Friday, May 1, 2009

AALDEF: New Report on Asian American Voter Discrimination in 2008 Elections

AALDEF MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, March 19, 2009
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Glenn Magpantay, Staff Att’y, 917.439.3158
Margaret Fung, Exec. Dir., 212.966.5932 x201

***
Asian American Voters Face Discrimination in the 2008 Election
New Report Presented to Congress
Report is available online at www.aaldef.org .

***

Washington, D.C. … The Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF), a 35-year old civil rights organization, today presented Congress with a new report detailing obstacles faced by Asian American voters in eleven states and the District of Columbia in the November 2008 Presidential Elections. The report was delivered at a hearing of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties on “Lessons Learned from the 2008 Election.”

AALDEF’s report, Asian American Access to Democracy in the 2008 Elections, documents violations of the Voting Rights Act and Help America Vote Act (HAVA) and other incidents of anti-Asian voter disenfranchisement from 52 cities across the country. The report is available online at www.aaldef.org .

On Nov. 4, 2008, AALDEF monitored 229 poll sites in 11 states - New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Illinois, Texas, Nevada, Louisiana, Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia - and conducted a multilingual exit poll of 16,665 Asian American voters. AALDEF received more than 800 complaints of voting barriers, which are described in the report.

AALDEF executive director Margaret Fung said, “In the 2008 elections, Asian Americans faced an array of barriers that prevented them from exercising their right to vote.” Some of the problems encountered by Asian American voters include the following:

** Language assistance, such as interpreters or translated voting materials, if any, was far from adequate. Some poll workers were completely unaware of their legal responsibilities or outright refused to make language assistance available to voters.

For example, at a poll site near Chinatown, NY, only one interpreter was available to assist hundreds of Chinese American voters. A poll site in Dorchester, MA was missing legally required Vietnamese provisional ballots. Boston only had partially translated ballots where candidates’ names were not transliterated into Chinese. Chinese voters had difficulty identifying their candidates of choice. Philadelphia voluntarily provided a language line for poll workers to get on-the-spot assistance for voters. However, during the Presidential Primary Election, poll workers did not know it existed, did not know how to access the line, or the line was overwhelmed and constantly busy.

** Some poll workers were rude, hostile, and made racist remarks. For example, poll workers in New York said they didn’t trust Asian American voters and denied them the right to vote and described them as “terrorists.” A Sikh voter was made to vote by provisional ballot because a poll worker said there were too many Sikh voters and she couldn’t figure out which one the voter was.

** Voters’ names were missing from or had other errors in voter roll books, often due to faulty processing or mishandling of voter registration forms. Many were simply turned away.

** Although HAVA requires that these voters be offered provisional ballots, poll workers denied voters this right. In Lowell, MA, voters were told to go to City Hall. In Chinatown, Philadelphia, PA poll workers would not distribute provisional ballots because there were too few. Voters were turned away and unable to vote.

** Poll workers made improper and excessive demands for identification, misapplying HAVA’s ID requirements. These demands often were made only of Asian American voters in violation of the Voting Rights Act. Some states that required all voters to provide identification only applied identification checks to Asian American voters; white voters were exempted.

AALDEF sent complaint letters to local election officials that detailed these voting obstacles and offered recommendations for improvements. AALDEF staff attorney Glenn D. Magpantay said, “Vigorous enforcement of the Voting Rights Act is still very much needed.” Copies of the complaint letters were sent to the Voting Section of the U.S. Department of Justice for further investigation.

AALDEF also made other recommendations to the House Subcommittee during the hearing, calling for legislation to allow for universal voter registration and amendments to HAVA to clarify that voting by provisional ballot should also be used to correct errors and omissions in voters’ registrations, as was recommended by the Carter/Ford National Commission on Federal Election Reform.

In addition, AALDEF will call on the United States Supreme Court to uphold Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. On April 29, 2009, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a challenge to the constitutionality of the enforcement provisions in Northwest Austin Municipal Utility District One v. Holder. AALDEF will be submitting an amicus brief to the Court later this month, detailing results from its poll monitoring efforts over the years. AALDEF’s brief will show how Asian Americans continue to face voting discrimination and how Section 5 is necessary and proper to protect the fundamental right to vote.

In the 2004 Presidential Election, AALDEF polled 10,789 Asian American voters in eight states. Detailed results from AALDEF’s 2008 multilingual exit poll will be announced soon. The co-sponsors listed below worked with AALDEF to mobilize 1,500 attorneys, law students, and community volunteers to participate in the 2008 election monitoring effort.

