Chin Youth Organization of North America
Chin Youth Organization of North America
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ABOUT US
Who We Are
The Chin Youth Organization of North America is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the growing Chin youth population in North America, with particular emphasis on working towards the youth's individual and collective development.
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Our 4Ps derived from our deeply held
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Core Values
Our Impact
70,000+ Chins
As of 2019, there are over 70,000 Chin population in the United States. CYONA focuses on providing the need of Chin American communities since 2001.
2,000+ Youths
CYONA's 11th Biennial Convention convened in Columbus, OH, attracting over 2,000 Chin youths.
25 Local Chapters
We have 25 local chapters across the United States and Canada.
About the Chin People
Who are the Chin People?
The Chins are one of the major ethnic groups in Myanmar (Burma). About 80% of Chins are Christians according to minorityrights.org.
Where is Chin State?
The Chin State is a mountainous region of western Burma, bordering Northeast India and Bangladesh.
Why did the Chins become refugees?
Since the 1960s, Burma has been governed by a military junta. Assimilation and repression of the Chin people were carried out by the military, which resulted in numerous and often violent conflicts. The junta have tried to coerce the Chins, to convert to the country's majority Buddhist faith and otherwise "Burmanize" the Chin population.
Where are the Chins residing now?
478,801 Chins living in Myanmar according to the 2014 census. Globally, there are about 30,000 Chin refugees in Malaysia and 3,300 in India registered with UNHCR.
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Today, a large population of the Chins are residing in the United States, Canada, Australia, Norway, and Denmark.
Key Events About The Chin People
Leadership Team
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President
Van Lal Lian
Master of Science in Analytics at the University of Southern California
Vice President
Bawi Hlei Mang
Documentation Specialist
Member
Sui Len Par
Bachelor of Science in Political Science, Philosophy & International Law at the Indiana University Bloomington
Secretary
Susan Van Hnem Sung
Marketing Analyst
Assistant Secretary
Bawi Hnin Thang
Product Designer
Member
Za Tin Par
Sales Executive
Treasurer
Duh Cem Thang
Assistant Rental Manager
Assistant Treasurer
Nay Chele
Master of Arts in Communication and Journalism at the University of Southern California