"亞美政聯實習計畫畢業典禮 14大學生收穫滿滿" (World Journal)

亞美政聯（CAUSE）2023大學生暑期領導力實習計畫（Leadership Academy）畢業典禮18日在聖蓋博舉行。今年共有14名實習生從該項目畢業，他們在畢業典禮上分享了參與該項目的經歷，表示受益匪淺。

今年實習計畫已是第30屆，亞美政聯創始人創辦人兼主席胡澤群（Charlie Woo）指出，今年有100多位申請人，其中14人憑藉各自特長入選。暑期實習共有九周，學生們每周全職工作五天，約40小時，其中兩天在亞美政聯洛杉磯辦公室，另外三天在加州、聯邦民選官員辦公室或亞裔權益非營利組織實習。因為這些大學生來自美國各州，為讓他們後顧無憂地在加州實習，亞美政聯提供每位實習生4000元生活補助。

洛杉磯加大學生Meghna Nair，三歲從印度移民至美國。她說，參加該項目是想更深入了解亞裔社區的文化。她表示，通過該項目認識了很多傑出的人物，從他們身上學會了很多。她說，「亞美政聯拓寬了我的視野，讓我的世界更寬廣。」Meghna Nair在加州眾議員Al Muratsuch辦公室實習。

就讀於洛杉磯加大的Emma Chen，生長於聖蓋博谷。在參加此夏令營之前，就在亞美政聯實習。她了解到該夏令營廣受好評之後，決定也來參加。她得以在國會眾議員劉雲平（Ted W. Lieu）辦公室實習。她說，參加該項目讓她看到更多可能性，很多前輩給了她未來在該領域繼續發展的啟發。

就讀於波莫那學院（Pomona College）的Angel Yuan是加拿大人，在加拿大高中畢業後來美國讀大學。她說，通過該夏令營，認識了很多人，讓她了解政治是

芝加哥大學華裔生Liam Chia對公共政策非常感興趣，他說，自己來自於亞裔社區，弟弟有唐氏症，在照顧他的責任中，慢慢體會到社會政策和政治影響的重要性。亞美政聯的暑期項目讓他有機會更深入地了解政治，建立相關領域的人脈。他在國會眾議員趙美心辦公室實習。

胡澤群在當天的畢業典禮上祝賀14位政治實習生畢業，他強調了傳承的重要性。他說，畢業生應不忘如今所得到的實習機會，在未來應回饋給下一代亞裔，如此傳承才可以讓亞裔社區更加壯大。

課業兼顧興趣 華裔養女進名校 (World Journal)

瓦薩學院畢業典禮，梅妮和養父母全家歡慶。（校友梅妮提供）

瓦薩學院歡迎2017屆新同學梅妮到來。（校友梅妮提供）

梅妮（Lianne May）出生於中國浙江省杭州附近，嬰兒時期被一對美國白人夫婦從福利院領養，定居科羅拉多州Boulder市。身為在美國中產家庭長大的華裔女孩，梅妮從小熱愛學習、音樂和運動，2017年畢業於著名文理學院瓦薩學院（Vassar College），主修心理學和西班牙裔研究。她的教育和求職經歷與華人新移民家庭的孩子不同，對跨入美國名校大門提供了新視角。

養父從事化學科技、養母任職小學教師，梅妮是這個白人家庭唯一的孩子。高中四年，選修許多AP課程和榮譽課程，升入大學後覺得課業沒有想像中艱難。她喜歡游泳，訓練了八年成為花式游泳選手；這項運動教會了她團隊合作、如何在課業學習和運動訓練間取得平衡。她堅持練習11年長笛，顯示對藝術和拓展視野的興趣。

梅妮撰寫的申請大學論文概括了自己的角色：優秀生、運動員、音樂家，真誠地表達多方面興趣，最重要的她是一個非常敬業的學生，升大學是首要任務。這些紀錄和努力給招生官員留下深刻印象。

梅妮如願進入競爭激烈的瓦薩學院。該校位於紐約州哈德遜山谷，是一所華麗的校園，擁有悠久歷史。瓦薩學院課程設置允許學生選修專業以外課程。喜愛運動的她又加入瓦薩學院賽艇隊（Vassar College Rowing），大學四年每天早晨在哈德遜河（Hudson River）上練習。學校靠近紐約市，周末她和同學們乘火車去大都市休閒。