* * *

AALDEF ASIAN AMERICAN ELECTION PROTECTION 2008 CO-SPONSORS

National Co-Sponsors:
Asian Pacific Islander American Vote
Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance
Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights
National Asian Pacific American Bar Association
National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum
National Korean American Service and Education Consortium
North American South Asian Bar Association
Organization of Chinese Americans
South Asian Americans Leading Together

Local Chapters:
APIA Vote - Michigan
APIA Vote - Pennsylvania
APIA Vote - Nevada
OCA: Greater Washington DC
OCA: Northern Virginia
OCA: New Jersey
OCA: Greater Houston
OCA: Greater Philadelphia
OCA: Greater Chicago
OCA: Detroit/ACA
OCA: Eastern Virginia

Local Co-Sponsors:
ACCESS – MI
Asian American LEAD – DC
Asian American Society of Central Virginia
Asian Community Development Corporation of Boston
Asian Pacific American Agenda Coalition – MA
Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia – PA
Conference for Asian Pacific American Leadership – DC
Chinatown Voter Education Alliance – NY
Chinese Amer. Planning Council Youth Services – NY
Chinese American Voters Association – NY
Chinese Progressive Association – MA
Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans of Virginia
Committee of 70 – PA
Filipino American Human Services Inc. – NY
Hunter College/CUNY, Asian American Studies Prog.
Korean American Coalition – DC
Korean American Voters’ Council of NY/NJ
Korean American Resource & Cultural Center – IL
Korean Community Service Ctr. of Greater Wash. DC
Maryland Vietnamese Mutual Association – MD
Mass VOTE – MA
One Lowell – MA
Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation – PA
Providence Youth and Student Movement – RI
Sikh Coalition – NY
South Asian Youth Action! – NY
U. Maryland Asian American Studies Program
Viet-Vote – MA
Vietnamese American Initiative for Development – MA
Vietnamese Amer. Young Leaders Assoc. of New Orleans
YKASEC: Empowering Korean Amer. Communities - NY

Legal Co-Sponsors:
AU Wash. College of Law, Human Rights Clinic - DC
Asian American Bar Assoc. of Greater Chicago – IL
Asian American Bar Association of Houston – TX
Asian American Bar Association of NY
Asian American Lawyers Association of MA
Asian Pacific Amer. Bar Assoc. of Greater Wash.DC
Asian Pacific American Bar Association of PA
Asian Pacific American Lawyers Assoc. of NJ
Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center – DC
Greater Boston Legal Services: Asian Outreach Unit
Indian American Bar Association of IL
Korean American Lawyers Assoc. of Greater NY
Michigan Asian Pacific American Bar Association
Muslim Bar Association of New York
South Asian Bar Association of DC
South Asian Bar Association of New Jersey
South Asian Bar Association of New York
South Asian Bar Association of Michigan
U. Penn. School of Law, Public Interest Office
Temple U. School of Law, Public Interest Office – PA
and Asian Pacific American Law Student Association
chapters across the country.

Law Firms:
Bingham McCutchen LLP
Chadbourne & Parke LLP
Clifford Chance US LLP
Constantine & Cannon LLP
Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP
Dickenson Wright PLLC
DLA Piper
Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP
Fish & Richardson P.C.
Fried Frank LLP
Fulbright & Jaworski LLP
Goodwin Procter LLP
K&L Gates LLP
Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP
McDermott Will & Emery LLP
Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP
O’Melveny & Myers LLP
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
Pepper Hamilton LLP
Proskauer Rose LLP
Reed Smith LLP
Ropes & Gray LLP
Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP
Seyfarth Shaw LLP
Shearman & Sterling LLP
Simpson Thatcher & Bartlett LLP
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Stroock & Stroock & Lavan
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
White & Case LLP

* * *
The Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF), founded in 1974, is a national organization that protects and promotes the civil rights of Asian Americans. By combining litigation, advocacy, education, and organizing, AALDEF works with Asian American communities across the country to secure human rights for all.

Kriti Festival 2009 Invitation

DesiLit presents its third biennial literary festival celebrating the
work of South Asian and South Asian Diaspora writers and artists,
Kriti Festival 2009!

Kriti Festival 2009
Jun 11-14, 2009
Roosevelt University & the University of Illinois at Chicago

The weekend-long festival will feature readings, book signings,
panels, writing workshops and entertainment including theater, dance
and open mic performances.

This year's Guests of Honor are authors Romesh Gunesekera, Amitava
Kumar and Bapsi Sidhwa. Other confirmed panelists include Ru Freeman,
Minal Hajratwala, Mary Anne Mohanraj and actress Sonal Shah from
Scrubs. We hope to have 25-30 writers, artists and dancers
participating as panelists in this year's festival.

Kriti Festival 2009 is co-sponsored by and located at the campuses of
Roosevelt University and the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Pre-registration Rates:
Kriti 2009 All-Weekend Festival Pass, Thurs-Sun (Adult): $40
Kriti 2009 All-Weekend Festival Pass, Thurs-Sun (Student/Senior): $20
Please note: rates will increase on May 1st

To purchase tickets, merchandise or for more info visit us at:
www.desilit.org/kriti.html
You can also reach us at info@desilit.org

Feel free to pass this e-mail on to friends and family!

MENTAL HEALTH RALLY

MENTAL HEALTH RALLY

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Rescue Community Care



Where? Thompson Center, plaza in front of building

100 W. Randolph, Chicago, IL 60601



When? NOON



Why? Urge Legislators to Invest in Mental Health Services

because – Recovery Rocks!



Who? Everyone who supports adequate funding for

mental health services



Co-sponsored by:



The Mental Health Summit

NAMI of Greater Chicago – (312) 563-0445

The Mental Health America of Illinois – (312) 368-9070



Recovery Rocks!

