The Somali Action Alliance Education Fund (SAAEF) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, was founded in spring of 2007 as an arm of the Somali Action Alliance. The program is set to educate Somali individuals and other interested persons regarding civic engagement, voting rights and responsibilities and participation in democracy.

The Alliance is recognized both within the Somali and mainstream communities as a powerful voice for change.  While new leaders continue to emerge, relationships with allies are strong with launching many successful campaigns.  Their programming includes:

-Leadership Development
-Multi-Issue Community Organizing Organizations/Social Change
-Civic and Voter engagement
-Education Issues-Education Equity
-Immigration-Family Reunification issues
-Health Issues-Data Desegregation

SAAEF has been honored by the Headwaters Foundation in 2008 and 2010 with the Justice Award. The alliance has engaged 1,000 Somali parents and community leaders to lead the reform that could bring high-quality schooling and individualized coaching to the Somali community.

“We are proud to announce the Somali Action Alliance Education Fund as our newest NNAAC member, bringing us to 23 members in 11 states and the District of Columbia.  The Fund works to empower Arab Americans, in particular by working with the Somali community in Minnesota, estimated at 70,000.   By providing leadership and skills building training, and engaging the community in advocacy and civic engagement, they work to ensure that racial injustice practices are stopped in their tracks.  NNAAC is proud to have gained such a wonderful organization as our partner.”

–Nadia Tonova, Director, National Network for Arab American Communities