SMCO

INTRODUCTION

Many members of the Somalis and minority ethnic communities are already doing well in United States today. But the picture is by no means uniform. Many still suffer particularly poor outcomes in education, employment, health and other life chances, for a complex mixture of reasons, including racial discrimination, lack of opportunities, inadequate thought in how public services address the needs of different communities, the neighborhoods they live in, longstanding lack of skills and cultural factors.

Somali Media and Cultural Organization is committed to improving the life chances of all members of society, particularly those suffering disadvantage. Over the last 4 years, we have made enormous progress in building effective ethnic media including: community radio programming, web sites, newspaper, magazine and mailing lists based in central Ohio. We conducted studies and designed appropriate programs to wards the economic development and community growth. To improving educational opportunities we assisted a group of youth immigrants enroll local high schools and colleges through counseling. We are making huge strides in participating state level health care reforms networks.

MISSION

The Somali Media and Cultural Organization (SMCO) is a viable 501(c)(3). Our mission is to establish, develop and advance healthy and secure communities, promoting a greater awareness and understanding of immigrant history and culture. By bridging the gap between the immigrant communities and wider American society, SMCO promotes understanding and social empowerment through research, advocacy and education.

VISION

SOMCO aims to play a leading and contributing role as a community life-style improvement facilitator, through media awareness, cultural education, in collaboration with the governmental and non-governmental agencies. With the same aim to provide and facilitate an inclusive, comprehensive and effective settlement program for Somali people.

VALUES

SMCO believes in the importance of civil society organizations (CSOs) as an independent actors working for growth and development in the society. Acknowledge the diversity of the American communities in Ohio. Responsive to the felt needs of Somali individuals and communities in Ohio

SMCO also believes that Non-governmental Organization (NGOs) Values of social justice, empowerment and participation of the poorest and most marginalized groups need to be protected and extended within the wider society.

SMCO believes in the value of partnership with both public and private sectors, and will work with both public and private sectors where appropriate for all stake holders.

SMCO’s work will always be transparent, accountable and of the highest professional standards. We are faithful to the purpose for which resources are entrusted to us and manage them in a manner that brings maximum benefit to the Somali individuals and communities

SMCO Strategic programs

1. Improving life Chances, Strengthening Society

• Building Awareness through media application by promoting the open exchange of ideas, information and research among communities.
  
• Improvement in education where every child gets the best start in life.
  
• Promoting good citizenship: understanding the terms and conditions of being a good citizen in this country.
• Financial Literacy: Understanding the basics of the US financial system and how to mange financial resources are also essential ingredients to economic integration.
• Health Education: We will  offer culturally appropriate health education programs on diverse topics such as HIV/AIDS, obesity, diabetes, and mental health.

2. Bringing Communities together through Sports and Cultural events

3. Strengthening civil society organization to serve the community better

4. Building community cohesion and having a stake in the wider society

ACTIVITIES

SMCO has been serving the community since 2007. We have been instrumental in placing the youth of local immigrant communities into education institutions and improving language transitions. SMCO developed a successful campaign, sponsored by the Columbus Health Department, improving communications for child vaccinations and successfully preparing locals to combat arthropod infestations (e.g. bedbugs).

We currently produce the Friday Bulletin English/Somali newspaper and Luuliyo radio program hosted on WCRS 102.1 (and 89.3) FM in Columbus, Ohio.  We also maintain Somali websites designed for community updates connecting them to the global Somali community. SMCO organizes forums and campaigns addressing the needs and security for not only the Somali community but all “New American” communities.