Imagine Devon - Envisioning a multicultural street

Dr. Arijit Sen and his students from University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, will present Imagine Devon - Envisioning a multicultural street on May 7th. They will be exhibiting their projects at the local public library (just north of Devon on California).

When: Thursday, May 7th, 2:30 - 4:30 PM.
Where: Chicago Public Library - Northtown, 6435 N. California Avenue, 60645, (312) 744-2292

"The project, Imagine Devon, is an initiative launched by the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to gather input from local residents on their dreams for the future of Devon Avenue and the larger West Ridge neighborhood." For more information on the project: http://www.chicagojournal.com/main.asp?SectionID=49&SubSectionID=142&ArticleID=7245&TM=83322.77.

OCA-OC co-presents Film - "Who Killed Vincent Chin?" - 5/2

Please Join OCA-OC for a special screening of…

“Who Killed Vincent Chin?”

OCA-OC is partnering with the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival to present

“Who Killed Vincent Chin.”

The 25th Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival will take place during Asian Pacific

Heritage Month from April 30th- May 7th at the Directors Guild of America,

Laemmle’s Sunset 5, Aratani/Japan America Theatre, National Center for the

Preservation of Democracy and Downtown Independent.

For more information about the film, please visit:

http://www.vconline.org/festival/program.cfm?program_id=17

WHEN: Saturday May 2, 2009

TIME: 4-6pm

WHERE: Directors Guild of America Theater 2

(7920 W. Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles)

GENERAL Admission: $12

STUDENT Admission: $10

SENIOR Admission: $10

*To purchase tickets please contact Lisa Akiyama at lakiyama27@yahoo.com

Founded in 1973 as Organization of Chinese Americans, OCA is a national organization dedicated to advancing

the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans in the United States. OCA aims to

embrace the hopes and aspirations of nearly 12 million Asian Pacific Americans in the United States.

For more information about OCA-OC please visit our website at:
www.oca-oc.org

Thursday, April 30, 2009

New Report Shows Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Have Unique Health Concerns

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Annie Lam

Office (916) 319-2049 Cell (916) 955-6766


April 8, 2009 PR#: COPA09-05


NEW REPORT SHOWS ASIAN AMERICANS AND PACIFIC ISLANDERS

HAVE UNIQUE HEALTH CONCERNS

SACRAMENTO, Calif – Assemblymember Mike Eng (D-Monterey Park) will unveil the “The State of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Health in California” report on Thursday, April 9, 2009 at 10AM. The report was commissioned by Assemblymember Eng and the California Asian Pacific Islander Joint Legislative Caucus to provide a more accurate snapshot of the social context and health status of AANHPI with relation to other racial groups in California.



This report will provide information needed by primary and secondary care providers, for profit and non-profit organizations, school districts, the faith-based community, law enforcement, and state and local governments in order to provide effective health and mental health services to this emerging and diverse population.



Some of key findings detailed in the report are:



* AANHPIs are the only racial group for whom the leading cause of death is cancer.



* Asian American women have nearly double the rate of non-compliance with cervical

cancer screening guidelines as the overall state average.



* AANHPIs account for the largest proportion of all tuberculosis and chronic hepatitis B

cases in California, with the majority of cases among the foreign-born population.



* Samoan children have the largest percentage (54%) of all children in California whose body mass index (BMI) is not within the Healthy Fitness Zone.



* Koreans have the highest uninsured rate (33%) of any racial/ethnic group in the state –

far outpacing the state average of uninsured adults (15%).





WHAT: Release of “The State of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander

Health in California” report.



WHO: Participants include: Asm. Mike Eng, University of California Asian

American and Pacific Islander Multi-Campus Research Program,

California Program on Access to Care, Kaiser Permanente, California

Program on Opportunity and Equality, & health care industry representatives



WHEN: Thursday, April 9, 2009 – 10AM

Online version of report will be available online at 1030AM

http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a49/


WHERE: Chinatown Service Center
767 N. Hill Street, Suite 400
Los Angeles, CA 90012
CONTACT: Annie Lam: Office (916) 319-2049, Cell (916) 955-6766


###

APALRC Job Posting: Maryland DV Attorney

Job Announcement

Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center

Domestic Violence and Family Law Attorney – Maryland

The Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center (APALRC) advances the legal and civil rights of Asian Americans in the DC metropolitan area through direct services, education, and advocacy. Within its direct legal services program, APALRC concentrates primarily in the areas of employment, housing, immigration, community development, domestic violence and family law.

APALRC seeks to hire a full-time attorney to provide legal representation to immigrant victims of domestic violence in Maryland. The attorney will focus on supporting and strengthening families through direct legal services and advocacy for broad-based systemic change.

Position Description:

· Provide Asian American victims of domestic violence with linguistically and culturally appropriate legal representation on family law matters and immigration issues;

· Ensure holistic services by working closely with local ethnic-based social service agencies;

· Conduct broader outreach to educate the Asian American community on their rights and resources available to them;

· Collaborate with community based organizations, non-profit organizations and government agencies to address the unique challenges faced by Asian American victims of domestic violence;

· Participate in meetings of the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence; and

· Expand the availability of pro bono attorneys through collaborations with the South Asian Bar Association and the Asian Pacific American Bar Associations of D.C. and Maryland.



