Graduation: Both the End of a Chapter and the Beginning of Another

The last week of my CLI (CAUSE Leadership Institute) experience was an emotional rollercoaster. As I reflect on my transformative journey with CAUSE, I realized that what started as trepidation and uncertainty prior to submitting my application has now culminated into an incredible program where I met fellow passionate AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) leaders and individuals from all over the United States. Throughout the program, the 2023 CLI Cohort shared our unique perspectives as leaders and visionaries within our respective communities and empowered each other to continue to explore our passions and duties as AAPI leaders and role models. We also promised to stay connected to build upon the intersections of our diverse Community Impact projects. All in all, graduation was both the end of a chapter and the beginning of another, as the 2023 CLI Cohort bid a temporary farewell to CAUSE and CLI and looked forward to the future. But first, graduation.

Graduation day kicked off with a heartwarming gathering at the Japanese American National Museum, located aptly in the heart of Little Tokyo. We started the morning catching up over light pastries, reminiscing about our time together, and celebrating our achievements as a cohort. The historic museum provided a beautiful backdrop for our final hours together as a cohort, symbolizing the rich history and heritage that we, as AAPI leaders, represent and carry with us.

After catching up, we embarked on finalizing our respective Community Impact projects. It was truly enlightening to hear about the diverse passions and initiatives that each member of our cohort was pursuing as we bounced ideas off each other via the Socratic method. We held each other accountable and offered support and guidance as we prepared to make a positive, meaningful, and lasting impact in our communities. This collaborative effort showcased the power of unity and reinforced our commitment to creating meaningful change.

Lunch break! After debating (also using the Socratic method) about what to get for lunch, we journeyed through Little Tokyo and hopped onto the newly remodeled Little Tokyo metro stop (our way of voting with our “wallets” on the importance of having accessible and sustainable public transportation even though the metro free that day). Our lunch together at Marugame Monzo, a local favorite, was a perfect blend of cultural immersion and camaraderie. For those in the cohort from out of town, it was a delightful introduction to the diverse flavors and experiences that Los Angeles has to offer. Lunch flew by too quickly and, as we realized we had spent more than the allotted time at lunch, we hurried back (also via metro) to finish our close-out activities.

The close-out activities marked a particularly emotional period. We took the time to write letters to our future selves, capturing our feelings, goals, and the lessons we had learned during our shared CLI experience. Following that, we expressed our gratitude to the cohort and CAUSE staff through short rainbow sticky notes, where we acknowledged the impact each person had on our experience and growth. At the end of the activity, a colorful array of rainbow sticky notes lined the table which served as a powerful testament to how diversity and inclusivity efforts had brought us all together and the bonds we had formed from our diverse backgrounds. I realized with a growing sense of ambivalence that, much like the 2023 CLI Cohort timeline, the day had passed by too quickly and it was already time for the graduation ceremony.

The graduation ceremony was a celebration of the culmination of our efforts and a testament to the impact the program has made. The dimly lit room buzzed with excitement as CAUSE board members and staff, CLI alumni, and friends and families filled the space. The ceremony commenced with a rousing speech by Mike Eng, a respected figure in local politics and a former mayor and council member of Monterey Park. Charlie Woo, Board Chairman of CAUSE and a constant presence throughout our CLI journey, also shared his wisdom and encouragement. Finally, Bilal Hammoud, CLI Fellow and the definitive keynote speaker, closed out the graduation by reminding us of the incredible potential within each one of us and acknowledged the contributions CAUSE and each CLI member had on the 2023 CLI Cohort experience.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to CAUSE for putting together such an exceptional CLI program. This experience has not only equipped us with valuable skills and knowledge but has also fostered rare lasting connections among the cohort. As we bid farewell to CLI, I am excited about the prospect of staying connected and witnessing the incredible things each member will achieve in their respective endeavors. The CLI program has given us the tools and inspiration to make a positive impact in our communities, and I am confident that the skills we have cultivated will continue to shape our journey long after the CLI program has ended.

The end of the 2023 CLI program is not an end at all but a springboard to new beginnings. Armed with our community impact plans, letters to our future selves, and the support of our cohort, we embark on the next chapter of our lives, eager to make a lasting difference. As we step into the future, we carry with us the memories, lessons, and friendships that have made this CLI experience truly unforgettable. And I know that, together, we will continue to create a brighter, more inclusive, and empowered AAPI community.

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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 Alec Tsai, Leadership Institute 2023 Fellow.

The CAUSE Leadership Institute (CLI) for professionals is a 6-month-long certificate program that prepares and equips mid-career professionals with the tools, skills, and network to lead and advocate for the Asian Pacific Islander community.

