The Tibetan and Himalayan welfare associations of New York City coordinated a town hall meeting and resource fair in collaboration with the New York City Mayor’s office on Wednesday.
Kunchok Dolma, a Tibetan American staff member at Mayor Bill de Blasio's office took the initiative to get city hall’s approval in organizing the conversation between city officials and Tibetan-Americans, and others from the Himalayan region who now call the New York metropolitan area home.
The meeting was attended by more than 500 people, which included Tibetans, Sherpas, Mustangs, and representatives of the Tibetan Women’s Association and Adikhaar, an organization that assists and trains Nepali-speaking community in the area.
“The aim of the meeting was to introduce resources and opportunities to the Himalayan community, and increase their coordination and engagement within the society,” said Phurbu Tsering, board member of the Tibetan Association of New York and New Jersey.
He added that the meeting proved especially helpful for newcomers to the city, since officials from at least seven departments of the mayor’s office briefed attendees on available municipal benefits and how to access them.