和大多數中產家庭一樣，面對瓦薩學院每年超過7萬元學雜費和食宿費，梅妮和養父母面臨沉重的財務壓力。於是全家人動起來，通過深入研究和尋找資源，瞭解如何根據每個家庭的經濟狀況調整學費，學校根據學生的學術成績或財務需求，提供獎學金或降低學費。瓦薩學院擁有大量的社會贈與金，這意味學校會根據學生經歷、成績、論文等錄取學生，並根據需要提供財務資助。梅妮指出，學生和家庭需要了解大學提供的資源和機會，可以不考慮學費價碼選擇大學。

梅妮說，瓦薩學院學生來自不同背景，打造開放式校園文化，引領學生討論校園和世界時事。學校擁有活躍的校友網絡和人脈，可與國內和國際上大多數主要城市的校友聯繫。畢業後梅妮曾在不同城市居住和工作，常遇到校友。

梅妮在暑假期間四處旅行和工作，增廣見聞。2015年暑期來到洛杉磯，加入亞美政聯（CAUSE）暑期領導才能訓練營，在加州眾議員周本立（Ed Chau）辦公室實習，立志公共服務和社區改造。梅妮說，這段經歷影響到她的職業和個性，迄今她仍然與當年的導師和營友們保持聯繫。

她從大三開始，通過校友網路與師長關係，打電話發電郵與很多感興趣的公司、機構、組織建立聯繫，將姓名和簡歷送到潛在雇主手中，獲得應徵多個工作的機會。

畢業後她做過全職和兼職工作，花了兩年半時間，才找到真正喜歡的職業。她現任紐約市平民投訴審查委員會調查員，代表平民投訴人調查涉嫌不當行為的紐約警察的案件。

梅妮（Lianne May）加入瓦薩學院劃艇隊在哈德遜河上參加晨訓。（校友梅妮提供）

亞美政聯學院 15亞裔生畢業 (World Journal)

亞美政聯領導學院畢業典禮，學生做「公民參與項目」簡報。（記者陳開／攝影）

亞美政聯主席胡澤群表示，該項目旨在建立學生與社區的連接，為他們日後在職場、政界成功鋪路。（記者陳開／攝影）

亞美政聯領導學院（CAUSE）16日舉行畢業典禮（2019 Graduating），為15名學生頒發畢業證書。亞美政聯主席胡澤群（Charlie Woo）表示，該政治實習項目旨在建立學生與社區的連接，為他們日後在職場、政界成功鋪路。

15名學生分別在巴沙迪那與聖蓋博谷計畫生育組織（Planned parenthood Pasadena & San Gabriel valley）、聯邦眾議員趙美心（Judy Chu）辦公室及州眾議員周本立（Ed Chau）辦公室等地實習，累積了從政實務經驗。

亞美政聯主席胡澤群表示，瑞士網球名手費德勒（Roger Federer），少年時就展示出網球天分，但家人並沒有一開始就培養他打網球，而是讓他接觸棒球等其他球類運動。當費德勒對其他項目有了充分體驗後，再投入網球運動，經受多重經驗的加持，讓他的職業道路變得寬敞明亮。胡澤群指出，費德勒故事的說明，成功不是由單點構成，而是多點形成的面。亞美政聯旨在為學生提供更多的「點」，而這些經歷能讓學生們受益。

在「公民參與項目（Civic engagement project）」簡報環節，學生們分享了他們在聖蓋博谷地區推行節水計畫心得。Amanda Yuan表示，通過走訪阿罕布拉市60個商家，他們發現許多業者母語為中文，而學生團隊中，缺乏會講中文的學員。語言障礙是推行計畫不得不面對的難題之一。Amanda Yuan建議聖蓋博水區（San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District），以後可以考慮僱用更多會講中文的職員，並印製更多中文宣傳資料，在微信等華人常用社交媒體上開設主頁，可以更好宣傳節水相關資訊。

CAUSE to Host Graduation for 2019 Leadership Academy Interns

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Haidee Pan
Director of Marketing & Communications
Phone: (213) 269-4639
Email: haidee@causeusa.org

Who:

