute food. On Christmas eve, MANIT and its partners distributed over 160 turkeys to Marshallese families in Clackamas, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, and Washington Counties. Non-Marshallese families who came by the Christmas Food Drive also got a turkey. MANIT wants to thank everyone for their support, our partners who helped organize the event and all the volunteers who helped distribute food to families. Kommool tata
A Tradition to Honor All Who Served - Salem, Oregon, November 11, 2022
"We are more than just two Pacific nations — we are family. I'd also like to recognize so many citizens of the Republic of the Marshall Islands for their proud record of service in the U.S. armed forces. Per capita, more Marshallese serve in the U.S. military than residents of many states." - Lloyd J. Austin III, Secretary of Defense for the United States of America
Manit (Culture) Day 2022 - Monmouth, Oregon, October 01, 2022
Manit Day 2022 was a success. The event lured Marshallese residents from other states. The President of the Marshall Islands, David Kabua, and a few government officials stopped in Oregon before returning to the Marshall Islands after a series of meetings at the United Nations and Washington DC.
There were a dozen or more tents where people could buy Marshallese handicrafts, fragrances, island foods, and many more. "Today was the first time we saw Marshallese people from other states, all over Oregon and the Marshall Islands, gathering together," said a resident who has lived in Oregon for nearly 40 years.
Traditional games, local performances, and local songs were also part of the festivities. People of all ages participated, and Monmouth and Independence community members also joined the fun. The event was open to the public.
Responding to COVID-19 in the Marshall Islands
Kom̗m̗ool (thank you) to the donors and supporters who made it possible for MANIT to provide PPEs to the Marshall Islands. The PPEs were sent/shipped to the Public Schools System (PSS) in the Marshall Islands for PSS to distribute to all the schools in the country.
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Community Health Clinics
Get vaccinated, and your vitals, blood pressure, and diabetes checked!
Wednesday, October 12, 2022 @ 12pm to 3pm
Wednesday, October 26, 2022 @ 12pm to 3pm
Wednesday, November 09, 2022 @ 12pm to 3pm (Northern Oregon)
Wednesday, November 23, 2022 @ 12pm to 3pm
Wednesday, December 07 2022 @ 12pm to 3pm
Wednesday, December 21, 2022 @ 12pm to 3pm
December 18, 2021 Vaccine Event
Salem, Oregon - On Saturday, December 18, 2021, the Marshallese American Network for Interacting Together (MANIT) and the Oregon Kwajalein Community hosted a four-hour vaccination event with the help of the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the vaccination team from Willamette Family Medical Center. A handful of people not only Marshallese were able to get their vaccines at the event at the Family Worship and Prayer Center on 4762 Portland Rd. NE Salem, OR 97305.
December 4, 2021 Inaugural Ceremony
Salem, Oregon - On Saturday, December 4, 2021, the Marshallese American Network for Interacting Together (MANIT) held their Official Inaugural Ceremony at the Salem Convention Center. High-level Government Representatives made statements from the Marshall Islands, including Oregon's local and state representatives. All the speakers touched on the importance of getting the vaccine to stay safe from the new variant and possibly future variants.
MANIT also hosted a six-hour vaccination event with the help of the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Hi-School Pharmacy, Childhood Health Associates of Salem, and the Oregon PeaceWorks. Nearly 200 people from the Marshallese population and other ethnic groups in the capital city got their COVID-19 vaccines, booster shots, and pediatric shots. Salem's Mayor Chuck Bennet received his booster shot at the event. MANIT will hold another vaccination event on December 18, 2021, at the Family Worship and Prayer Center (4762 Portland Rd. NE Salem, OR 97305).
November 20, 2021 Vaccine Event
Tigard, Oregon - On Saturday, November 20, 2021, the Marshallese American Network for Interacting Together (or MANIT; the acronym means ‘culture’ or ‘tradition’ in Marshallese) in association with the Marshallese Women’s Education and Health Network (MWEHN), conducted a vaccine event at the Church of the Latter-Day Saints located on 11065 SW North Dakota St. in Tigard, Oregon. Sixty-four adults received the vaccine or booster shots, eight children received pediatric doses, and twenty-nine people received flu shots. Safeway vaccinator Nisse Peng was kept busy all day administering the vaccinations. Thank you, Nisse! Ana Hernandez-Garcia from the self-sufficiency Office in Tigard, Oregon, was at the event to provide information about available programs. Oregon Health Authority’s Michael Yu attended the event and received his booster. Clanny Glanry (FlavahC), a popular Marshallese artist, performed music. Komol tata (Thank you!) to Meilly Lakjohn and Bishop Ken Chesler for helping MANIT host a successful event.
November 13, 2021 Vaccine Event
La Grande, Oregon - On Saturday, November 13, 2021, the Marshallese American Network for Interacting Together (MANIT) collaborated with the Micronesian Islander Community (MIC) to conduct a public vaccine event in La Grande, Oregon. Many community members received COVID-19 vaccines, boosters, and flu shots. Clanny “FlavahC” Glanry, a popular Marshallese singer, provided entertainment at the event. The pastor of the Lighthouse Church, which many Marshallese people in La Grande attend, received his first vaccine dose. This was the first event at which vaccines were available to Marshallese children ages 5 to 12. It was also the first time members of the Marshallese community have used the Community Connections venue (Komol tata Union County Manager Audrey Smith for making this possible!). The following organizations and individuals were present at the event: Northeast Oregon Network (NEON), the Regional Outreach Coordinator for the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and the OHA Regional COVID-19 Testing Coordinator and his team. A follow-up event at which people can receive their second dose and booster is planned for December 11, 2021. Thank you to everyone for coming out to support this event and protecting yourself and your loved ones by getting vaccinated!
October 2021 COVID-19 Vaccine Event
Tigard, Oregon - On Saturday, October 23, 2021, the Marshallese American Network for Interacting Together (MANIT) and Marshallese Women’s Education and Health Network (MWEHN) conducted a COVID-19 vaccine event. It was the first time that the Moderna Booster was available to everyone. The event had a good turnout despite the rain and cold weather. For those who received their first vaccine shot, the follow-up event will also be on November 20, 2021, in Tigard. Boosters for Moderna and Pfizer will also be available.