Preferred Qualifications:

· 2-3 years of experience in the practice of law, with a demonstrated commitment to domestic violence issues and/or public interest law. Consideration may be given to recent law school graduates who demonstrate exceptional initiative and leadership abilities.

· License to practice in Maryland, or eligibility for special authorization to practice under Rule 15 and willingness to seek admission to practice in the State of Maryland.

· Fluency in an Asian language, preferably Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Hindi or Urdu.


Salary and Benefits:

The annual salary will range from the mid-$30’s to low-$40’s, depending on experience. Health, dental, life insurance and SMART benefits are provided.

How to Apply: Submit a cover letter detailing your interest in the position, along with a resume, law school transcript, brief writing sample (5-10 pages), and three professional references. Materials can be sent to Marita Etcubañez, Director of Legal Services, by mail or by email to marita@apalrc.org.

Applications will be reviewed and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis. No telephone inquiries, please.

APALRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Join us to march on Friday, May 1 for immigrant rights (AAI)

JOIN US!

May Day March and Rally for Immigrant Rights - May 1st

Asian American Institute will march in solidarity with our immigrant
friends, loved ones and community members, as we call for a moratorium on
immigrant raids and deportations and for the passing of just and humane
immigration policy.

Join us for this historic day as we urge our elected officials to make just
immigration policies a priority.

Schedule:
10:30am: Gather at Union Park (SE corner of Ashland and Lake St., across the
street from the Green line Ashland stop). AAI will be there with our friends
from KRCC and AFIRE.

11:00am: Participate in an Interfaith Prayer Gathering coordinated by the
New Sanctuary Coalition Interfaith and the Jewish Council of Urban Affairs
(JCUA)

12:00pm: March Step off from Union Park

1:30pm: Rally at Federal Plaza (Dearborn and Jackson)

To RSVP, contact April Lewton at april@aaichicago.org or call (773)
710-5479 (If you cannot find us, call the number, which is April's cell)

Save A Mother, 2nd Annual Chicago Fundraiser

Save A Mother, 2nd Annual Chicago Fundraiser
May 2nd, 2009

India Development Service (IDS) Save-A-Mother project aims to minimize suffering and death associated with pregnancy and child birth. We have been working -in partnership with local NGOs - in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India, which has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. Uttar Pradesh is not an isolated location. Many other regions in India and rest of the world are in a similar situation where this program can be replicated.

- Radhika Desai guest appearance, featured on the tv show "Top Chef"
- Anita Oak: performing selections from her album "AniO"
- Effusion: performing Indian flavored jazz fusion
- Comedy Showcase featuring some of Chicago's hottest up and coming comics
- Premium Open Bar
- Hors d'oeuvres to fill your fancy

Date: May 2nd, 2009
Time: 5:30pm to 9:00pm
Location: Mars Gallery, 1139 W Fulton Market (3 blocks west of Fulton Market Lounge)

Purchase your tickets online: http://www.save-a-mother.org/chicago-2nd/

ASIAN AMERICAN INSTITUTE - MILESTONE BENEFIT DINNER


As you know, this year's Milestone theme is "100 Stories in 100 Days," stories from Asian American immigrants, which highlight the need for comprehensive immigration reform. In addition, we will be recognizing the following outstanding Milestone Makers from our community:

* Nancy Chen, Regional Administrator, Women's Bureau, U.S. Department of Labor
* Tammy Duckworth, Iraq War Veteran and former Director, Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs
* Tran Ha, Editor, RedEye



"100 Stories in 100 Days"
Reflecting on the unique stories from
our diverse communities

Thurs., April 30th
5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Mid America Club
200 E Randolph, 80th Floor
Tickets: $100 each
Raffle tickets: $20 each

Pride & Heritage - Save the Date for May 2nd!

Please Join Us for Pride & Heritage Celebration on May 2nd, 2009!

Come celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with LGBTQ Asian/South Asian/Pacific Islander folks and allies from the metro DC area. The program will include dinner, performances, presentation of community awards, and a special recognition for founders of our coalition's organizations!

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!!

Location: Christ Church, Washington Parish; 620 G St. SE, Washington, DC
Date and Time: Saturday, May 2; 6:30-10:00pm
To purchase tickets, please visit www.dcprideandheritage.org
For more info, please contact dcprideandheritage@gmail.com

******************************************************
BUY YOUR TICKETS EARLY!! - On sale at www.dcprideandheritage.org :
April 11 through midnight April 22 - $15 Early Bird Online Special
April 23 through midnight May 1 - $20 Regular Online
May 2, 6:30pm - $25 At the Door
Tables of 8 can be purchased at 15% off applicable ticket prices through April 24. For more information, please contact Hyacinth Alvaran at 650.353.0978 or dcprideandheritage@gmail.com.

Please note, a cash bar will cater beverages at the event at the following prices:

Mixed Drinks $5
Wine $4
Beer $3
Water $2
Soda $1

We welcome ticketed guests to volunteer May 2nd to arrive early and help setup for the event or stay after to help breakdown and cleanup. Please contact dcprideandheritage@gmail.com if interested.

We look forward to meeting you at Pride and Heritage Celebration 2009!!!