Diana Lam
Senior at Wellesley College
2017 Leadership Academy Alumnus

Kim Yamasaki
Executive Director, CAUSE

Charlie Woo
Board Chair, CAUSE

Snehal Desai
Producing Artistic Director, East West Players

Tammy Tran
Senior Manager of Community Engagement, Local Public Affairs,Southern California Edison
Board Member, CAUSE

Audrey Soriano
Manager of Leadership Development, CAUSE

2019 CAUSE Leadership Academy Interns

Amanda Yuen
Intern at Planned Parenthood Pasadena & San Gabriel Valley

Amber Chong
Intern at the Office of Assemblymember Ed Chaua

Amy Ho
Intern at the Office of Congressman Lou Correa

Angela Wang
Intern at IW Group

Brandon Tabata
Intern at Transparent Arts

Lena Nguyen
Intern at Southern California Gas Company

Maamaloa Finau
Intern at Los Angeles Walks

Matthew Lee
Intern at the Office of Congresswoman Judy Chu

Maya Wong
Intern at East West Players

Nina Long
Intern at EV Connect

Olivia Dulai
Intern at the Office of Senator Ben Allen

Shekinah Deocares
Intern at Pilipino Workers Center (PWC)

Shumin He
Intern at the Office of State Treasurer Fiona Ma

Thanh Mai
Intern at the Office of Congressmember Grace Napolitano

Yanqing Lei
Intern at CAUSE

What: The CAUSE Leadership Academy (CLA), is a nine-week paid internship program for college undergraduates that prepares the next generation to lead and represent the Asian Pacific American (APA) community.

Founded in 1991 as the California Asian American Student Internship Coalition (CASIC), CLA’s goal is to develop a pipeline of civic leadership for the APA community. As the fastest growing community in the United States, it is key that representation and leadership in the public, private, and non-profit sectors keep pace with our country’s changing demographics.

Through CLA, students are exposed to thought leaders, policymakers, and the issues of the day. Interns gain a deeper awareness of the civic issues facing the APA community in California. By the program’s end, students will have an understanding of how to engage in the politics of the day to affect the change they want to see in the world. Graduates of this program have gone on to run for political office and become leaders in politics, business, and nonprofits.

When: Friday, August 16, 2019
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Where: KPCC Crawford Family Forum
474 South Raymond Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 91105

Street parking and nearby lots are available at varying rates. Small plates and refreshments will be served.

Why: The CAUSE Leadership Academy Graduation celebrates this year’s class and their completion of the program. Join elected officials, community leaders, local press, and families to congratulate the leaders of tomorrow!

Interview Opportunities: 

Interviews may be conducted before the program at the discretion of speakers and Leadership Academy interns. For press-related inquiries, please email Haidee Pan, Director of Marketing & Communications, at haidee@causeusa.org.

Photo Opportunities:

1. Leadership Academy interns

2. Snehal Desai (Keynote Speaker)

3. Diana Lam (MC)

Dress code:

Business attire is appropriate.

About CAUSE

Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan, community-based organization with a mission to advance the  political empowerment of the Asian Pacific American community through nonpartisan voter outreach, training, and education as well as leadership development.

For any further inquiries, please contact CAUSE via phone at (213) 269-4639 or email at info@causeusa.org. General information can be obtained from our website at www.causeusa.org. Our office is located at 1605 W. Olympic Boulevard, Suite #1027, Los Angeles, CA 90015.

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亚美政联领袖培训班吸引15名亚裔实习生 (US China Press)

【侨报记者高睿6月21日洛杉矶报道】亚美政联21日在洛杉矶商会举办领袖培训班记者会，15名来自美国各地的亚裔实习生与媒体见面，其中包括前往国会众议员赵美心、加州财务长马世云、加州众议员周本立等办公室实习的华人学生。

参加领袖培训实习班的学生们一起合影。侨报记者高睿摄

亚美政联主席胡泽群在记者会上介绍说，亚美政联自26年前创办以来已经举办过十几次领袖培训班，把亚裔学生派往联邦和州、县、市民选官员办公室实习，其中包括联邦众议员赵美心、加州众议员周本立，以及加州财务长马世云等人的办公室，让学生们每天和这些民选官面对面地学习从政经验，经过两个多月的实习，提高这些学生参政议政的意识，学习社交、表达和组织能力，了解美国政府的运作模式，为他们毕业后走向社会打下坚实的基础。

