Meet Tha Par, Executive Director, Burma Center of Battle Creek

Tha Par, Burma Center

Tha Par is the Executive Director of the Burma Center in Battle Creek, MI. She earned a B.A. and M.S.W. from the University of Michigan. Before her involvement with the Burma Center, Tha co-founded a consulting firm that specialized in equity and inclusion training.

 

What is the mission of the Burma Center?

The Burma Center serves refugees, primarily from Burma, and other countries, and helps them to thrive within American culture.

 

How does the Burma Center fulfill that mission?

The Burma Center recently did a needs assessment that helped us develop a five-year plan. That plan includes five focal areas. One is on our infrastructure, our physical building, our capacity, our financial strength and our staff.

Second is a strong commitment to engagement across Burma’s ethnic and tribal groups, as well as the Black, Latinx, and other communities. Like activities linked to getting out the vote, the US Census, and being a bridge between cultures.

Third, is an emphasis on health and wellness. With a focus on the prevention of diabetes and hypertension. We’re currently working with the Calhoun County Public Health Department to help with access to the Covid-19 vaccine.

Fourth, is education and career navigation. We’re sensitive to the needs of first-generation immigrants and want them to successfully complete K through 12^th grades. We offer virtual tutoring and social/emotional learning.

Fifth is family empowerment. We realize there is a generational gap between Burmese parents and their children. We want to support parents and their kids in building healthy relationships with each other. We also help recent immigrants navigate the legal system with the naturalization process.

 

What Do You Wish More People Understood About the Burmese residents in Battle Creek?

First, I’d say don’t be afraid of us. When you’re building relationships [among various groups] life is better. Relationships happen when you love and grow together, with all members of the community.

 

What Could You Tell Us About the Military Coup in Burma That Occurred on February 1^st?

What America felt on January 6^th [when armed insurrectionists rioted at the US Capitol building, forcefully gaining entrance] is what we’ve been feeling since February 1^st.

It’s important to recognize that most of the Burmese residents in Battle Creek are only one or one-and-a-half generations removed from living in Burma. Many of us fled Burma for safety reasons [related to political or religious oppression]. So, what happened on February 1^st is very important to us.

Support us in our fight to promote democracy in Burma. Advocate [by contacting your elected officials] asking them for the U.S. to intervene against the coup.

[On February 1^st, the military of Burma took over the government, contesting the results of a recent national election, claiming voter fraud. There has been no evidence to substantiate this claim. Aung San Suu Kyi, who had been serving as Burma’s State Counselor since April of 2016, was placed under house arrest. Military commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing has taken over the Burmese government as leader of the coup. According to the BCC, “he has received international condemnation and sanctions for his alleged role in the military’s attacks on ethnic minorities.”]

 To date, over 940 individuals have been killed by the Burmese military, including 40 children.

What About Your Own Background?

I was on the Board of the Burma Center since 2019, when Martha Thawnghmung, one of the founders of the Center, retired. I’ve been full-time Executive Director since October 2020.

I’ve very grateful for the opportunity to work with so many supporters and funders and see the positive effects of community collaboration. But I will tell you, navigating the [Covid-19) pandemic has been stressful.

 

How Can Readers Support the Burmese Center?

Financial support is always welcome! This includes support for our youth and health and wellness initiatives.

Right now, the most urgent issue is responding to what’s happening in Burma [the military coup] by asking U.S. elected officials to intervene. We need an effective U.S. strategy that explores all options to stop the coup. Sanctions are not enough.

 

Is There Anything Else You’d Like to Mention?

One critical need right now in Burma is food. A lot of workers in Burma are paid daily, but the military coup has disrupted life and many are not able to work. The Burma Center is currently formulating a response to this specific need.

To make a donation to the Burma Center, click here.

To view a copy of the Burma Center's 5-Year Strategic Plan, click here.

Update on Protests in Burma

Over 220,000 Burmese have now been forced to flee Burma as the military coup fighting intensifies. See NYTimes article 12-30-21. 

Resistance to Burman's military coup continues to fight while hiding out in jungle. See NYTimes article 9-14-21.

The leaders of Burma's military coup announced the state of emergency will be extended until 2023. Over 900 people had been killed during the current state of civil unrest. Covid-19 is ravaging Burma.  See NYTimes article 8-1-21.

