This week, Nancy invited us all to public comment that really demystified politics, for me and it empowered me to be more civically engaged. Our cohort consisted of Coby, Erika, Olivia, Emma, and Angel, together huddled in a conference room, workshopping our comments in support of independent redistricting, and increasing the number of city council member districts, for districts to have a greater share of Latinos, Asians, and Black residents. We brainstormed how our public comments would flow together, careful not to tread on each other’s comments and create a solid and unified message.
Public comment was at 1:30, and when we ordered our lunch from the next-door kebab shop, they came out late, so our group was forced to split up. We jogged to city hall, lunch in hand, lost in the neoclassical marble halls. When we finally arrived at the meeting, food and drink were banned in the chamber, so we sat on the stairs outside stuffing our faces with doner kebab wraps, and falafel bowls, nervous and eager about the upcoming proceedings. One of Nancy’s friends laughed and took a picture, saying this is what democracy looks like. I have done some public comment and had some experience at UCLA by making public comments to the UC regents, but they often stared blankly at us when we engaged with them. Luckily the city council member districts were much more welcoming, and when we entered we were given a presentation by Professor Sonenshein, and Professor Sadwani, from our previous CAUSE workshops. Seeing their familiar faces, immediately eased our shoulders, and they gave an enlightening session to the city council and the public about the benefits of adding more districts to the vast LA metropolis.
When it was our time, we took the stage, eager to make our voices heard and advocate for more Asian American and Pacific Islander voices, in an institution that was predominately white. Luckily, our group was accompanied by a coalition of Asian voices, from different community organizations around LA, recruited by recurring guest Godfrey Plata, who helped organize all of this. Our cohort was fantastic, coherent, clear, and concise. Explaining how increasing districts meant that for each district, Asian Americans and other ethnicities would be a bigger percentage of the makeup, meaning that their voices would be better heard. I made my comment, erred on the side of caution, and made sure to be respectful and show our appreciation to the current Asian American city council members. Throughout this summer and this public comment session, I’ve learned to be more respectful of those who disagree with me and create a conversation. Making change in politics means that even if you vehemently disagree with someone, you still leave your door open to conversation. Even if they aren’t your allies, those who disagree with you, shouldn’t be your adamant enemies. Treating people with respect and being cordial, has become a vital tool. Even if other people are rude, exclusionary, and downright disrespectful, treating them with respect, means that you are being the bigger person. Tired, yet content, we dragged our feet back to the office, relieved, satisfied, and proud of our efforts. After our comments, we felt that we had made an impact, and helped push the conversation towards diversity, equity and inclusion, and a better LA.
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 William Chao, 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.