即将前往马世云洛杉矶办公室实习的华裔学生林艳卿和胡泽群一起合影。侨报记者高睿摄

胡泽群指出，在中美两国关系十分紧张的今天，美国主流有些人把美国华人和中国人混为一谈，动不动就“你们中国人”如何如何。在此他要郑告那些带有偏见的政客，美国华人和美国人一样热爱这片自由的土地。“我们也是美国公民，拥护并遵守美国宪法，不要把美国华人统统视为间谍”，重蹈二战时期把日裔美国人关进集中营的覆辙，让《排华法案》阴魂不散。

越华裔主讲人裴塔米（Tami Bui）向实习生分享了3个“F”，分别是：1、Fail（失败），即失败是成功之母，不要怕失败，为了事业的成功你要敢于走出自己的“舒适区”；2、Friend（朋友），在家靠父母，出门靠朋友。你要学会交朋友，建立自己的朋友圈；3、Future（未来），心里要清楚自己未来想做什么，设定好目标后就要矢志不移地坚持下去，不能小猫钓鱼。

17岁高中生林艳卿自我介绍说，她于6年前跟随父母从广州移民美国，母亲在餐馆打工，父亲为餐馆做“幸运果”。现已高中毕业的她准备上大学选修政治科学专业，之所以热衷政治，是因为当年父母移民美国住在洛杉矶中国城时因为不会英语而遭到不平等对待。“我想通过从政，利用法律的武器来保护无数像爸爸妈妈这样的弱势群体，维护他们的合法权益，让华人不再受种族歧视，享有和白人同等的人权。”

实习生何淑敏说她于2009年从福建跟随父母移民美国，母亲是全职太太，在家中照顾她的弟弟妹妹，爸爸在中餐馆打工。她在费城上学的时候看到很多校园暴力事件，这让她萌生了做一名领导人或律师的想法，希望通过亚美政联的领袖培训班从赵美心、马世云、余淑婷等华人领袖身上学习一些参政议政的经验，将来争取成为一名华裔民选官或移民律师，利用手中的权力和法律武器来制止暴力事件，为维护美国华人的合法权益而努力。

父母来自北京，自己出生在美国的南加大学生王安琪被分配到IW集团实习，她希望学习一些从商的经验，在中美关系十分紧张的今天，她希望利用自己学得的经商知识另辟蹊径，打拼出商海泛舟的另一片天地。

CAUSE to Host Kickoff for 2019 Leadership Academy Interns

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Haidee Pan
Director of Marketing & Communications
Phone: (213) 269-4639
Email: haidee@causeusa.org

Who:

Kim Yamasaki
Executive Director, CAUSE

Charlie Woo
Board Chair, CAUSE

Erika Ngo
Assembly Fellow, Office of California State Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer
2017 CAUSE Leadership Academy Alumnus

Tammy Tran
Senior Manager of Community Engagement, Local Public Affairs,Southern California Edison
Board Member, CAUSE

Tammy Bui
Associate Vice President for Government and Community Relations, Cal State Fullerton
Board Member, CAUSE

Audrey Soriano
Manager of Leadership Development, CAUSE

2019 CAUSE Leadership Academy Interns

Amanda Yuen
Intern at Planned Parenthood Pasadena & San Gabriel Valley

Amber Chong
Intern at the Office of Assemblymember Ed Chaua

Amy Ho
Intern at the Office of Congressman Lou Correa

Angela Wang
Intern at IW Group

Brandon Tabata
Intern at Transparent Arts

Lena Nguyen
Intern at Southern California Gas Company

Maamaloa Finau
Intern at Los Angeles Walks

Matthew Lee
Intern at the Office of Congresswoman Judy Chu

Maya Wong
Intern at East West Players

Nina Long
Intern at EV Connect

Olivia Dulai
Intern at the Office of Senator Ben Allen

Shekinah Deocares
Intern at Pilipino Workers Center (PWC)

Shumin He
Intern at the Office of State Treasurer Fiona Ma

Thanh Mai
Intern at the Office of Congressmember Grace Napolitano

Yanqing Lei
Intern at CAUSE

What: The CAUSE Leadership Academy (CLA), is a nine-week paid internship program for college undergraduates that prepares the next generation to lead and represent the Asian Pacific American (APA) community.

Founded in 1991 as the California Asian American Student Internship Coalition (CASIC), CLA’s goal is to develop a pipeline of civic leadership for the APA community. As the fastest growing community in the United States, it is key that representation and leadership in the public, private, and non-profit sectors keep pace with our country’s changing demographics.

