On Wednesday, December 18, the RMI Consulate Arkansas Outreach Team concluded its 6-day outreach efforts to Marshallese communities in Oklahoma, including Enid, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Ponca City.

The delegation, headed by CG Eldon Alik, from the soon to be opened RMI Consulate in Oregon, First Secretary Cassailis from the RMI Embassy in Washington DC, RMI Consulate-Arkansas’ Outreach Coordinator Ms. Carolina Edwin and M.E.I’s Ms. Rotha Mejbon, met with city officials, school staff and faculty, DHS representatives, community leaders, church pastors, and Marshallese residents.

Oklahoma proved to be very much aware of RMI’s FAS immigration status, as affirmed during meetings with Enid Mayor, Hon. David Mason, and City Manager Jerald Gilbert who stated the importance of a multicultural community, and DHS Representatives Karyssa Franklin, Christie McDonald, Amy Hill, and Angie Bajo who have been very involved in bridging health disparities amongst FAS citizens.

Ms. Jennifer Fields, Enid High School’s Family Resource Coordinator, also proved to be a strong advocate of our Marshallese students as she knew each student by name. CG Eldon and First Secretary Cassailis gave the students a briefing on financial aid opportunities available through the RMI government.

Also highlighting this outreach mission, was personally guided tours of 2 of Enid’s historic buildings, Enid’s Symphony Orchestra Center and the Stride Bank Center, both over a hundred years old, followed by a Marshallese “karweinene” reception by Tyson Foods, organized by Chaplain Phillip and Marshallese employees.

This Outreach initiative which started back in September under the implementation of Ambassador Charles Paul, and carried out by RMI Consulates in Hawaii, Oregon, and Arkansas, is aimed to inform, educate, and connect, not only with marshallese community members and their leaders across the United States, but also with state and local entities to raise awareness of our presence in these communities, as well as our legal status in the US.

The team wishes to recognize the Oklahoma community leaders Terry Mote of Enid’s Micronesian Coalition and Enid Yokwe Yuk Club Acting President Ilanglang Asher, OKC Ibben Dron Club President Lawrence Anjain, Tulsa President Helina Elaisha, Ponca City’s community organizer Chrystal Korok and all the Pastors and members for coming together to coordinate these meetings.