Dear Board of Supervisors,
The Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) is writing to express our support for Agenda Item 10 to ensure inclusivity for Los Angeles County’s Anti-Racism, Diversity, & Inclusion (ARDI) Strategic Plan through an outreach plan that actively engages vulnerable communities and populations that include Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. CAUSE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan, community-based organization with a mission to advance the political and civic empowerment of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community through nonpartisan voter outreach, training, and education as well as leadership development.
The 2020 Census data showed that the AAPI community is the fastest growing racial and ethnic group in the United States. Historically, the AAPI community has not been included in policy discussion, but as the size of the community grows it is important to include us now. Through intentional outreach to the AAPI community in shaping the ARDI Initiative’s strategic plan, the AAPI community can help build solutions to the challenges brought to light in the past few years, ensuring that resources are provided for our community’s unique needs.
In a recent multiethnic statewide poll conducted by CAUSE in collaboration with Hispanas Organized for Political Equality, Los Angeles Urban League, and the Los Angeles Times, 75% of AAPIs described California as being diverse and bringing people of different backgrounds together and 65% AAPIs felt that this diversity brought people together around new ideas and vibrant communities. The African American community was the next highest for both questions (73%, 64%)
CAUSE believes these new ideas include ways that Los Angeles County can not only be more humane and just, but also be a place where people who share AAPI backgrounds, values, and cultures will be more accepted. The poll indicates that 2 out of 3 AAPIs in California are hopeful that, in the future, people who share their backgrounds, values, and cultures will become more common and more accepted in America. If adequately included in ARDI initiatives, AAPIs will contribute to ARDI’s goals of Los Angeles County’s efforts to combat racism and promote diversity and inclusion. As an extremely diverse demographic, they will also be able to share their needs for culturally appropriate resources. While the creation of ARDI has unlocked abundant opportunities for diversity, inclusion, and equity, insights from the AAPI community are both valuable and vital in moving forward in ARDI’s strategic plan.
We strongly urge the Board of Supervisors to approve Agenda Items 10, so that Los Angeles County has the opportunity to ensure ARDI’s strategic plan reflects the values, optimism, and hope of the diverse communities that reside there.