Through CLA, students are exposed to thought leaders, policymakers, and the issues of the day. Interns gain a deeper awareness of the civic issues facing the APA community in California. By the program’s end, students will have an understanding of how to engage in the politics of the day to affect the change they want to see in the world. Graduates of this program have gone on to run for political office and become leaders in politics, business, and nonprofits.

When: Friday, June 21, 2019
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Where: Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce
350 S Bixel St, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Parking is avaialble at 416 S. Boylston Street. It is a 2-minute walk to the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce.

Why: The CAUSE Leadership Academy Kickoff brings together elected officials, community leaders, and families to welcome the 2019 class of Leadership Academy interns!

Interview Opportunities: 

Interviews may be conducted before the program at the discretion of speakers and Leadership Academy interns. For press-related inquiries, please email Haidee Pan, Director of Marketing & Communications, at haidee@causeusa.org.

Photo Opportunities:

1. Leadership Academy interns

2. Tami Bui (Keynote Speaker)

3. Erika Ngo (MC)

Dress code:

Business attire is appropriate.

About CAUSE

Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan, community-based organization with a mission to advance the  political empowerment of the Asian Pacific American community through nonpartisan voter outreach, training, and education as well as leadership development.

For any further inquiries, please contact CAUSE via phone at (213) 269-4639 or email at info@causeusa.org. General information can be obtained from our website at www.causeusa.org. Our office is located at 1605 W. Olympic Boulevard, Suite #1027, Los Angeles, CA 90015.

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亞美政聯領導才能暑期實習生開營 (World Journal)

記者楊青／巴沙迪那報導

影音來源：記者楊青

亞美政聯（CAUSE）2018大學生領導才能暑期政治實習22日開營，在全國各地上百名競爭者中，脫穎而出的12名入選學生，將在未來九星期前往包括聯邦、州、縣及地方城市各級民選官員辦公室，和政治教育機構接受全職實習和培訓，展開不一樣的暑期之旅。

亞美政聯創辦人胡澤群在開營儀式上鼓勵學生關心美國社會和政治，延伸華人在主流社會關係，並帶動更多華人參政議政，擴展華人在美國主流社會的影響力。CAUSE大學生暑期實習是競爭最激烈的領導才能暑期實習計畫，申請人來自全國各地，背景不同、學校不同，但共同點是對政治充滿熱情，希望多了解政府運作，未來為社區做事情。相信九周實習之後，學生們的眼光和思想都會有相當擴展和提高。

入選的12名學生包括五名男生和七名女生，包括華裔、韓裔、越裔和菲律賓裔等族裔，不僅是歷年來族裔最多元的一次，也是男生較多的一次。不少學生來自洛杉磯加大，還有柏克萊加大、賓州大學、爾灣加大、約翰霍普金斯大學等的在讀生和新生。

今年接受政治實習的民選官員辦公室包括聯邦眾議員趙美心、Jimmy Gomez、Grace Napolotano，加州參議員赫南德茲、州眾議員Miguel Sanitiago、加州財務長江俊輝、洛杉磯縣政委員蘇麗絲和洛杉磯市長賈西提等。

亞美政市場開發主任潘蕓介紹，今年近80人申請，競爭激烈，他們在錄取中主要考量申請人對政治和社會的熱情和服務人群的經驗。12名實習生每人將獲2000元資助，實習結束時要集體完成一個主題為鼓勵亞裔投票的行動計畫。

獲選人中，賓州大學政治和經濟系二年級學生許子凌，將前往洛杉磯市長賈西提辦公室實習。她表示，從小對政治和社會有興趣，在亞凱迪亞高中時擔任學校演講辯論隊和模擬法庭隊長，在大學政治俱樂部也是活躍分子，在幫助教授研究的同時，經常將與亞裔有關的議題帶到學校討論，也將亞裔中的各種精英人士介紹給學校，加強學校和亞裔的聯繫。

多年中文學校的學習讓許子凌講得一口流利中文。她表示，父母從中國農村移民來美，經歷了和所有新移民經歷的許多挑戰，白手起家，希望自己的經驗能幫助更多華人新移民更快融入美國，發揮華人在美國各方面的影響力。

