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We make up every day to truly horrific developments which are displayed endlessly in the media on a global scale. Distraught speculation of the inevitable yet expected “clash of civilizations” has been voiced more than ever. The fact became obvious especially after the tragic event 9/11.
In the face of this ongoing negativity that had captured our globe, Northern Lights Society (NLS) was founded by Turkish-Minnesotans in 2001 to promote interfaith dialogue, eliminate the prejudices and misunderstandings between people and cultures. Since 2001, Northern Lights Society served both Turkish and American people by organizing special day celebrations, community gatherings, interfaith dinners, lecture series, and intercultural events. NLS brought thousands of people together from different backgrounds, religions, and cultures in the Twin Cities area until 2010. However, the board has decided to divide the NLS into two separate organizations, Niagara Foundation of Minnesota (NFM) and Turkish American Society of Minnesota (TASMN), by 2010 based on the feedback they received from the community. Niagara Foundation, a well known Chicago based non-profit organization, has been a sister organization of NLS which share the same mission and vision for a long time. In 2010, NLS board decided to merge their capabilities with Niagara Foundation and started to serve the community as a branch of Niagara Foundation in Minnesota. NLS board has also established a new organization, Turkish American Society of Minnesota, to serve the Turkish-American community in Minnesota. |