Creating a Community Impact Plan: Empowering Change and Personal Growth (CLI 2023 Week 10)

During the fourth Pod Session of the CLI program, the fellows and I delved into the process of creating a community impact plan, focusing on essential components such as SMART goals, stretch goals, and power mapping. Such a plan serves as a catalyst for driving meaningful change within a community. 

Within my pod group, I shared my plan to increase public safety for children in Long Beach, particularly in high-crime areas through a safe-walking program for students. The program would pair responsible adults with children walking home after school to foster a better sense of security and protection. With my community impact plan, I wanted to highlight the potential for collaboration with schools and parents and expanding the program to other neighborhoods besides my own. To ensure the successful implementation of this program, the support and involvement of various stakeholders, including school administrators, teachers, parents, volunteers, and, most importantly, the children themselves are vital. By working together, the safe walking program will make our communities safer for our children and inspire positive change.

Setting SMART Goals and Embracing Stretch Goals

To ensure the success of the program, it was crucial to establish Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals. By adhering to these goals, I could create a structured framework that maximizes my program's impact. My SMART Goals for this initiative included:

• Specific: Establish a partnership with a local school and engage parents involved in the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) to volunteer for the program.

• Measurable: Set a target of enlisting a minimum of 5 parent volunteers within three months of program implementation.

• Achievable: Collaborate with school administrators, teachers, and parents to identify and address any logistical challenges associated with implementing the program.

• Relevant: Ensure the program directly addresses the issue of public safety by creating a safe environment for children in high-crime areas during their after school commute.

• Time-bound: Aim to launch the program within six months and continuously evaluate its effectiveness over the following year.

The SMART goal framework made me feel like my community impact plan was feasible, especially with the collaborative support of passionate individuals like my fellows who could provide expertise in various areas.

Additionally, incorporating stretch goals inspire me to imagine my program reaching beyond my initial expectations; such as expanding the program to other communities facing similar challenges. This expansion would require collaboration and support from additional stakeholders, including schools, local authorities, community organizations, and enthusiastic volunteers. Steve Lin, the CAUSE Director of Programs, explained that “Stretch goals push boundaries and inspire innovative approaches.” I was personally skeptical to hear this at first. But upon deeper inspection, I now have a better appreciation of stretch goals. By identifying and striving towards stretch goals, it can lead to personal growth that allows people to gain new insights into their capabilities and the potential impact they can make.

Power Mapping: Understanding Stakeholders and Relationships

Power mapping was an essential component of community impact planning to help visualize and understand the interconnectedness of stakeholders and their perspectives. This also enabled us to identify potential collaborators and supporters who share the same passion and goals. Engaging stakeholders through meaningful dialogue and collaboration establishes a sense of shared ownership, paving the way for sustainable impact and long-term success. This was a valuable insight to develop engagement strategies, build alliances, and effectively navigate potential challenges. 

A power map of the my safe walking program includes:

• School Administrators: Collaboration with school administrators will be needed to secure their support and leverage existing resources within the school community.

• Teachers: Engaging teachers can foster a sense of trust and provide valuable insights into student safety concerns and the best ways to address them.

• Parents: Active involvement of parents, particularly those connected to the PTA, can significantly contribute to the program's success and help encourage wider community participation.

• Volunteers: Enlisting dedicated volunteers who share the vision of creating a safer community will be pivotal to the program's implementation and sustainability.

• Children: Ultimately, the program's success lies in ensuring that children feel safe and comfortable participating. Establishing trust amongst and confidence from the children will be a critical aspect of this initiative.

Creating a safer community requires collective efforts and innovative solutions. By implementing a local program that allows adults to accompany children home in high-crime areas after school, I can enhance public safety and instill a sense of security within neighborhoods throughout Long Beach. With the SMART Goals and power mapping strategies I learned from this session, I know I can establish a robust foundation for this program and strive towards its expansion in the future. By setting SMART goals, embracing stretch goals, power mapping, and fostering a supportive community, we can all collectively contribute to driving positive change. Together, let's empower dreams and work towards creating a brighter future for all members of our community.

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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 Annie Chean, Leadership Institute 2023 Fellow

The CAUSE Leadership Institute (CLI) for professionals is a 6-month-long certificate program that prepares and equips mid-career professionals with the tools, skills, and network to lead and advocate for the Asian Pacific Islander community.

