Congressional meetings
Direct meetings with representatives and staff to explain community priorities and legislative proposals.
Support that meets people where they are.
From a family's first months in a new country to the next generation's civic leadership, KOA's programs cover the full arc of community life.
Education Program
Helping Karen families navigate life in a new country, from early arrival needs to longer-term community connection.
Specific services, locations, and schedules are being confirmed.
Civic engagement & cultural preservation
We run cultural events, language classes, and civic programming that help Karen Americans stay connected to their heritage while participating fully in American civic life.
Language classes · Cultural events · Civic participation
Karen New Year event details are being confirmed.
National Youth Advocacy Program
NYAP gives young Karen Americans the history, advocacy skills, and networks to represent their community — from local civic life to federal policy conversations in Washington, D.C.
Program elements and upcoming sessions are being confirmed.
Advocacy
Carrying Karen voices into U.S. policy.
KOA engages Congress and federal agencies directly on legislation and policy affecting Myanmar and Burma and the Karen people — and helps community members make their own voices heard.
The BRAVE Burma Act
Current priority
The supplied KOA draft records that the BRAVE Burma Act (H.R. 3190) passed the U.S. House of Representatives on February 9, 2026. KOA has been engaging members of Congress and their staff to build support for the bill and explain what it would mean for the Karen people and the broader situation in Myanmar and Burma.
A plain-language bill summary and the next legislative step are awaiting confirmation.
How we work
KOA meets with congressional offices, participates in briefings, and shares community perspective on legislation and policy affecting Myanmar and Burma, including humanitarian access along the Thai–Myanmar border.
Cross-border engagement
Coordinate a joint effort with humanitarian partners by assisting those working along the Thai–Myanmar border.
Public education
Helping policymakers and the public understand the history and current reality facing the Karen people.
Take action
A representative contact guide and upcoming briefing details are being prepared.
Advocacy travel, briefings, and staff time rely on community support.
Bring a program to your community
Want to bring a program to your community? Reach out and we'll help figure out what fits.
