From Data to Advocacy, in Every Focus Area
Our Work
1. Gather and Build the Warehouse
We collect public records, agency data and our own community surveys in Somali and English, then clean, connect and secure them so our communities can finally be seen as distinct groups. Every dataset is de-identified, stored with role-based access, and reviewed by our Community Data Council before release.
2. Share Findings
Results go back to the community first, in plain language and in Somali. Then they go out as public dashboards, policy briefs, legislative testimony and research partnerships with universities and agencies.
3. Advocate
We take the evidence to the Minnesota Legislature, state agencies, school boards, health systems and city halls. We never produce analysis that could be used for immigration enforcement, surveillance or profiling of any community.
Our Research Agenda
In progress: Ending the Measles Cycle (Health brief); Counted and Unseen: Somali Americans in Minnesota's Justice Data (Youth report); the Strategic Plan for Somali Student Success, 2027–2031 (Education, draft for community discussion); Integrity and Opportunity, a 24-month plan for fair and honest public programs (Businesses); and A Home for Every Somali Family, a five-year housing plan for 2026–2031 (Housing). Planned: the Somali American Community Health Survey.
Contact us to learn about our data initiatives or partnership opportunities.
Telephone: 651-333-9285 (Fax: 651-204-9510)
E-mail: ashire@iftiincdf.org
Address: 450 Syndicate Street North, Suite 275, Saint Paul, MN 55104