United Nations' General Assembly passed a resolution Friday, denouncing the military coup in Burma. See NYTimes article 6/25/21

Since Feb. 1 over 770 individuals have been killed by Burma military. Banks and other businesses remain shut in protest. See NYTimes article 5/7/21

Since Feb. 1, over 550 individuals have been killed by Burma military. Including 40 children. See NY Times article 4/4/21

How dictatorships, like Burma's work. From NY Times. 4/2/21.

New York Times reports that over 200 people have been killed during the on-going Burma protest against the military takeover. Additionally, the general strike continues to cripple the Burmese economy.

BBC reports on March 12, that over 50 people have been killed, to date, during the Burma protests. According to Amnesty International, the military are tactics and weapons banned under international law.

Nikkei Asia News has reported several updates on the Burma protests. 

On March 3rd, according to United Nations officials, 38 people were killed in the protests against the military takeover of Burma's government. On March 5th the U.N.'s Security Council will be meeting to determine a course of action that the U.N. might take. Read the N.Y. Times update here.

Another Update: The importance of women in the anti-coup protests (published March 4). From the New York Times.

Update from Aljazeera News March 6. Protestors continue to call for the release of Aung San Suu Kayi, whose party won the November election in a landslide, but the military has rejected the results and jailed her. Civil servants who are protesting risk being fired on March 8th.

Lessons from Covidland

Abbott In the Box

It's been a year since Covid-19 hit the world.

During this time, there's been ample opportunity to learn some life-lessons. Reluctantly, or otherwise. What follows are a few.

It's the little things that tend to upset us.

Things like: when Abbott (the cat who lives with me) pees on the carpet. 

In the vast scheme of things, this is definitely not a big deal. But on a bad day, it can seem to be.

Or forgetting how to correctly replace the ink cartridge in the printer. 

Or slipping on the ice on the driveway when trying to kick away a chunk of frozen sludge. 

It's also the little things that bring great joy.

Like watching Abbott peacefully sleep in a delivery box. Silent breathing causing his side to move soothingly up and down. (That's not his regular bed, but for some reason, he likes it).

Or Abbott expectantly trotting into the kitchen when I call him from the living room letting him know that his food is ready!

Or how a fresh, warm wind feels on your face, or a cool breeze.

Sometimes the big things aren't really that important.

Like, defending your choice of organized religion, if you have one.

I don't mean any disrespect. But do we really think that arguing intensely and incessantly about religious preference brings any sort of joy to the Supreme Being?

Plus, didn't Jesus say that, at the end of the day, it's what you do with your beliefs that count, more than what you actually believe? Ditto Mohammad, and Gandhi and a whole lot of other great human beings.

Nature is a great stress-reliever.

This past year, in particular, I'd have to say nature wins, hands down.

The most profound sense of stillness happens outdoors.

This past fall I found myself at Lake Michigan more times than ever before. (I live about 45 minutes away from the Lake, and it is a world-class calm-me-down). The wind, the shore, the massive amount of water, all combine to restore your soul.

And then there's the Bow in the Clouds Nature Preserve (thank you Sisters of St. Joseph for donating these incredible acres of wetlands for perpetual public use.) During one recent walk, I came across three Swan couples, which really helped put things in perspective.

Dave at Canaan/Photo by John Grap

Working with my brother Dave, at Canaan Orchard from mid-Spring through the harvest season in mid-October is also a great way to unwind, exercise and relax. Dave's a great person to hang out with, and being in the orchard, surrounded by a cornfield with him has been a life-saver.

I'm also, slowly, learning that worrying doesn't really help.

This is admitting that I can be a worry-wort. But it's also recognizing a way out of it. Being in control really isn't. Letting go of the need to control is a wonderful way to live.

I've known, for some time, that worrying doesn't change things. But since becoming a senior citizen, it's hard to deny the evidence any longer.

Friendship is important!

Should go without saying, but the past year of limited social contact has taught me not to take friends and family for granted. If you can't see them, Zoom into their lives. Sure, it isn't exactly the same as in-person, but it beats not seeing them at all!

Ever since retirement (pre-Covid), I've learned that energy spent on maintaining friendships is well worth the effort. The past year has only accentuated this lesson.

Meditation works.

I'm not trying to sell you on any particular brand of meditation. Only saying that it helps. Also, a plus, if it involves intentional, deep breathing. (Fans of yoga or tai chi will understand this).

Meditation is simple, easy, and doesn't cost anything but time. (Beware of any practitioner who tries to complicate it. What it boils down to is, sitting down, closing your eyes, focusing, and breathing intentionally.) Just google meditation, or contemplation and pick a style that fits.

Oh, the Benefits of a Sense of Humor!

This is enormous. 

