In the bustling world of advocacy, it's crucial to find time to strengthen bonds within teams and build connections with fellow organizations. Last week at my host office, AJSOCAL, a series of events and activities aimed at team and community building took place, fostering collaboration and connection among advocates and volunteers. In this blog post, I will delve into the highlights of the week and the valuable lessons learned about the significance of relationships in the realm of social impact.
On Wednesday, July 19th, AJSOCAL’s Policy Team hosted an API Statewide Partners Check-In. It was a virtual gathering of 45 advocates total from 35 unique organizations across California, meaning from various regions such as Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco, and more. The meeting provided an invaluable platform for representatives from various API organizations to reconnect, share information, and discuss the legislative initiatives and bills they have been working on. It was an opportunity to identify points of collaboration and determine how they can support each other in their advocacy efforts. The event highlighted the power of unity within the community and reinforced the importance of working together towards common goals and identifying the next steps together.
A second event took place this week on Thursday, July 20th. It was AJSOCAL's Annual Summer Service Event and this year's themes were “A Night of Volunteerism” and “40Forward” in honor of AJSOCAL’s 40th anniversary in 2023. More than 100 volunteers (not including our staff) gathered at both the Los Angeles and Orange County offices to pack 500 outreach goodie bags for those in need. This act of giving back not only provided essential resources to those less fortunate but also brought together like-minded individuals who share a passion for making a positive impact. It was a heartwarming opportunity to meet fellow volunteers, enjoy each other's company, and collectively contribute to a cause greater than themselves. By the end of the event, I felt empowered and well-connected with the community around me.
Me holding up one of the cards of encouragement that we packed in our AJSOCAL Goodie Bags. This one, in particular, read: "Don't Give Up!".
Another highlight of the week at my host office was grabbing lunch with Connie Chung Joe, the Chief Executive Officer of AJSOCAL, and other interns at our organization. Interns from various departments, including policy (myself), communications, and citizenship, had the opportunity to engage in conversation and learn from each other's unique experiences. In particular, I really enjoyed listening to the citizenship interns’ experiences working face-to-face with clients in a more direct service setting. Because I am interning with the policy team, I do not tend to work directly with individuals seeking direct services. Instead, I engage in more behind the scene work: meeting up with community leaders from surrounding API organizations, supporting staff members with preparing policy meetings and events, and assisting in the preparation of bill tracking and advocacy materials. That said, it was eye-opening and insightful to hear about the diverse experiences of other college students interning at AJSOCAL.
As I reflect on the events and activities that unfolded this past week, it has become evident that fostering relationships and building connections within teams and communities are just as vital–if not more–as the work itself. The API Statewide Partner Check-in exemplified the strength of collective advocacy and action, while the Summer Service Event showcased the power of coming together to give back to the community.
Taken at AJSOCAL's Annual Summer Service Event! Me (middle) standing next to my host office supervisor, Benjamin Tran (right), and my other supervisor on the policy team, Jeff DeGuia (left).
This week was a powerful reminder that behind every impactful initiative, lies a network of passionate individuals united by a shared purpose. Building and nurturing these relationships not only enhance teamwork but also strengthen the collective efforts in creating positive change.
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 Andrea Mac, 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.