Leadership Academy
Sydney Pike
BLOG 5: Saying, Yes!

When I received my bachelor's degree from UCLA in June, the only thing I knew was that I would be joining CAUSE for the next nine weeks. I didn’t know what to expect, however what I gained was a new sense of confidence, a community of amazing individuals, and a greater understanding of our AANHPI community and my place within it.

BLOG 5: Saying, Yes!
Leadership Academy
Malia Ferrer
BLOG 5: Thank Goodness I Checked My E-mail!

I often reflect on the “butterfly effect" moments that have occurred in my life; the seemingly small choices or coincidences that have led to profound changes. This internship is a prime example.

BLOG 5: Thank Goodness I Checked My E-mail!
Leadership Academy
Jianhao Cui
BLOG 5: Nine Weeks Just 60 Days

As each of the nine weeks of our internship passed, I felt myself developing skills and knowledge through my placement office at LA County First District Supervisor Hilda Solis’ Office and through CAUSE’s cohort sessions. 

BLOG 5: Nine Weeks Just 60 Days
Leadership Academy
Emma Tom
BLOG 5: C (you all) LA (ter)

I often face difficulties coming up with answers for this icebreaker because my facial expressions always reveal my true feelings. So when I released the waterworks in front of the CAUSE board members during graduation, it was clear that I was not ready to say goodbye and close this chapter in my life.

BLOG 5: C (you all) LA (ter)
Leadership Academy
Ryan Horio
Blog 5: FTP (Family, Trust, Power)

As my time at CAUSE comes to a close, I reflect on the lessons I've learned about family, trust, and the collective power of API communities. CAUSE has not only deepened my understanding of civic engagement but also has reinforced the importance of prioritizing being rooted in community and centering our hearts in the work we do.

Blog 5: FTP (Family, Trust, Power)

Redistricting 2021

Dec 10th - Letter to Commissioners

December 10, 2021

Dear Commissioners,


On behalf of the Center for Asian Americans United for Self-Empowerment (CAUSE) and over

200 organizations, businesses, and individuals, I am writing to thank you for making changes

to the CD210 map at the December 8, 2021 meeting. The Commission’s decision to draw

CD210 in a way that protects Asian American voting rights signifies that the Commission

hears and understands the community’s desire to progress forward. These changes to center

the Asian American community as the largest minority community, include Asian American

majority cities, and increase the Asian CVAP in the current CD210 map will ensure that the

voting rights of the West San Gabriel Valley’s (WSGV) Asian American community are

protected.

The original draft map of CD210 split the Asian American community, which resulted in an

outcry from community members throughout San Gabriel Valley. CAUSE quickly began

bringing together civically-minded individuals, businesses, and organizations who wanted their

voices heard by the Commission and knew they would be stronger and louder together.

This network, built over decades, was able to mobilize quickly through social media, phone

calls, ethnic media, and traditional media, reaching hundreds, if not thousands, of people.

Supporters of the CAUSE Joint statement included a diverse range of intergenerational

supporters such as longtime community leaders, influential elders, business owners, student

clubs, immigrant-led organizations, interns, and private citizens who rallied around the notion

that action was needed to protect the voting rights of the WSGV Asian American community.

As the Commission may choose to revisit the CD210 map between now and the certification of

the final maps, please ensure that Asian American voting rights and political representation

are protected in the WSGV by:

  • Centering the Asian American community as the largest minority community

  • Maintaining the Asian CVAP to as close to 35% as possible

  • Keeping cities with Asian American and Pacific Islander majority, Monterey Park, Alhambra, Rosemead, San Gabriel, San Marino, Temple City, and Arcadia, together

Of those who have signed onto CAUSE’s joint statement, they know they have a home with

CAUSE to advocate for Asian American political representation and voting rights. Now, they

also know that the Commission stands with them as well.

Thank you again for your service, and, most of all, thank you for listening to our community.