Sincerely,
2009 Pride and Heritage Celebration Committee

Pride & Heritage (P&H) is a coalition of local community-based organizations serving the Asian/Pacific Islander (A/PI) and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) communities in the greater Washington DC metropolitan area.

Q & (s)A: queer & south asian: a sound documentary

q & (s)a : queer & south asian: a documentary in sound

q& (s)a|‘kwir uhnd south ey-shuhn| n, v, adj.

is an oral history and community building project that documents the stories of queer, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (QLGBT) South Asians. q &(s)a shines light on the growing QLGBT South Asian voices around the world by preserving into a sound mosaic the significant contributions, experiences, and insights of queer South Asians that historically have been ignored. By documenting shared identities, individual and collective experiences, struggles, and stories of community & movement building, q &(s)a seeks to create space across and within borders to share, heal, feel rooted in our togetherness, and so, a place to be different too.

[the process: n, v. though the process is guided by what you’d like to share, it is also an exchange of words, with participation on both sides of the conversation. refer to: shreyashah05@gmail.com for more info or to participate.]

AAPCHO Seeks Senior Policy Analyst (Washington DC)

Please see below for more information on AAPCHO’s open Senior Policy Analyst position and forward through your networks as appropriate:

Quick Overview
POSITION: Senior Policy Analyst,
SALARY: DOE (37.5 hours/week)
LOCATION: Washington, DC
Reports to: Executive Director
START DATE: ASAP
DEADLINE: Until filled

Details
JOB DESCRIPTION:
AAPCHO seeks a Senior Policy Analyst for its Washington, DC office. The Health Policy Analyst will take a leadership role in implementing AAPCHO’s administrative, legislative and political strategies to further AAPCHO’s mission and goals. The Analyst will work with other AAPCHO staff and Board Members to formulate policy priorities, and develop strategies to advance those priorities, including through Federal legislative and administrative advocacy, coalition building, and media advocacy. The Analyst will also work to increase AAPCHO’s visibility on Capitol Hill.

Working with a diverse group of experts, researchers, and key policymakers at the federal state, and local levels, the ultimate goal of this position will be the implementation of administrative and legislative activities that results in positive outcomes for AAPCHO members and the communities they serve. During the coming year, this position will concentrate on integrating AAPCHO’s agenda into the federal health care reform debate. Core objectives of the Analyst’s work will be to build and nurture relationships with policymakers and expand the base of support for AAPCHO health policy priorities. The Analyst will also be expected to cultivate alliances with a variety of national and state health partners, and participate in forums and coalitions such as National Association of Community Health Centers, National Council of Asian Pacific Americans, Out of Many One; National HIT Collaborative for the Underserved, and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

AAPCHO provides a team-based environment that fosters a culture of ideas and debate. We approach our work from multiple perspectives and methods, understanding both the specific issues and the larger interrelated systems across the field of health and beyond. The Analyst will work closely with other AAPCHO staff with experience in communications, program management, advocacy, media, fundraising, special events, and marketing.

The Analyst will report to the Executive Director and receive secondary supervision from the Director of Programs. The Analyst will also be expected to work collaboratively across all issue areas with staff carrying out other advocacy activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

* Maintain relationships and communication with federal administrative policymakers and members of Congress, and AAPCHO and membership staff on AAPCHO policy issues and priorities
* Develop legislative and administrative strategies and conduct advocacy on behalf of AAPCHO membership and the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and other Pacific Islander communities they serve
* Monitor and assess the impact of federal and state legislative and regulatory developments and proposals on AAPCHO membership and the health of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders
* Develop and implement strategies to engage AAPCHO members and relevant partner organizations, community leaders, researchers, health professionals and others in health policy advocacy
* Develop and write policy briefs, alerts, reports and publications
* Maintain relationships and communication with national, state, and local health policy partners who advocate for AAPCHO members and the communities they serve
* Act as a resource for and provide technical assistance to government officials, legislative staff, advocacy groups, health care and social service providers, advocates, community organizations and the media
* Conduct media advocacy and monitor media coverage of health policy issues affecting Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders
* Provide support, assistance, and guidance on key policy issues to AAPCHO leadership as well as appropriate membership staff


Required Qualifications:


* Bachelors degree required, Masters degree or equivalent in health, public policy, law or related field preferred
* Five years experience in public policy and advocacy, especially health policy, immigrant rights, or civil rights
* Demonstrated knowledge of health policies affecting the Asian American and Native Hawaiian & other Pacific Islander communities, especially related to health coverage systems
* Demonstrated experience and leadership in the development and implementation of policy advocacy campaigns on either a state or national level
* Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills to synthesize and process information for multiple audiences
* Strong self-motivation, independence, and adaptability, including ability to work under pressure and multiple deadlines
* Ability to travel as part of work responsibilities
* Demonstrated proficiency with personal computers, Microsoft programs, experience with databases preferred and experience with texting, chats, e-mails, and other electronic forms of communications
* Demonstrated commitment to Asian American and Native Hawaiian & other Pacific Islander health and community issues



APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Send resume by email or post to:

SPA-hiring@aapcho. org (subject line: Policy Analyst)

AAPCHO
Attn: SPA Hiring Committee
300 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Suite 620
Oakland, CA 94612

Interviews will be granted according to the qualifications of the applicant. AAPCHO is an equal opportunity employer. Women and people of color are encouraged to apply.

