This past October, dozens of ri-Majel advocates from across the US said “Howdy, aolep!” to the 2025 National Marshallese Community Coalition (NMCC) Annual Leadership Summit held in Cleburne, Texas. Every year since 2022, current and future Marshallese community leaders convene in different host communities for a week-long training and capacity development summit hosted by the NMCC, a nation-wide Marshallese advocacy network based in the US. According to NMCC Executive Director Kelani Silk, “This groundbreaking initiative is the first of its kind among Pacific nations, where government and non-government organizations join hands to ensure equitable sustainability for those serving their communities.”
This time around, over 70 participants representing some 43 different organizations from states including Iowa, Ohio, Arizona, Oregon, Oklahoma, Utah, California, Hawaii (Oahu and Kuai), and Arkansas were in attendance, most for their very first time. Over five days, attendees learned the ins-and-outs of starting and managing nonprofit organizations and gained hands-on skills for carrying out local projects geared toward improving life for Marshallese throughout the US. The Summit also serves as a key space for sharing ideas, comparing successes, and for maintaining invaluable network ties across Marshallese-led organizations in between formal sessions. Even RMI government officials came this year to show their support for the NMCC initiative with Ambassador Charles Paul, and Consulate General staff from Oregon and Arkansas all taking part. Even Honorable Vice Speaker Isaac Zackhras joined the closing ceremony to share in the remarkable occasion.
One thing that really stood out this year was the number of ri-Majel presenters, who far outnumbered ribelle speakers (like me). Several presenters, including people like Cassidy Matthews and Billma Peter, originally started out as newbies in past Summits. Now, these up-and-coming leaders have taken the mic to share with others their success and strategies.
Marshallese Community Leaders Convene for First-Ever Advocacy Summit – Chikin Meļeļe
Finally, conferences like this one cannot happen without a great deal of hard work and preparation behind the scenes. NMCC leaders, and members of Texas based groups like Koba Maron Texas spent many months planning the endless details that made this year’s Summit a total success. This tireless work was complemented by the support of ri-Texas who also made sure that all attendees were welcome and well fed (special shout out to the delicious Marshallese take on Texas brisket BBQ!). According to Silk, “Love work isn’t always easy work, but when guided by passion, persistence, and unwavering commitment, the seeds we plant today promise a future of lasting fruition for generations to come.”
Following the success of this year, initial plans are already underway for next year’s summit. A few eager groups from Ohio and Hawaii have already put forward their names for consideration as host communities. Wherever the Summit ends up next year, it’s sure to be an event you won’t want to miss!