The ability to laugh at life's ironies is an elixir that'll help keep a person sane.

I can't think of a single long-term friend who doesn't share the ability to laugh. 

Not to belabor the point, but who would you rather go on a road trip with - a Crabby Appleton or a person who knows how to laugh with you? 

As Madeline L'Engle said, "A good laugh heals a lot of hurts."

My Faith Isn't In Dogma, Politics, or People

During 2020, the world went through a horrendous year.

Politics. Climate change. Social justice. Covid-19.

On all these fronts, citizens of the Earth were being stretched into the realization that we are in this together. 

As Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "We must learn to live together as brothers [and sisters] or perish together as fools."

This is not a time to dissect dogma and fine-tune doctrine into dictating what virtue looks like.

Keeping this in mind, I was shocked to watch a recent video of a prayer service headed by (white) evangelicals that promoted the idea that our former (45th) president had been picked by God. The duo went on to equate the 45th with Henry VIII. Mentioning that Henry actually was a good leader.

Perhaps the most well-known fact about Henry VIII is that he had six wives. Because he was unsuccessful at having his first marriage (to Catherine of Aragon) annulled, he split from the Catholic Church and set up the Church of England. 

He went on to appoint himself the supreme leader of the Church of England. Establishing a divine right of rule.

He also drove his country into the ground financially because of his extravagant spending habits. In modern terms, he could have been considered a good candidate for bankruptcy.

Henry VIII had many foes executed without formal trials by use of bills of attainer.  

In short, Henry VIII's actions were directly opposed to the Magna Carta (signed by the King of England in 1215).

The parallels between Henry VIII and the 45th president of the U.S. are many and eerie in their blatant show of totalitarianism. 

In sum, these particular evangelical ministers, in seeking to justify the 45th's behavior, pointed to a nefarious example of ineptitude, immorality, and narcissism. Interestingly, although he was popular with his contemporaries initially, as Henry VIII grew older, his dreadful habits of behavior grew worse.

A main point made by one of the preachers was that we shouldn't try "straining a gnat"  but rather stay focused on the "big picture."

So, according to the logic of this sermon, behavior like continual lying, serially cheating on multiple wives, misogyny, racism, deliberately stoking fear and division to the point of encouraging insurrection, and implementing horrendous immigration policies - including separating children from their parents as they crossed the border and putting them in cages - doesn't matter.

What is perplexing is that none of these behaviors are pro-life. 

None of these behaviors are Christian or would find support within the Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist or Hindu faiths.

What's particularly ironic is that this sermon was preached on November 1, 2020. Two days before the presidential election. 

It was preached before the 45th president initiated and fed a two-month-long campaign to erroneously lead his followers to believe that the election had been stolen. Despite the fact that President Biden won the general election by over seven million votes, garnering 306 electoral college votes.

One of these preachers made the statement, like many (white) evangelicals, that they had a prophetic dream that the 45th president would win re-election, implying that the 45th president was deemed by God to win. 

Of course, this sermon was preached two months before the 45th president encouraged a group of his followers to storm the Capitol building - resulting in five deaths and putting the entire Congress at risk.

The 45th president will go down in history as the only president who was impeached twice. He also left office with one of the lowest approval ratings in modern history.

I mention these points of fact as counter-points to (mostly white) evangelicals continuing to believe the lies that the former president perpetrated, aimed at his base, which includes most of the (mostly white) evangelicals in the U.S.

Mahatma Gandhi

Finally, to address the preachers' insistence on not straining gnats, but keeping the big picture in mind: 

My faith isn't in a particular political party.

My faith isn't grounded in dogma. That means I don't worship dogma; but I absolutely have faith in the teachings of Jesus (and other similar teachings, like those of Gandi, Muhammad and Budda).

My faith isn't grounded in a particular human being (i.e. a former president, or any other human). One person can't "save" an entire nation. As a side note: It's a good idea to steer clear from any individual who makes this claim (as the 45th repeatedly did.)

One person cannot possibly contain all truth. That's God's (the Supreme Being's) realm.

Time and time again, history has shown us that we humans get into trouble when we insist that our view is the only legitimate one. Extremism, on any side, is polarizing and counter-productive to working together towards equitable solutions.

All the things that made 2020 such a challenging year (dysfunctional political polarization, climate change, Covid-19, lack of social justice, etc.) cannot be solved without the help of all humans on Earth working together. 

In light of the enormity of the big picture facing the human family, focusing on doctrinal minutiae, while playing the "my faith is more valid than your faith" card seems futile.