ORGANIZATIONAL DESCRIPTION:
The Association of Asian Pacific Community Health organizations (AAPCHO) is a national association of community health organizations serving Asian and Pacific Islander populations across the United States and its territories. AAPCHO’s mission is to promote advocacy, collaboration and leadership that improve the health status and access of Asian Americans and Native Hawaiians & other Pacific Islanders (AA & NHOPIs) within the US, its territories and freely Associated states, primarily through our member community health clinics. Our vision is to establish a standard of excellence for community-based health care that is equitable, affordable, accessible and culturally and linguistically appropriate to the people we serve.



Tien Teng :: Communications Specialist
Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO)
300 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Suite 620, Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: 510-272-9536 x112 Fax: 510- 272-0817 Email: tteng@aapcho. org

Our Health is Our Strength
www.aapcho.org

KGA seeks Program Director (Long Beach, CA)

Khmer Girls in Action
Seeks Program Director

Job Title: Program Director
Posting Date: April 2009 (until filled) Hire
Date: Immediately
Terms: Full Time: $33,000-$38,999 plus excellent benefits
Reports to: Executive Director Location: Long
Beach, California

Khmer Girls in Action (KGA) works with young Southeast Asian women in
Long Beach organizing for social change and community empowerment. KGA
staff works as a team, promoting mutual respect and equal
participation of youth and adults. Valuing process and consensus
building efforts, KGA staff are highly committed to social justice and
community building both within and outside the organization.

KGA is looking for a dynamic Program Director who has the commitment
and desire to build a grassroots organization working towards the
self-determination of youth, immigrants and refugees, and women. The
Program Director is expected to direct and sometimes coordinate
programs, supervise staff, lead in the Participatory Action Research
project to develop and direct the organization's community organizing
and electoral campaigns.

Responsibility:
-Direct KGA's Leadership Development Programs, Cultural Historical
Arts (CHA) Programs, and Learning to Impact for Empowerment (LIFE)
Program activities, including design, planning, implementation, and
evaluation
-Facilitate, coordinate, and create curriculums for Khmer Justice
Program, one of the Leadership Development Programs
-Supervise, train, and evaluate program staff individually, and
collectively as an effective team
-Lead Participatory Action Research project to develop a community
organizing campaign
-Lead and direct electoral campaigns
-Contribute to the planning and implementation of the strategic plan
-Develop and implement organizational policies and procedures with the
Executive Director
-Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual program reports to the
Executive Director and Board of Directors
-Assist in the development and administration of program budgets
-Establish relationships with youth organizing and social justice
groups and organizations

Qualifications:
-College degree or equal work experience
-At least 2 years of supervising experience with knowledge of program
development and management and/or campaign development and
implementation
-At least 3 years demonstrated volunteer or professional experience
working in diverse immigrant/refugee communities (preferably Southeast
Asian and/or youth groups)
-Must possess knowledge on curriculum development, training design and
facilitation - specifically around political education and campaign
development and implementation
-Highly organized and punctual with excellent inter-personal and team
building skills
-Strong commitment to social justice, gender justice, and youth
self-determination
-Willingness to work some weekends and nights
-Valid CA driver's license, access to an insured automobile, and
ability to transport youth to and from activities

Send cover letter, resume, and 3 references through email to:

Suely Ngouy, Executive Director
Khmer Girls in Action
1355 Redondo Avenue, Suite #9
Long Beach, CA 90804
www.kgalb.org
Email: suely@kgalb.org

This position is an employee of KGA's fiscal sponsor Little Tokyo
Service Center (LTSC). LTSC is an equal opportunity employer.

Opportunity - Youth Program Coordinator, Indo-American Center

The Indo-American Center is accepting applications for the position of youth program coordinator. For more information, please click on the link below.

http://npo.net/jobs/jobdetail.asp?xJobID=33429

KAN-WIN Community Advocate - Chicago

Organization: Korean American Women in Need (KAN-WIN)
Job Title: Community Advocate
Part or Full-Time

Korean American Women In Need (KAN-WIN) is a non-profit, community-based organization that supports Korean American women and children victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. KAN-WIN’s services include 24-hour domestic violence crisis line, counseling, legal/social benefits advocacy, and Transitional Housing and Children’s program, and community education/outreach.

Responsibilities

Legal Advocacy
* Ensure that KAN-WIN clients receive accurate information of their rights and options under relevant local, state and federal laws
* Advocate for and assist women in exercising their legal rights and options at all levels of legal proceedings
* Provide legal case management, document all casework, prepare program reports
* Manage KAN-WIN’s legal clinic including managing pro bono attorneys, volunteers, and legal clinic clients and providing follow up and referrals
* Keep abreast of changes in all relevant legislation and provide up-to-date information to all other staff
* Network with other advocates working on behalf of survivors of domestic and sexual violence

Policy Advocacy
* Oversee and develop the policy advocacy program
* Organize activities for the program; outreach to the community to educate and mobilize around issues of domestic and sexual violence and other issues affecting battered immigrant women
* Work closely with executive Director to create a systematic process of responding to policy issues
* Be familiar with and research current legislation related to women and immigrants and inform it to the community

Grant Writing (Applicable for full time only)
* Work with the Executive Director in the proposal submission process; prepare grant applications, progress reports due to funders, and other related correspondence
* Research and identify potential funding prospects relating to the projected and existed programs.

