South Bay First Thursdays Shoutouts

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!!
California Asian Pacific Islander Policy Summit

May 26-27th, 2009
Sacramento, California
Further information and forms can be found at:
http://apiscan.org/Conference/

Dear Friend:

Asian Pacific Islanders (APIs) have reached a critical mass in the state of California. The API community is now the second largest minority community in California. Additionally, the diversity of the API community reaches nearly six to seven generations in the United States with over 48 ethnic sub-groups. Today, API’s represent a critical swing vote in state and national elections, and through grassroots organizing, our community has proven to have a
powerful voice.

Our communities must continue to elevate our role in shaping California public policy as we become more firmly rooted and invested in this State. To that end, we are pleased to invite you to the 6th Annual California Asian Pacific Islander Policy Summit on May 26th – 27th, 2009, at the Sacramento Convention Center.

This year’s theme of “Connecting the Dots: the Catalyst for a Stronger Community Voice” speaks to our goal of creating an even stronger community coalition at this year’s summit. Organizing API community members, community based organizations, non-profits and elected officials under a collective movement will provide boundless opportunities to further advance the API agenda.

API public policy advocacy has grown on the community level as well as with state elected representation. The California API Joint Legislative Caucus has reached its highest membership to date, with eleven API members in 2009. This is remarkable progress considering that in 1991, there were zero legislators of API descent. Additionally, State Controller John Chiang and Board of Equalization Members Judy Chu, Michelle Steele, and Betty Yee represent Asian Pacific Islanders in prominent constitutional offices.

This year’s summit marks a paradigm shift that reflects our ability to impact public policy with greater depth and sophistication. Participants will be asked to roll up their sleeves and apply and expand their advocacy skills based in four different policy areas, or “tracks:” Civil Rights, Community Development & Housing, Education, and Health & Human Services. In addition to the skills building workshops and strategic roundtable sessions, participants will advocate their legislative, policy, and budget issues with elected officials that correspond with their respective track. Participants will also have ample opportunity to network and meet with community activists and elected officials.

The API Policy Summit marks a significant opportunity for California API community members and organizations to empower themselves and their community at the California State Capitol. We look forward to your participation at the 2009 Summit!

Sincerely,
Assemblyman Ted Lieu, Co-Chair, API Joint Legislative Caucus
Assemblymember Van Tran, Co-Chair, API Joint Legislative Caucus
Diane Ujiiye, Chair, CA Commission on API Affairs and Executive Director, APIsCAN
James Santa Maria, Chair, Asian American Education Institute
Leilani Aguinaldo Yee, Advocate, Asian Americans for Civil Rights & Equality
Carole Hayashino, President, API Legislative Caucus Institute

Further information and forms can be found at: http://apiscan.org/Conference/