Across the various community leaders and organizers that we had the honor of meeting these last two weeks with CAUSE, most, if not all gave us the advice to go and be seen––many of these leaders emphasized that they were able to make the differences they have made and be in the positions they are in today because they put themselves out there, and let themselves be visible.
2024 CLA interns take a photo with District Director Jennifer Tang
We started the second week with District Director Jennifer Tang and Monterey Park Councilmember Henry Lo, who both shared their experiences of trying to be seen and to provide appropriate resources for suffering community members after the Monterey Park shooting. Jennifer told us that some community members were unsure whether it was even safe to go outside, let alone try to obtain resources for grieving due to the lack of accessible, language-appropriate sources and clearly communicated news. Barriers like these are a testament to the necessity of visible, ready leaders during times of crisis.
In a different light, even when talking with the lovely folks from PFLAG, it was clear that even throughout difficult conversations, it was important not only to be seen but also to actively see people for their ideas and thoughts even if they clashed with yours. Specifically, they delivered to us the important message that closing your heart and predetermining in your mind how another person will react may lead you to miss out on unexpected allyship. I think this is incredibly applicable to various facets of our identities, and heightens the critical value of truly opening your eyes and attempting to see people for who they are and what they think.
In different ways, it was evident that letting yourself be visible and actively seeing others––in other words being present––is of utmost importance in public service and community-based work.
CLA interns work on their mock campaign project
On a more personal note, I have been lucky to feel seen in spending more time with the cohort, whether it was sharing personal issues that made us upset and analyzing their root causes or learning more about each other through post-CLA dinners and karaoke. I feel that spending the beginning and end of the week with my cohort prepares me to be visible and seen to others in the community while working for my host office, as we as a cohort actively practice it and live it with each other.
Mock Campaign B interns pose in front of Monterey Park Service Clubhouse
This is particularly special since to me, being seen can be a scary ordeal. I, probably like many others, worry about how I will be perceived, and what will happen when I “put myself out there” in a state of vulnerability. However, my time at CAUSE and spending time with my cohort constantly reminds me that being seen is a wonderful thing. Being visible opens doors for you to see others more closely. Being seen and seeing others makes you feel more intimately tied to your communities, and drives you to serve them.
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 Eliana Kim, Leadership Academy 2024 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.