剛從爾灣加大畢業的陳嘉花，父親是來自西貢的難民，母親是潮汕移民，在成長過程經歷了不同的政策對自己生活的影響，希望來自世界各地的移民像他的父母一樣，有機會來到美國落地生根、安居樂業。他將在江俊輝辦公室實習，雖對財政全無經驗，但相信政策和立法應以事實和數據作依據，希望實習和財政兩方面都有收穫。

陳嘉花表示，和許多做生意的潮州人一樣，母親經營美容生意，父母也希望他未來經商，但他希望能夠走出潮州人圈子，在政治方面更有發展，「那樣我可以幫助更多需要幫助的人」。

亞美政聯領導營 12亞裔大學生不一樣的暑期之旅 (World Journal)

記者楊青／巴沙迪那報導

影音來源：記者楊青

亞美政聯（CAUSE）2018大學生領導才能暑期政治實習22日開營，在全國各地上百名競爭者中，脫穎而出的12名入選學生，將在未來九星期前往包括聯邦、州、縣及地方城市各級民選官員辦公室，和政治教育機構接受全職實習和培訓，展開不一樣的暑期之旅。

亞美政聯創辦人胡澤群在開營儀式上鼓勵學生關心美國社會和政治，延伸華人在主流社會關係，並帶動更多華人參政議政，擴展華人在美國主流社會的影響力。CAUSE大學生暑期實習是競爭最激烈的領導才能暑期實習計畫，申請人來自全國各地，背景不同、學校不同，但共同點是對政治充滿熱情，希望多了解政府運作，未來為社區做事情。相信九周實習之後，學生們的眼光和思想都會有相當擴展和提高。

入選的12名學生包括五名男生和七名女生，包括華裔、韓裔、越裔和菲律賓裔等族裔，不僅是歷年來族裔最多元的一次，也是男生較多的一次。不少學生來自洛杉磯加大，還有柏克萊加大、賓州大學、爾灣加大、約翰霍普金斯大學等的在讀生和新生。

今年接受政治實習的民選官員辦公室包括聯邦眾議員趙美心、Jimmy Gomez、Grace Napolotano，加州參議員赫南德茲、州眾議員Miguel Sanitiago、加州財務長江俊輝、洛杉磯縣政委員蘇麗絲和洛杉磯市長賈西提等。

亞美政市場開發主任潘蕓介紹，今年近80人申請，競爭激烈，他們在錄取中主要考量申請人對政治和社會的熱情和服務人群的經驗。12名實習生每人將獲2000元資助，實習結束時要集體完成一個主題為鼓勵亞裔投票的行動計畫。

獲選人中，賓州大學政治和經濟系二年級學生許子凌，將前往洛杉磯市長賈西提辦公室實習。她表示，從小對政治和社會有興趣，在亞凱迪亞高中時擔任學校演講辯論隊和模擬法庭隊長，在大學政治俱樂部也是活躍分子，在幫助教授研究的同時，經常將與亞裔有關的議題帶到學校討論，也將亞裔中的各種精英人士介紹給學校，加強學校和亞裔的聯繫。

多年中文學校的學習讓許子凌講得一口流利中文。她表示，父母從中國農村移民來美，經歷了和所有新移民經歷的許多挑戰，白手起家，希望自己的經驗能幫助更多華人新移民更快融入美國，發揮華人在美國各方面的影響力。

剛從爾灣加大畢業的陳嘉花，父親是來自西貢的難民，母親是潮汕移民，在成長過程經歷了不同的政策對自己生活的影響，希望來自世界各地的移民像他的父母一樣，有機會來到美國落地生根、安居樂業。他將在江俊輝辦公室實習，雖對財政全無經驗，但相信政策和立法應以事實和數據作依據，希望實習和財政兩方面都有收穫。

陳嘉花表示，和許多做生意的潮州人一樣，母親經營美容生意，父母也希望他未來經商，但他希望能夠走出潮州人圈子，在政治方面更有發展，「那樣我可以幫助更多需要幫助的人」。

華人為何不愛投票？

4月初一些城市將舉行市議員選舉，如何提升投票率，是許多關心政治的華裔，亟思了解的議題。

儘管最近幾十年華裔群體逐漸壯大，華人參政積極性也越來越高，但華人投票率始終低迷。專家認為，華人因文化和語言的障礙，傳統觀念對政治冷感，以及對民主制度不了解，導致投票率低。若想提高投票率，各機構和媒體，對參選人政見以及公投法案的宣導和講解必不可少。

