In the U.S. Laotian Americans are frequently involved in a variety of community and charitable efforts in many aspects of their lives. Grassroot networks are one way that many come together to improve conditions in Laos. The emerging California-based Jai Lao Foundation is one example of those networks.

One of the persistent struggles for many Laotian American projects is the lack of funding available from mainstream sources and even from within the Laotian community. In the case of the Jai Lao Foundation, the members strive to improve the quality of schools and education for disadvantaged children in Laos. Additionally, Jai Lao members endeavor to support higher education for the children of Lao refugees living in the United States through the provision of need-based and merit scholarships. A relatively new organization, the Jai Lao Foundation has been building up steam, with members traveling across the US and connecting by social networks such as Facebook to inspire and encourage others to engage in charitable work and to raise funds for meaningful projects that improve the quality of life in Laos and the US. They will be maintaining a website at http://jailao.net with regular updates on their progress.

On Saturday, August 8th, 2009, in California, they’ll be holding their first fundraiser dinner party celebrating Laotian Art and Culture, “One Night In Laos.” The cost to attend is $50 and there will be many fine activities and food for those who attend, including a silent auction and performances by several Laotian American artists and musicians.