I, like many of my fellow CLA members and those likely reading this blog, am interested in public policy for a particular reason. Growing up alongside my older brother Isaac, who is dually diagnosed with Down syndrome and autism, I was witness to constant advocacy efforts from my family. Every day was, and continues to be, a fight from my family to give Isaac the equitable lifestyle he deserves. From suing our local public school district over his education opportunities to simply getting him the chance to order food in a restaurant without dismissal, my parents set a standard for protecting him before I was even old enough to understand why we had to do so in the first place. Therefore, I grew up with an early, somewhat cynical conception of what it means to belong in my community–only those who fit a mold are truly equal, and if you don’t, you must fight very hard to earn recognition.
This is why I care about politics, policy-making, and inequality. I have felt it and its consequences almost every day of my life. This is why I engage with policy-related student initiatives, why I study the subject in school, and why I joined CLA–to learn how to one day contribute to the equitable society that families like mine have to fight for on their own every day.
During our orientation week for the 2023 CAUSE Leadership Academy, we were privileged to hear from many experienced leaders in this field who have already reached my goals. People like Godfrey Plata, a former State Assembly Candidate, Victor King, an accomplished attorney and school board member, and Dr. May Lin, an active CSU Long Beach professor and advocate, all shared with us their paths from hopeful young adults like myself to successful participants in the policy arena. Getting to speak with these people in personal conversations and during our small networking event on Friday, I feel that my path to my own place in that arena is a little bit clearer.
I did, however, also come away with an interesting realization. A thought that Mr. King shared with me really stuck in my mind–positions of true influence rarely come to those purely based on merit. Of course, being a competent leader and idea-maker is a prerequisite to such seats at the table, but in order to be chosen from the pool of those who meet this criteria, you have to know people who will vouch for you and push you over that last barrier. I am very grateful to feel like this is not an impossibility for me–I am privileged to be part of CAUSE and know its network and the same can be said for institutions like UCLA and the University of Chicago. But many are not so privileged. And even for those who are, it can become very easy to forget about the reason why they care about policy while striving for the necessary networking connections.
Liam speaks with Diana Morales, the district director from the office of Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon.
As an introverted person by nature, “networking” has always felt like a lot for me. It takes effort, time, and initiative no matter who you are or how “connected” you may be. I realize that this system exists for a reason, and I will not argue that it is inherently unjust. However, something I have thought about following CLA’s orientation week is how that all fits into my ultimate goal of achieving good policy. I make an effort to fit the mold of a likable up-and-comer in order to establish relationships with those who can help me become someone who actually makes a difference someday – the same mold that I sought to disassemble when I first began to care about policy. It’s a confusing reality for me to come to terms with, and something I will continue to grapple with as I grow through CLA. Balancing these goals with my academic and pre-professional pursuits will be very important going forward, but most of all I have to remember why I care. Keeping my family and my background as the main driver of my goals may be difficult, but I think it will result in the most successful version of myself I can be.
The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not reflect the views or positions of CAUSE or the CAUSE network.
Written by Liam Chia, Leadership Academy 2023 Intern.
The CAUSE Leadership Academy (CLA) for students is a nine-week, paid, internship program that prepares college undergraduates to lead and advocate for the Asian Pacific Islander community on their campuses and beyond.