Operations & Administration
* Supervise interns and volunteers for the legal advocacy program and document interns/volunteers’ work, hours, etc.
* Work closely with co-workers to efficiently and effectively carry out the agency’s programs
* Actively participate in the overall management of the agency’s physical offices, general upkeep, maintenance, communications, and troubleshooting
* Actively participate in developing all of the agency’s programs and fundraising activities

Qualifications
* A commitment to ending violence against women and children, including a thorough understanding of and commitment to the mission and goals of KAN-WIN
* Preferred to have familiarity with criminal, family and immigration laws
* Excellent team member
* Excellent writing, communication, and public speaking skills
* Bilingual English and Korean
* 40-hour domestic violence training required
* Driving is needed for this position; you must have a valid driver’s license and a vehicle

Salary and Benefits
The salary is commensurate with the candidate’s experience. KAN-WIN offers a benefits package that includes fully paid medical insurance, a progressive paid time off plan and professional development opportunities for the employee.

Please e-mail or fax resumes to:

KAN-WIN, Korean American Women In Need
Attn: Hye Shin Park, Program Director
2434 E. Dempster St. Suite 111
Des Plaines, IL 60016
Fax: 847-299-4717
hpark@kanwin.org

APIAHF Summer Policy Internships (San Francisco & Washington, DC)

APIAHF is currently accepting applications for 2 policy interns this summer. One will be in San Francisco, and one will be in Washington, DC. These are both paid, part-time internships.

We are looking for currently enrolled undergrads (at least junior level) or graduate level students in health, public policy, law, sociology or related field.

Please see attached announcements for details. The announcements will also be posted to our website later today.

http://www.apiahf. org/about/ index.htm# jobs

Thanks,
TehShan

TehShan Lee, PHR
Human Resources Manager
Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum
450 Sutter St., Suite 600
San Francisco, CA 94108
Direct: (415) 568-3323
Fax: (415) 954-9999
Email: tlee@apiahf. org

Free Tax Seminar for nonprofit and faith based organizations-Fri. May 15 in Irvine, CA

JOHN CHIANG

California State Controller

In Collaboration with

The Honorable Sukhee Kang, Mayor City of Irvine

Christ Our Redeemer AME Church

University of Southern California, Center for Religion and Civic Culture

Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA)

Public Law Center

Volunteer Center of Orange County

KOCE



Cordially invite you to attend a

FREE TAX SEMINAR FOR NON PROFIT, EXEMPT

AND RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS

Friday, May 15, 2009

9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Christ Our Redeemer AME Church,

46 Maxwell Street, Irvine, CA 92618

Registration and Continental Breakfast at 8:30 a.m.



Topics Include:

Compliance for Existing Non Profit, Religious and

Exempt Organizations

Employment Taxes

Recent Developments in Charity Law

Fundraising in Recessionary Times

How Social Media Can Help Non Profits in Marketing



Free Tax Seminar for Non Profit, Tax Exempt and Religious Organizations-Registration Form

RSVP by May 13, 2009

(Please complete one form for each person attending-please print)

Name ______________________________________________ Title_______________________________

Organization_________________________________________ Phone_____________________________

Fax________________________________________________ E-Mail_____________________________

Address_______________________________________________________________________________

City________________________________________________ Zip Code____________________________

Please complete the form and mail, fax, call or e-mail to: the Office of State Controller John Chiang, Attn: Diana Rubio, 777 S. Figueroa Street, Suite 4800, Los Angeles, CA 90017;

Fax 213-833-6011; Call 866-305-9991 or e-mail drubio@sco.ca.gov. For more information contact: Diana Rubio at (213) 833-6010



Diana Rubio

Director of External Affairs

Office of State Controller, John Chiang

777 S. Figueroa Street, Suite 4800

Los Angeles, CA 90017

213.833.6010 General

213.833.6033 Direct

213.833.6011 Fax

drubio@sco.ca.gov

UCLA: Amerasia Journal -- Call for Abstracts for "Global Community Formations and Asian American Futures"

Amerasia Journal: Call for Abstracts
"Global Community Formations and Asian American Futures"

Amerasia Journal, UCLA Asian American Studies Center, and the U.C. Berkeley Center for Globalization and Information Technology

Consulting Guest Editors: Michel Laguerre, Professor and Director, Berkeley Center for Globalization and Information Technology, and author of Global Neighborhoods: Jewish Quarters in Paris, London, and Berlin, 2008; and Dr. Joe Fong, Ph.D. from University of California at Berkeley, Research Associate at BCGIT, and author of Complementary Education and Culture: in the Global/Local Chinese Community, 2003.