"Arc of a Campaign" (CLI 2023 Week 8 Recap)

Elections! I gravitated toward them because of the clear, inspiring way in which campaigns can build power in communities. They provide a launching pad to force difficult dialogue that can eventually become narrative-setting. They also allow for otherwise difficult base building, in which we can organize and unite ordinary people to facilitate long-term social change. This is not to say that the electoral outcome itself will accomplish these aims, but they do allow for the political activation of our communities, which we desperately need to transform our highly unequal, gloomy world. 

Campaigns ultimately come down to three simple themes: time, money, and people. And this past CAUSE session aptly called the Arc of a Campaign, our cohort got the fine dining version of these electoral fundamentals, — with the insights, authenticity, and strong values of LA Forward’s Deputy Director Godfrey Plata, who recently captured an impressive 43% of the vote in an Assembly race against a powerful incumbent.

To explore one of these themes in particular, time, Godfrey threw us to the lions, initiating a timed exercise where breakout teams had to place various campaign activities (fundraising, kickoff, knocking on doors, etc.) on a set timeline spanning several months. The awesome collective brains of my fellow CLI Fellows Ashley Mack, Steven Nguyen, and myself ensured the haphazard plotting of each electoral shenanigan, such as when to launch your campaign website. The epic realization? Successful campaigns are highly dependent on the early stages of the election, when staff selection, fundraising, early endorsements, and basic messaging all emerge. 

This stimulating activity evoked some personal stress as I found myself recalling past campaigns I’ve run when there was never enough time to do all of the listed activities: 

The year was 2020 and I’ve stumbled into running a City Council campaign as an amateur managing the race of a genuinely good person, but whose humble ego would not not let them run until just five freaking months before November. The first month which would have laid a successful foundation was instead spent trying to learn the campaign basics via trial by fire. We launched with little money, few endorsements, and an initially weak volunteer network. I will never forget the mental breakdowns both myself and the candidate had on a daily basis; nights when I just wanted to quit, or even reconsider doing any electoral work altogether. The remaining months were absolute hell as a result, and we ended up coming up just a few points short. 

I’m going to borrow from Godfrey's electoral timeline prescriptions here and analogize that campaigns are like a Bob Ross painting. You can always introduce new elements, and you can always have a late stage fundraising push – like Bob spontaneously dabbing in “happy little trees,” even sometimes turning “little accidents” into accessory features of his natural landscapes. But despite such flexibility, Bob has a foundational vision and focuses on seeing the larger forest through the dabbed trees. Similarly, early aspects of a campaign can serve as predictors of the late game success. You have to generate and sustain momentum.

We also explored the importance of values and messaging, guided by the backdrop of Plata’s own campaign video from 2020, in which he articulated clear motifs of representation, belief in social justice, being from and deeply connected to the community, and a willingness to be a champion for the viewer. This bundling of ideas constitutes a crucial aspect of a successful campaign: knowing what kind of candidate you are and aren’t, and therefore what lane you occupy that distinguishes you. 

Bernie Sanders can’t publicly take large contributions, but a Joe Biden or Hillary Clinton can. One candidate could win with little money by knocking on every single door, while another could win by barely knocking on any doors. In the former case, Bernie is better off not wasting time on fundraising events, while a Biden could forgo organizing large rallies or high-energy events. Sometimes, lanes are basically cleared for you, such as in the case of most Dem vs GOP races, because study after study shows that most voters solely look at party ID when filling out their ballots. But in the case of a more complex Dem vs Dem race, such as Godfrey’s, your ability to win will be dictated by what you will provide that the other candidate cannot – coupled with the well-oiled machine of direct voter outreach to make sure that message is received.

I especially appreciated several aspects of campaigning that Godfrey brought up:

• The complexity and importance of labor: It’s really hard to win without the supportive funds, people power, and leverage of unions. Many races in California become inseparable from tug of war fights over who secures which unions, and the unique politics and preferences of different types of unions. 

• Using an election to create change, even without winning: He highlighted the inclusion of language justice in all of his materials, with intentional, unprecedented outreach to the Filipino community in his district. By activating lower propensity voters left out by the process, he planted a seed for future progressive candidates.

• Knowing a person for every need: Whether it’s designing a t-shirt, filing paperwork, or bypassing email spam filters, a good campaigner is resourceful and able to find someone for every service imaginable. Failure to do so can result in unfortunate circumstances; take for instance, a candidate (who actually won) hired his 14-year-old cousin as their treasurer. The FPPC smacked him with massive fines, and he risked going to jail because his kid cousin kept $43k in a literal shoebox. With the diverse experiences and multi-sector lens of CAUSE, we likely have enough skill sets to run a successful campaign together!

