ABOUT US
Bloomington Kerala Forum (BKF), established in 2001, is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that promotes cultural Bloomington-Normal Kerala Forum (BKF). BKF’S mission is to actively serve the Malayalee (people from the Southern state of India, Kerala, who speaks the Malayalam language) Community in the Bloomington-Normal and nearby smaller towns in Central, IL; and to promote the awareness of Kerala and its culture in the local community and contributes to the mainstream of American Life.
MISSION STATEMENT
• To serve the people of Kerala origin (people from the Southern state of India, Kerala, who speaks the Malayalam language) in the Bloomington-Normal and nearby towns in Central IL
• To perpetuate, preserve, and maintain the heritage of the people of Kerala origin.
• To create awareness about Kerala’s traditions, culture, and heritage in the local community.
• To promote the Malayalam language among our members
• To assist and promote literary, cultural, educational, religious, social, economic, health and community activities of the people of Kerala origin.
• To solicit, raise, and disburse funds for charitable, cultural, religious, and educational activities directly or in cooperation with other not-for-profit organizations in America.
• Organize events to celebrate festivals and rich traditions of Malayalees.
• To assist people of Kerala origin in need and aid newly arrived Kerala’s to settle in America.
• To encourage 2nd generation youth of Kerala origin to participate in community volunteering and charitable activities.
• Promote leadership, volunteerism, sports, and educational activities for its youth members.
• To promote & educate the youth of Kerala origin and provide them a social forum to experience and appreciate the richness of Kerala/Indian culture and values.
• Organize periodic Kerala literary, educational, youth, and cultural conferences independently or in cooperation with Kerala or other associations.
• Foster understanding and friendship among various Indian organizations in our community and other Malayalee organizations in our community and across the USA, and coordinate social, cultural, charitable, and educational activities to benefit our members.
• To represent the interest of the Kerala community in Bloomington-Normal and serve as its voice.