Amerasia Journal Editor: Adjunct Prof. Russell C. Leong, English and Asian American Studies, project director www.uschinamediabrief.com

Review & Publication Deadlines:

Due date July 15, 2009: 2-page abstracts.
Due date of final papers: Feb. 1, 2010
Publication date of issue: Fall/Winter 2010

Send copies of abstracts to: Dr. Joe C. Fong Kuankung@hotmail.com; Dr. Michel Laguerre bcgit@berkeley.edu; Russell Leong rleong@ucla.edu Inquiries and abstracts will be reviewed by the editors, and the authors notified.

Amerasia Journal now invites contributions for an innovative forum on "Global Community Formations and Asian American Futures." (For past issues or reference, see 50,000 pages of 40 years of Amerasia Journal, the core journal in Asian American Studies, are also now online through your institutional or individual subscription: through MetaPress.)

In the U.S., researchers and the public at large may still perceive Asian American communities as "glittering ghettos" within localized urban or suburban areas. That perception is outdated and inaccurate: they are neither ghettos, nor are they merely affluent enclaves. Rather, scholars in this field are seeing the multiple and complex effects of globalization in many contemporary urban Asian American communities across the United States, which are no longer localized in the traditional sense. Scholars are re-discovering global elements with Asian communities that integrate with existing structures, or create new ones, whose characteristics may not be so easily defined in past terms.

Already, localized Asian American culture and ethnic entrepreneurship link and intersect with globalized community and transnational culture. Global businesses, music, film and literature from Asia, for example, have transformed traditional urban areas into "globalized/localized" cultural zones. Likewise, Asian American communities have also experienced other dimensions of globalization from food to religious practices, from interethnic workplace cooperation to open conflict around sweatshops, unionization, or workplace standards. Asian American communities, particularly in the suburbs, appear far more "global" than the average local community, though not "global" in the same sense that major cities around the world, such as Tokyo and New York, are considered global. This transformation has led to the need for updated theoretical and methodological approaches to understanding 21st century Asian American community formation.

"Global Community Formations and Asian American Futures" thus extends and complements recent 2000-2009 issues of Amerasia Journal on the creation of "Asian American Places," on 'North American Asians (Canada); and on "Asians within a Transcultural Context"(Latin America), and "Asian American Literature in China, Poland, Sweden, Italy, etc." : these special editions also involved scholars from Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Thus, "Global Community Formations" also welcomes international scholars and U.S. scholars who do work on the dual transnational consequences of Asian Americans and globalization on their countries, e.g. remittances and labor transfer; trafficking and human rights issues, Asian American involvement in homeland politics in India, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines, and elsewhere.

This Amerasia issue solicits papers that address the global as well as local dimensions of Asian American community in the 21st century in in relation to community formation, social institutions and networks, media, politics, etc.. Factors which will continue to shape Asian American communities include the following: 1. the impact of Asia's economic and cultural influence through institutions and medium such as banks and media; 2. transnational science, technological, and professional migration both ways; 3. transnational legal and human rights issues; and, 4. the reciprocal social/cultural and economic infrastructure of Asian communities as reflected in settlement, educational, and work patterns, as well as political participation in the U.S. and abroad.

We hope to address the following questions and will review abstracts in the following areas (but not restricted to these topics):

(1) Due to the influence of Asia's globalization on Asian American communities, what changes have occurred? How have they affected the community's social structure, cultural institutions, and politics in America?
(2) Has such transformation (i.e. Asia's globalization) taken place in and impacted non-Asian neighborhoods and suburbs in the United States? Here, we include not only the usual metropole
centers such as L.A., New York, or Chicago, but medium-sized and smaller cities and towns.
(3) Have these changes enhanced or hindered Asians' accomplishments in the area of education, businesses, and others within the larger society? How have these changes led to the formation of working, middle, and upper class Asian American communities?
4.) What is the relationship of Asian Americans with other minority groups at the workplace, in school, and in other venues, e.g. Asians and Latinos, African Americans, and with other ethnic groups? Are these relationships contested--and what are the significant issues?
5. How do "hot button" issues around religion, homeland politics, same-sex marriage
and sexual diversity, and local and global Asian media play out in Asian American communities nationally? Are there regional and demographic differences?

We hope that the papers will enable us not only to contribute to the field of Urban Studies and Asian American Studies, but also to unrestrict the conversation of community forces, social capital, and ethnic enclave.

If you have other topics not included above, please direct your inquiries to the editors.

--

Don T. Nakanishi, Ph.D.
Director and Professor
UCLA Asian American Studies Center
3230 Campbell Hall
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1546
phone:310.825.2974
fax:310.206.9844
e-mail:dtn@ucla.edu
web site for Center: http://www.aasc.ucla.edu/default.asp

Joe Wong - Amusing Awkward AsAm Comedian



All I can say is wow, awkward AsAm man doing comedy on David Letterman. And he is quite amusing. I mean, it's awkward, but it works. Props to Angryasianman for blogging this.

BOA - I did it for love MV



Yay, BOA's second single in the U.S. "I did it for love" is out on MV via youtube. :)

Belatedly~


Hi folks! Sorry I disappeared unexpectedly and didn't let ya'll know. I was out vacationing in Hawaii! If folks are interested, I can post some foodie pictures for your enjoyment. In the meantime, it was nice to see the state where Sen. Inouye and Sen. Akaka represents! NICE!