As we all continue to engage in elections at our various levels of comfort, whether as a small donor, or as a paid staffer, I would challenge all of us to analyze every campaign in terms of how it transforms the political landscape in the process – does it build power or shift narratives? But we can also do both: run disruptive campaigns and also WIN, especially if we implement the learnings from Godfrey’s Arc of a Campaign.

Onward! Not every campaign will be a win – after all, Godfrey mentioned a sobering stat that only 10% of first-time candidates win their races. But now each of the 2023 CLI fellows is better equipped to play a role in potentially raising that 10% to a solid 15, 20, or maybe even 40% success rate for races that align with our strong values as a cohort.

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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 Neil Park-McClintick, Leadership Institute 2023 Fellow

The CAUSE Leadership Institute (CLI) for professionals is a 6-month-long certificate program that prepares and equips mid-career professionals with the tools, skills, and network to lead and advocate for the Asian Pacific Islander community.

"Women in Power" (CLI 2023 Week 6 Recap)

“My passion is in opening the doors for the next generation and mentoring the future leaders of our community.” With those words, Los Angeles Supervisor Hilda Solis addressed our 2023 CLI cohort during our second in-person session. Featured as the keynote for the “Women in Power” session, Solis engaged in a fireside chat for our cohort, describing her journey and upbringing as a Los Angeles native born to immigrant parents.  

Solis was first asked to describe how her values have guided her leadership. She took the opportunity to give the cohort insight and advice on how to deal with crisis and tough situations, acknowledging that she has always been the person to find out the “why” behind the problem and to address the issue by finding a solution. Solis encouraged the cohort to surround ourselves with advisors and to listen to the community. 

As a child of seven to immigrant parents, Solis did not receive the same levels of attention and support as some of her peers. When someone paid attention to Hilda and saw something in her that she didn’t see in herself, she was inspired. She recalled a guidance counselor encouraging her to attend college and helping her with the application. This encouragement would lead her to becoming the first of her family to go to college at California State Polytechnic University, which she would pay for with government grants and part-time jobs. Solis then went on to describe her career journey starting with various internships and intergovernmental programs that would take her to Sacramento, Washington D.C., and back to Los Angeles. Through her experience, she gave the cohort a few valuable pieces of life advice:

1. Know you might not always be safe in your space and don’t fear venturing out of your comfort zone.

2. Be on your toes. Always be aggressive and don’t give up on your passion. 

3. There is value in listening, persistence, and continued navigation.
   

As a mid-career professional working in both corporate and the community, Solis’ advice speaks to me personally, especially as an introvert having to find my voice in unfamiliar spaces. I am a strong advocate for people to continue to be bold and to venture out of their comfort zones, to explore uncharted territories to not only benefit themselves but for those who follow in their footsteps.  

Secondly, Solis was asked how she uplifts and serves communities. Solis provided background that in December 2021, Los Angeles County adopted a redistricting plan that would make her district, District 1,have a 25% AAPI population – the largest AAPI seat in California. With this change, Solis described how she now represented the highest makeup of AAPI communities. She now focuses on her work finding ways to provide more funding and support, especially in areas of mental health and healthcare disparity. Solis also spoke to prioritizing hiring staff that can speak the language of the communities she represented. Passionate about developing young leaders, Solis hires interns who she can help grow by opening doors and other opportunities to them. 

When asked specifically about the mass shooting in Monterey Park, Solis made translation services available for mental health. She also spoke to appointing the first Director of the Los Angeles county Department of Mental Health, Lisa Wong. On these topics, Solis advised, “Have people in leadership positions who will fight to have representation in civil service.” Solis makes a great point here. As a community, we are only as strong as the advocates, champions, and sponsors who will also fight in the trenches with us.

Solis then went on to describe “LA vs Hate”, a community-centered system designed to support all residents of Los Angeles County led by the Human Relations Commission and supported by all five county districts. The goals of the system are to address the normalization of hate and inspire people to stand up to it, build understanding about what constitutes a hate act and how to report it, and to support individuals and communities as they heal from the trauma of hate. Solis spoke to the accomplishment of this system, setting up a hotline with various in-language services and representation, defense courses, and funding CEOs. To date, the system has received 3.2 million in grant funding and looks forward to receiving ongoing funding. Solis leaves us with these last powerful words, “The stronger we are united, the more we can do.” I was inspired by Solis’ speech and very honored she made time for our cohort. The time spent with Solis made me want to learn more about relationship building and state government.

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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 Ashley Mack, Leadership Institute 2023 Fellow.

The CAUSE Leadership Institute (CLI) for professionals is a 6-month-long certificate program that prepares and equips mid-career professionals with the tools, skills, and network to lead and advocate for the Asian Pacific Islander community.

