Paul (OCM) was established in 1985 as a nonprofit community organization in Minnesota. Its activities have increased dramatically in the past few years with the Oromo constituting the second largest refugee group from East Africa in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. There are an estimated 30,000 to 35,000 Oromo in the Twin cities, of which more than 90% are refugee asylees. OCM principally serves
this group of the community. The organization has become more active with a highly committed Board of Directors, dedicated staff and a large number of community members. OCM has a well-functioning administrative structure with a Management Team comprised of board members and the Executive Director working with the staff. Humble Beginnings
The OCM started out as an informal mutual assistance association. It was formally constituted as a community organization in 1985 and became a 501 c3 non-profit organization in 2000. It was created to assist the growing number of Oromo immigrants successfully settle in Minnesota and in the Twin Cities in particular. There are currently upwards of 40,000 Oromo in Minnesota, home to the largest concentration of Oromo outside their homeland. Solidly Rooted
One of the distinct competencies of OCM is that it is solidly rooted within the Oromo community. It was with this strong grassroots support that in 2008 OCM purchased its own community center in St. Paul by mobilizing the community’s own resources. Following several fundraising events, the OCM was able to retire the mortgage on its building on August 31, 2013—making it the first African immigrant community to fully own a community building in the state of Minnesota. A New Milestone
In 2014, OCM reached another milestone. After a lengthy negotiation informed by the best traditions of the Gadaa culture, in which mutual understanding and the spirit of give-and-take are valued, OCM absorbed the programs and activities of the American Oromo Community of Minnesota (AOCM), which had been in existence since 2001. The move not only enabled the community to speak in one voice but also to increase organizational capacity, consolidate resources, and take youth-enrichment programming to new heights. Mission
The OCM’s mission is to enhance the quality of life of the Oromo in Minnesota—the state’s second largest East African immigrant group. Key organizational goals include: expanding access to health, health education; employment counseling, youth enrichment, self-sufficiency, improving seniors’ social engagement, promoting academic excellence, and creating a vibrant and cohesive community where everyone is expected to succeed and live a healthy, engaged, and meaningful life. Governance
The overall governance of OCM is undertaken by a 9-member Board of Directors. A unique feature of OCM is that its board of directors is elected by the members of the community. The board’s term of office is two years. The last election took place on October 6, 2013. OCM is known for accountable and effective leadership, and in doing so it garners the full engagement of its board members, employees and volunteers. It is guided by close oversight of the management and led by clear principles and policies to ensure, accountability, effectiveness and transparency. OCM has stringent financial accountability which ensured its credibility and venerable standing among its peers and donors. Able leadership is another of the hallmarks of OCM. Since its reorganization in 1995, OCM has had seven presidents—Dr. Seifu Shukarey (1995-1996), Ms. Juhara Mohammed (1997-1998), Dr. Nuro Dedefo (1998-2002), Bula Atomsa (2002-2006), Amano Dube (2006-2011), Ms. Ertra Namarra (2011-2013), and Mathias Gudina (2013 to present). Management
The day-to-day management of OCM is carried out by an Executive Director assited by program staff. The Director operates under the supervision of the Management Committee, composed of the president, secretary, treasurer, and the Executive Director (ex officio member). The current Executive Director is Mr.
