Boat People SOS

Volunteer Opportunities: Yes

History

BPSOS (Boat People SOS., Inc.), the nation’s largest Vietnamese-American community organization, has deep roots in the community. Founded in 1980 as a volunteer group conducting rescue-at-sea missions during the boat people exodus, the organization has grown into a national network of 8 office locations across the U.S., three locations in Asia, and approximately 60 staff.

From the boat people exodus to Hurricane Katrina to the Gulf Coast Oil Spill, BPSOS has been regarded as a game-changing non-profit. It has earned the trust and respect of the people and among stakeholders for its unique ability to respond effectively in times of crisis and to provide long-term solutions to social issues. Today BPSOS focuses its domestic operation in five areas of focus: direct services, advocacy, community development and organizing, research, and media.

On the international front, BPSOS has rescued or assisted in the rescue of close to 11,000 victims of modern-day slavery, protected the rights of over 20,000 refugees, and contributed to the development of civil society in many Asian countries. In 2011 the President and Speaker of the House of the Republic of China (Taiwan) presented BPSOS the Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award.

Over the years, BPSOS has served well over 150,000 Vietnamese refugees and immigrants. In the last 12 months our different operations served a total of 27,550 individuals in the U.S. alone.

In 2011, BPSOS launched a national movement to build the Vietnamese American community — one born out of misfortune — into a model of civic engagement, political empowerment, economic development, and social integration has begun

Mission

“To empower, organize and equip Vietnamese individuals and communities in their pursuit of liberty and dignity”