"Anti-Asian Hate" (CLI 2023 Week 4 Recap)

Over the past few years, there has been a whirlwind of anti-Asian hate and rhetoric emerging from around the world. From derogatory slurs to real-life physical violence often caught on camera and watched millions of times over on social media, Asians have become the target of senseless hate crimes that have left many feeling scared and marginalized. The reasons for this increase in hatred towards Asians are complex and multifaceted, but one thing is clear – it is essential to stop anti-Asian hate and rhetoric in our community, country, and the globe. 

It is crucial to recognize that anti-Asian hate and rhetoric are not new phenomena, Asians have been subject to racism and discrimination for decades, with many incidents going unreported or unnoticed. Our speaker, Kiran Bhalla of AAPI Equity Alliance cited many examples of anti-Asian situations such as the Japanese internment done by President Franklin D. Roosevelt during to WW2 to older examples such as the Jeanie Jew story about her grandfather M.Y. Lee who was murdered in the late 1800’s during anti-Chinese riots that plagued the times. 

Fast-forward to today, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought this issue to the frontlines of public consciousness. Since the virus originated in China, many people have wrongly blamed Asians for the pandemic and used this as an excuse to spread hate and bigotry against them. During my time in the Legislature, which also coincided with the Pandemic, I heard firsthand accounts from constituents about anti-Asian hate pointed at them. In 2022, our office selected Seniors Fight Back as our CA non-profit of the Year. Seniors Fight Back was founded in May 2021 in Southern California by a passionate group of individuals that wanted direct aid to help the AAPI community amid rising anti-Asian hate crimes — particularly against the elderly. Since then, they have provided training and resources to 1700+ seniors and others of various age groups. I am glad to see similar types of groups form from the devastation that our community has experienced. 

The impact of anti-Asian hate and rhetoric is full spectrum. It affects not only those who are directly targeted but also their families and communities. Because of this, Asians are made to feel unsafe and unwelcome in their own diverse community, leading to a sense of isolation and anxiety. This can have long-lasting psychological effects.

Stopping all hate is not just a matter of basic human decency, it is a matter of community responsibility. We should recognize that anti-Asian hate and rhetoric are symptoms of a larger problem: racism and inequality in our community. So, what can we do to stop anti-Asian hate and rhetoric? 

Speak out against hate when you see it. We all have a responsibility to call out hateful speech and intolerance when we see it. We have the responsibility of teaching our children the proper way of treating others: treat others the way you wish to be treated. We have a moral responsibility to stand up against hate.

Educate ourselves. It is important to learn about the history of racism and discrimination against Asians, and to understand the root causes of anti-Asian hate and rhetoric. It is important to clarify and understand who the real antagonist is in these situations so that we can work together to stop the destruction that they perpetrate. 

Advocate for policy change and impact change through elections. We need to advocate for policies that promote equality and justice for all. This can involve lobbying our elected officials and getting more involved at your local level. If you do not see the action for change from your elected representatives, then you have a duty to stand up for what is right and challenge the status quo. Through advocacy and political engagement, we can work towards addressing systemic issues caused by our government and promote policies that we believe will foster a better society. By doing so, we can help create a world where everyone can thrive and enjoy their lives peacefully, absent any type of oppression. 

We need to work towards creating a society where all feel safe and free to be themselves. We must stand up against hate, ignorance, and racism and work towards creating a world where all humans are valued and respected members of society. By doing so, we can create a brighter future for everyone.

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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 Stephen Nguyen, Leadership Institute 2023 Fellow

The CAUSE Leadership Institute (CLI) for professionals is a 6-month-long certificate program that prepares and equips mid-career professionals with the tools, skills, and network to lead and advocate for the Asian Pacific Islander community.

"Hero's Journey" (CLI 2023 Week 3 Recap)

“To Dara and all, I just wanted you to know…I see you,” said one of our 2023 CAUSE Leadership Institute (CLI) Fellows, Bernadine Tavita, during our first Pod Meeting together.  Bernadine said this important comment during an introductory exercise where everyone was asked to share a moment that we had felt seen by our community and how it impacted us. As we were asked to respond one-by-one, many of us came across a major hurdle where we could not recount a moment we had felt seen. Bernadine, after recounting her own experiences within her local Pacific Islander community, wanted to make sure that all of our cohort knew that we were both on this journey together and that everyone knew they felt included. Her comment would become a defining moment that would repeat itself as an important theme of this workshop and how our cohort would bond closer together with one another.

