Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota TAFM
Become a Member
Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota’s (TAFM) operation depends on financial support from the Tibetan community and its supporters. Your annual membership fees help the TAFM organize its many programs and add to the richness of Twin Cities’ cultural diversity. TAFM’s basic membership fee is $50 annually.
Ever since the inception of the TAFM in 1992, members have been paying an annual membership dues to meet the operational costs of the foundations center and its many activities. Basic membership fee of $50 was approved by the members in a General Body meeting in 2019. At various social, cultural or religious events, TAFM initiates Membership Drive to register new members. We encourage current members to reach out to their friends and relatives to become members.
The survival of the Tibetan identity and culture in the state of Minnesota depends very much on our allegiance and membership to the organization.
Membership Level and Fee:
- $50 – Basic Membership
- $75 – Supporter
- $150 – Benefactor
- $300 – Patron
Benefits of Paying Membership Dues:
- I am the TAFM! I own the Center! Let’s pay for its upkeep.
- Voting right – Members enjoy voting right to participate in the election of TAFM Board of Directors. Members must have both TAFM membership and Dhanglang Chatrel (Green Book) dues paid to date to be eligible as voting members.
- Receive reduced fees for Tibetan Culture School and Performing Arts enrollment for your children.
- Discount entry fees for events as designated by TAFM Board of Directors.
- Discount TAFM hall rental for personal use like birthdays, graduations and others deemed proper by TAFM.
How to Pay for Membership Dues:
- Visit TAFM office and register in person. Tibetans and non-Tibetan friends are welcome to visit our office during business hours of Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. New comers to the Twin Cities who are interested to be part of the TAFM are welcome to tour our facility and be guided by our office manager.
- For further information, contact, TAFM Office Ph: 651-917-9556 or office@tibetanclass.com
- Click here to make a secure online payment.
Danglang Chatrel (Green Book)
The governing members of the Tibetan Freedom Movement convened its preliminary General Assembly in Dharamsala on July 30, 1972. One of the landmark decision was the tabling and passage of a resolution pertaining to the procedures for payment of Chatrel, a monthly voluntary contribution to the Central Tibetan Administration by all Tibetans.
It was resolved during the meeting that to look after the present and future welfare of Tibetan people, a firm and stable government was a must and that this would only be possible if a regular source of finance could be arranged. Therefore, meeting delegates resolved that beginning from August 1, 1972 every Tibetan above the age of six would be required to make annual contributions in the form of Chatrel as per rate stipulated. Those who are employed is required to pay additional Chatrel based on a certain percentage of monthly salary. Meeting delegates also viewed the payment of annual Chatrel as signifying the recognition of Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) as the legitimate representative of all Tibetans.
On the basis of the resolution passed in the July 30, 1972 meeting of the Tibetan Freedom Movement, the 11th Assembly of Tibetan People’s Deputy formally adopted a law on the Chatrel in its April 1, 1992 meeting. The payment of Chatrel is a responsibility of all Tibetans as enshrined in article 13 of the Charter of the Tibetans in exile.
Green Book
Tibetans contributing Chatrel are issued a Green Book. This book has over the years in effect become the passport of the exiled Tibetans to claim their rights from the CTA. Also in future it will become a base to claim Tibetan citizenship. Today, it is used for school admission, school or university scholarship, and employment within the exiled community. Payment of the voluntary contribution is a condition to gain voting rights in parliamentary elections.
Goals and Needs:
The existence of Chatrel symbolizes the Tibetan people’s recognition of CTA as their legitimate representative. Chatrel payment exhibits Tibetan people’s support for CTA’s financial needs until Tibet regains freedom. A Chatrel fund is an important source of revenue for CTA and it goes towards supporting various projects and activities benefiting the exiled Tibetan community.
Chatrel Rates
Age Rates (Annually)
6 to 17 years US $12
Students and Unemployed US $46
18 plus and employed US $96