INSIDE:
NEWS/STORIES/ARTICLES
Book Reviews
Columns/Opinion/Cartoon
Films
International
National
NW/Local
Recipes
Special A.C.E. Stories
Online Paper (PDF)
NW RESOURCE GUIDE
Archives
Consulates
NW Job Market
Organizations
Scholarships
Special Sections
Upcoming
The Asian Reporter Twelfth
Annual Scholarship & Awards Banquet -
April 23, 2010
May 15, 2010
Asian Reporter Info
AR Merchandise
Contact Us
Subscription Info. & Back
Issues
ASIA LINKS
Asian Studies
Currency Exchange
More Asian Links
Public Holidays
Time Zones
Copyright © 2000 - 2010
AR Home
My Turnby Maileen Hamto |
 |
From The Asian Reporter, V19, #19 (May 19, 2009), page 6 & 16.
Asserting power through collective action
Power is never given," Oregon senator Margaret Carter told a group of Asian and Pacific Islanders (API) gathered at the Oregon Capitol for the first-ever API Legislative Day, organized by the Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO) and the Oregon Commission on Asian Affairs (OCAA).
"Volunteer to sit on committees. Become involved. Be heard. Be seen," said senator Carter, the first African American elected to the Oregon senate, urging the intergenerational, pan-Asian group to continue to raise its engagement in civic and political affairs. "It’s really exciting seeing so many of your community members here."
Indeed, the level of excitement among the 77 Asian Pacific Americans who gathered May 8 was contagious. The event was organized by APANO, an ever-expanding web of community leaders, students, activists, and professionals committed to lending a bigger voice for API issues statewide. Led by co-chairs Pam Phan and June Arima Schumann, APANO activities are organized by a group of volunteers and interns managed by Joseph Santos-Lyons, a community advisor for the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO).
It was amazing to witness the coming together of API Legislative Day, which sprang from the labor of love of dedicated volunteers. The event brought together people from 16 different ethnic backgrounds to advocate for common issues of concern: healthcare, state budget cuts, and immigration and civil rights. Carol Suzuki and Liani Reeves — who serve on the Oregon Commission on Asian Affairs — set up more than 20 small-group meetings among community members and state legislators and their staff.
APIs are the second-fastest growing community of color, next only to Latinos. Despite growing numbers and increasing economic power, Asians remain relatively invisible in politics and public-policy circles. APANO’s grassroots approach to community organizing takes a page from President Obama’s successful campaign. In 2008, APANO expanded its base of supporters by intensifying recruitment efforts among college-age youth. The group continued to work closely with community leaders who established the group 10 years ago. Outgoing board chair Thach Nguyen, Dr. Phyllis Lee, manong Simeon Mamaril, Asian Reporter publisher Jaime Lim, and others were among the founding members of the advocacy group.
API Legislative Day offered an opportunity for state lawmakers to see the diversity of API groups in Oregon. Delegates came from newcomer communities as well as families that have been in the U.S. for three generations or more. Even the diversity of API religious traditions was represented: The invocation was led by Rev. Lafitaga Lafitaga Jr. of the Ekalesia Samoa Ati A’E United Church of Christ in Milwaukie and the Venerable Phra Arjan Subin, Abbot of the Wat Buddha Oregon in Turner, Oregon.
For me, the most heartening part of the experience was attending a meeting with the Zomi community, newcomers from Burma, led by Pastor King Mang Zam. The delegation had a chance to talk about the unique challenges faced by the new community as families move in and adapt to life in America. The Burmese community in Portland counts among them the most recent crop of newcomers escaping civil war from Southeast Asia. Many young people have spent years in refugee camps in Thailand and Malaysia with little access to formal schooling.
The Zomi delegation includes a number of high school students, many of whom are only now being exposed to civic lessons in their new country. This is the kind of stuff no social studies class can teach: being part of community and coming together to advocate for common concerns.
APANO leaders are planning additional civic engagement events this year, including listening circles to focus on issues specific to particular communities.
An upcoming opportunity to meet APANO members and volunteers is the annual Portland-metro membership and network meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, June 16 from 7:00 to 8:30pm at the office space shared by APANO and Organizing People, Activating Leaders, located at 2407 S.E. 49th Avenue (south of S.E. Division Street) in Portland. Kurt Jun, the Portland Public Schools workforce diversity director, will serve as keynote speaker. Members and interested friends are encouraged to attend; childcare and dinner are provided.
To learn more, or to get involved, visit <www.apano.org>.