In my first blog post, I wrote about the power of relationships and teamwork. In particular, I wrote about a quote that stuck with me after our first week at CLA. Throughout the course of our program, this quote has continued to resonate with me. It was:
“Relationships are what make the wheels turn; you can have an idea but you need a community to push the boulder up the hill.” – Steve Lin
This quote especially applies to my experiences with my host office, AJSOCAL, interning as their policy intern. Over the course of the 8 weeks, I’ve met with several API organizations across the state; from Los Angeles, to Orange County, to San Diego, and the Bay Area. Although it may seem trivial, taking the time to set up in-person and virtual coffee chats with these organizations has been a crucial and substantial aspect of my internship experience and has helped me realize how important it is for our diverse API community to come together collectively to enact change.
The main purpose of such coffee chats is to get well-acquainted with fellow API organizations so that we can cultivate a strong network and support system, share information on current projects, and spot potential points of collaboration going forward. It has been so inspiring to hear about the various ways different organizations have played their part in uplifting our communities. Regardless of the approach–whether it be in direct services, legal aid, policy/advocacy, or legislation–the work done by each of these community leaders and organizations has substantially contributed to API civic rights. All of our separate work put together over the years has amazingly paved the way for an API pipeline into politics. And it has increased API political representation as well as engagement.
But imagine if we were able to come together to tackle these important matters as a whole –our noise and impact would be even louder. Our wheels would have more force to turn faster and stronger. With an increase in momentum and support, we can confidently and easily push our boulder(s) across multiple hills. Because like Steve said, “ Relationships are what make the wheels turn”.
Similarly, with CAUSE, I have noticed the importance of cultivating strong relationships with not just organizations but individuals as well. At its most basic form, the CLA program would not be complete or possible without CAUSE’s strong network. It is because of CAUSE’s connections with many influential individuals and organizations in the API community, that we are able to have fruitful conversations with weekly guest speakers, attendees to our mock fundraiser and endorsement events, and have the opportunity to tour the State Capitol and several local municipal buildings such as Monterey Park City Hall and Alhambra City Hall.
Friday, August 11 we had a mock endorsement panel hosted by Dr. Andrew Murphy (President of Asian Democrats of LA County), Marissa Roy (President of Women's List), and Fatima Shahnaz Iqbal-Zubair (Chair Progressive Caucus of California Democratic Party).
Without our network, CLA would only be a mere idea–BUT we are not. With the help of our community and connections, CAUSE has been able to successfully turn CLA from an idea to reality for many consecutive years.
From the beginning, of our academy to now, Steve’s quote and my understanding of the power of relationships and networking have been fully crystallized. In the past 8 weeks, I deeply reflected on the transformative power of collaboration and interconnectedness within the API community. Through coffee chats, shared insights, and collective efforts, I've witnessed firsthand the incredible impact that can emerge when organizations and individuals unite for a common purpose. As I move forward in my journey, I am committed to fostering and nurturing these invaluable relationships, understanding that they are the driving force behind turning ideas into tangible 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.