This was our third overall meeting together and became a powerful session that would both test and push our cohort to share our stories in relation to one another and our identities. Third Settlements’ Principal Chirag Menon led and moderated this session that was themed around ‘The Hero's Journey”: a 12-step concept in storytelling which would have the hero disrupted by a call for action (departure), overcome their ordeals (initiation), and come back transformed (return). The thematic purpose of this Pod would be to better frame our own stories. In addition, there was a secondary purpose in teaching us all lessons in empowering our own unique journeys as well as learning similarities between one another. 

Although I was familiar with The Hero’s Journey from a storytelling perspective, I learned how we could apply this concept to ourselves and our own branding. For instance, in one exercise, Chirag broke us out into breakout groups and we quickly answered several questions about our childhood. This exercise had us thinking on our feet and opened us up to tell both fun and touching stories about our childhoods and communities. We were able to find shared common values within our diverse communities and open up to one another about our learnings and commonalities from cute and silly childhood names to similarities in our journeys trying to assimilate into unfamiliar communities.

We wrapped up our session with a unique and mystical story that Chirag used in many of his workshops about two siblings who journey away from their tribe and end up dramatically changed by the end. We were asked as a cohort to think about how we relate with this tale – whether through the plot, characters, or themes. I personally was deeply moved listening to many of my cohort’s interpretations of this story and how that revealed many of our personal and deep thoughts. Our cohort brought up topics about familial trauma, our cultural journeys especially in the context of the American dream, and the work we have done within our communities.

By the end of the Pod, we had transformed as a group unsure about being seen by our communities to trusting one another in our shared experiences in identifying ourselves differently. We bonded by opening up and sharing our intimate and vulnerable selves and not shying away from difficult topics and following our values. As Bernadine mentioned at the outset of the Pod, we were amongst a shared community who now know that they are seen. 

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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 John Wie, Leadership Institute 2023 Fellow

The CAUSE Leadership Institute (CLI) for professionals is a 6-month-long certificate program that prepares and equips mid-career professionals with the tools, skills, and network to lead and advocate for the Asian Pacific Islander community.

"API Civic Engagement" (CLI 2023 Week 2 Recap)

There is a widespread perception that Asian Americans are not politically engaged. This perception is perpetuated by many sources, including dominant narratives in the media that ignore Asian American political organizing, polling data that fails to adequately or correctly capture Asian American voters, and lack of coverage of Asian American history in most U.S. history classes. This perception is not only entrenched in erasure, but also ignores the very birth of the term Asian America. In 1968, community organizers in the Bay Area came together to found the Asian American Political Alliance (AAPA), during which the term Asian American was first used. The AAPA and the origin of Asian America were politically rooted and aimed to correct historical injustices in order to claim power for Asian Americans in solidarity with all oppressed people.

This history, along with the current false perception of Asian Americans and political engagement, made it all the more important for AAPI Civic Engagement and electoral organizing  to be the topic for the first week of the CAUSE Leadership Institute (CLI). Dr. Sara Sadhwani presented very important data on the growth and power of the AAPI voting bloc. Dr. Sadhwani showed us Pew Research center data that projects that the Asian population in the U.S. will surpass 46 million by 2060, making Asians the largest immigrant population. Asian Americans are also located in geographically important states in terms of both local and national elections. In addition to areas traditionally associated with large Asian American populations, including New York and California, Asian Americans are also concentrated in electorally important swing states, such as Texas, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, and Nevada. When Asian Americans are electorally organized, we canswung very important elections – and we already have.

While electoral organizing is important, it is also inadequate on its own. Many social justice issues are not and will never be addressed through electoral organizing because they are fundamentally rooted in structural oppression that is perpetuated by the political system. Oftentimes, these issues affect folks who live in the intersection of multiple systems of oppression. The halls of political power are structured in a way that systematically excludes the people most impacted by decisions from the decision-making table. While recognizing the many shortcomings of electoral organizing, the data does show us that electoral organizing is an important and concrete way to build community power, and it is one that we must tap into as an avenue to create long-term change.

Dr. Sadhwani also presented very interesting data on issue-based advocacy. In particular, the data on support for affirmative action surprised me and challenged my own perceptions. Among Asian American voters, 69% expressed support for “affirmative action programs designed to help Black people, women, and other minorities.” When looking at disaggregated data, Korean American voters expressed the highest support, at 82%, and Chinese American voters expressed the lowest support, at 59%. Yet, 59% is still well into the majority, but so many stories and narratives presented by journalists in dominant media spaces have had us believe that Asian Americans, particularly Chinese Americans, did not support affirmative action. The Harvard Affirmative Action case has been politicized in a way that has given the public, including myself, a strong perception that many Asian Americans opposed affirmative action. This has been a powerful narrative that has been weaponized to create divisions between communities of color, especially contributing to an antagonizing narrative between Asian Americans and Black Americans.

Yet the data tells a different story. The data empowers us to root our advocacy and activism in our truths instead of relying on a distorted understanding presented by those in power. This is an important way to reshape our narratives and reclaim our power.

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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 Shengxiao "Sole" Yu (虞圣晓), Leadership Institute 2023 Fellow

The CAUSE Leadership Institute (CLI) for professionals is a 6-month-long certificate program that prepares and equips mid-career professionals with the tools, skills, and network to lead and advocate for the Asian Pacific Islander community.

"What It Means to be Asian American" (CLI 2023 Week 1 Recap)

What it means to be Asian American.

I am grateful for the opportunity to take part in the CAUSE Leadership Institute and meet many colleagues working towards deepening our civic engagement in the API community. On Saturday, January 14, we began our journey in person at the CAUSE office in Los Angeles. I was struck by the diverse backgrounds and professional achievements of my fellow cohort. One colleague worked for the Speaker’s office in a State Capitol, another ran for the state legislature, and yet another leads a non-profit Asian American Professionals. 

We spent the day getting to know each other and defining what civic engagement meant to us. In the second group activity focusing on civic engagement, we fell into a robust discussion about responding to the homelessness crisis that many cities were facing across the country. In the process of being challenged to see different perspectives on the topic, I felt free to not be “the Asian perspective” – as many of us feel when we are the only one in the room. 

Some of these vigorous conversations continued during our lunch. However, we also used that time for an adventure. Many of us made an impromptu decision to get boba milk tea, which became a fun bonding experience as we shared umbrellas and navigated through the rain.

In another small group discussion after lunch, we explored our life maps and I was amazed by the journeys each of us took to get where we were. We suffocated under the model minority stereotype, which took away our ability to be and define ourselves. I was fascinated by the different kinds of people who inspired my colleagues and led them to share this space with me. One thing that was particularly noteworthy was that, like me, a colleague was inspired to run and won a seat on their county party’s central committee, but for a different party than myself. It truly shows how there are opportunities to build bridges and share common experiences even through our differences. In those opportunities, we can partner and advocate for the needs of our community. 

We finished up the day with a delicious dinner with CAUSE board members and program alumni. I do feel as though we will be a close cohort. I am grateful to share in the different stories of my new friends because the myriad experiences allows us to reveal what it truly means to be Asian American. 

(Emily Ramos, bottom left, sits with CLI 2023 Fellows Dara Smith and William Yen and with CAUSE Board Treasurer Wen Hong and CAUSE Board Secretary Ben Wong.)

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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 Emily Ramos, Leadership Institute 2023 Fellow

The CAUSE Leadership Institute (CLI) for professionals is a 6-month-long certificate program that prepares and equips mid-career professionals with the tools, skills, and network to lead and advocate for the Asian Pacific Islander community.

“The One Where People Won’t Quiet the F Down” aka Reconnection: A 2022 Summer Soirée

“The One Where People Won’t Quiet the F Down” aka Reconnection: A 2022 Summer Soirée

INT. HOTEL BALLROOM - NIGHT

Cavernous room is filled with ASIAN PEOPLE, many of whom are wearing colored leis. Vibe is “Party like you haven’t left the house in 2.5 years.”

NANCY YAP, Executive Director of CAUSE, stands at the podium.  She taps on the mic. 

NANCY

If everyone could take their seats, we’re going to get started…

People form chatty groups clustering at the buffet line, bar line, and photo booth.

WOMAN (Offscreen)

Oh my gosh, you’re so much taller than I thought you’d be!

MAN (O.S.)

Have you seen any other folks from our cohort?

WOMAN (O.S.)

Tell me everything!

Impressive DIGNITARIES take turns speaking on the stage.

NANCY

Seriously, folks. We need everyone to quiet down so we all can hear the great program we have for you tonight.

Group of 2021 CAUSE LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE ALUMNI approach a table in the front, wearing matching purple and white leis.

YOUNG(ISH) WOMAN 1

Are you sure we’re allowed to sit here? 

YOUNG(ISH) WOMAN 2

Marlena is! And check it out-- there’s Champagne at this table! 

Woman 2 lifts up her KN94 and takes a sip.

Group sits down, filling the table, and accidentally(?) stealing CA Senator Dave Min’s seat as he’s speaking at the podium.

NANCY

If everyone could stop their conversations and bring your attention to the front, our last speaker is Marlena Truong: 2021 CLI fellow, President of the National Women's Political Caucus of Orange County, district representative at the California State Senate, and pinned as Most Likely to be the First to Win Elected Office by her cohort.

2021 CLI alumni table goes crazy.

ALUMNI

You go, girl! Woooo woooo! Represent!

Hush falls over the room as all the heads turn to see what the commotion is all about. Marlena, with her signature dark-rimmed glasses and red lip, approaches the podium.

MARLENA

Who needs liquid courage when you’ve got friends?

FADE TO BLACK.

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Although I’ve been part of the CAUSE community since March 2021, I had never met anyone in person before the Soirée. After my cohort’s graduation, some folks had a smaller, unofficial gathering, but my COVID anxiety and not-yet-vaccinated kids kept me home. I only knew folks from their 2D Zoom personas and YouTube intros. 

We were so excited to be invited to CAUSE’s first big event since the pandemic. There’s 4 folks in my cohort who are on a text chain labeled “Frantic Text Crew”. The name is a reference to something a guest speaker said during the CLI session “Creating our Path: Women in Power”. Fellow frantic texter Janet McIntyre recalled “Their pro tip was to have a crew of women friends you can rely on for trusted advice, friends you can frantically text in the middle of the night when you have a crisis.” All of us came out that night for the Soirée.

Some moments that popped from the blur of excitement:

• Discovering the secret talents of my fellow alumni: I saw pics of the incredible, human sized, paper mache Daruma doll Angie Chang made for Burning Man. 

• #WeAreIrvine represents: Dave Min, elected official for my district, told me about the amazing giant H-Mart that just opened in our neighborhood.

• A Thank You hug: I got to meet Andrew Murphy in-person whose enthusiastic nudge got me to apply for CAUSE in the first place. He was CLI 2018, but this year he repped a blue lei as part of the CAUSE “Portrait of Power” -- the elected officials and political heavy hitters in the front.

• Meeting a real life Pokemon trainer: At least, that’s what I told my kids when I got home, after meeting 2020 CLI fellow Charles Chen, who works at the Pokémon Company (as corporate counsel).

• Learning about other CAUSE Programs: Like how the CLA college fellows get to go to Sacramento!*

But the biggest highlight of all was getting human time. After 2.5 years on Zoom, my relationships had become so disembodied. At the Soirée, I got to shake the hand of (the very tall) Ben Wong, the CAUSE Board member who gave us the real deal behind what it’s like to run for and be a City Councilmember; I saw that 2021’er Doug Yang is a buttoned-up lawyer by day and a goofball dad by night, with a killer Asian flush; and that CAUSE Program Director Steve Lin is just as patient and kind in person, and has an amazing arm tattoo. 

The rallying cry of the night could have been Representation or Unity or Something Explicitly Political. But for me it was Friendship. The Friday after the Soirée, my cohort buddy Jessica Chang, showed up for me at the live screening of the East West Players production that I was a part of. 

I left the Soiree feeling buzzed with the friendship of our community--- the kind of friendship that extends beyond a computer screen; the kind where when you hang out, you can’t shut up because you have so much to talk about; the kind that shows up for you, which is exactly the kind you need when you are running for office one day. (#Marlena2026)

#2021CLI: How it Started

(You can tell that’s Doug on the left.)

How It’s Going

*Nancy and Steve-- Just to be clear I actually was one of the people listening. :)

Soirée Reflections from CLI Alumni, Ada Tsui

What a beautiful event at the Westin Bonaventure hosted by CAUSE for a summer soiree! Stepping into the gorgeous architecture, I was then greeted warmly by CAUSE staff, then a quick safety procedure of Covid testing, I walked into an elegant black backdrop with twinkling crystal chandeliers hanging from above. Guests draped in dresses and suits, some with decorative lei’s to celebrate the honorees, alumni, and newly graduated, I conversed happily with to the background music with food and drinks. I caught up with co-workers from SCE I haven’t seen in 3 years since the pandemic, met with my cohorts/co-hosts Ben, Sirapia, Howie, Steve, Nancy, Jackie with a warm embraced after finally meeting in person from months of online collaboration, like we’ve have been friends for decades. I got to meet with mayors like Henry Lo and Jeffrey Maloney, as well as Chinese Chamber of Commerce of LA Chester Chong, and Chinese American Elected Official Albert Chang to potentially have a collaboration. hope these projects will help better the community. These opportunities to meet leaders and other civic engagement activists feeds my soul and gives hope to a brighter future for APIs here in Los Angeles. I appreciate CAUSE for an opportunity to network, make new friends, work together, accomplish goals, grow together and to be able to give back.  Thank you CAUSE for putting together such a wonderful event! Can’t wait for the next event to celebrate and make a difference in the community!