亞美政聯主席胡澤群（Charles Woo）表示，華人不愛投票，主要是文化和語言障礙。對於不少華裔移民來說，美國民主程序非常複雜。尤其在競選時，每個參選人都出來說一樣的話，讓不了解政治的普通華人非常困惑，不知道這位參選人真正的立場如何，是否跟自己的立場吻合。

此外，每次選舉選票上常有許多不同的職位和提案，很多華人選民並不認識這些職位的參選人，對一些提案更聞所未聞。另外登記選民填寫選票，郵寄或去投票站投票，整個過程對於新手選民很複雜，於是乾脆不投票。

如何提高華人投票率一直是難題，相對來說，西語裔同樣面臨文化和語言的障礙，但投票率就較高。胡澤群解釋，從歷史上來看，例如1994年加州187號提案（Prop.187）反對讓非法移民免費就讀公立學校，當時的西語裔紛紛入籍公民，投票人數上升一倍。

胡澤群表示，其實各類機構、組織和媒體，宣導和解析每個提案的意義，了解候選人立場，幫助選民做出自己的決定十分重要。如果選民了解提案的涵義便願意投票。

他表示，由於今年參加選舉的華裔候選人非常多，趙美心、劉雲平都競選連任，陳介飛競選國會眾議員。州級有江俊輝競選州長，余淑婷連任主計長，馬世雲競選州財務長，伍國慶競選州參議員。令華人熟悉的華裔面孔和名字，可能會讓華裔選民願意出來投票。

曾任聖瑪利諾市長、現任聯邦衛生福利部副助理部長的林元清表示，華人總是覺得「我這一票也不會差到哪裡去」，而且認為政治高高在上，不會影響到自己的生活和工作，因而不太有投票的熱情。華人文化習慣認為，天高皇帝遠，政治是皇帝的事情。但在民主社會，選民要意識到自己做主人。

他鼓勵華人投票，對候選人也要研究對方的政見、理念和政績，查看此人以前做過的事情，是對華人有利還是有害的。他鼓勵各機構和媒體多給民眾提供這些資訊，這樣華人投票的動力會比較大。

（影音）暑期政界實習 15亞裔生收穫豐 (World Journal)

記者李雪

亞美政聯（CAUSE）今年暑期政界實習（Leadership Academy Internship）18日舉行畢業典禮，15位年輕亞裔大學生獲得官員表彰，並展示其共同完成的「選民資源項目」策畫。

這批學生在過去九周時間，分別在國會眾議員趙美心、華特斯（Mimi Walters）、謝安達(Adam Schiff)、羅考莉(Lou Correa)，以及數位州參議員和眾議員，洛市市長賈西提、州財務長江俊輝和主計長余淑婷等民選官員的辦公室實習。當日出席畢業典禮的民選官員們，對實習生表現表示非常滿意。

今年19歲並就讀於波莫納學院的華生任容甫表示，實習期間主要負責接電話、接待選民等。雖然是簡單的工作內容，但能第一手接觸選民，了解其需求。為有訴求的選民建立案例，看著案例經過層層程序，最終得到解決，他覺得是工作中最有成就感的事。

他表示，實習改變了他對政治的看法，以往看到政客們的鬥爭，覺得他們「壞」。但在趙美心的辦公室，看到趙美心和幕僚們認真對待選民們提出的訴求，為他們解決疑難問題，發覺原來政客也沒有那麼「壞」，「看到了(政治)好的一面」。

他表示，去年的大選讓他和同齡的朋友同學感到無助，不知有何方式能發出屬於自己這一代的聲音。主流的意見表達幾乎都被年長的人掌控，年輕人的利益不被顧及。他認為加入實習能更多參政，幫助自己發聲，不過他也表示只要關心政治，參與政治的途徑有很多。

趙美心為學生們頒發獎狀，她回憶自己從小也沒想過成為政治家，那時更沒有這樣幫助年輕人從政的項目。直到蒙市20年多前的一場反移民排華情緒，激發她走上政治道路，一路走到第一位華裔女性國會議員的位置，她表示打破玻璃天花板真的很難。以前在國會山莊極難見到亞太裔，現在因為有不少這樣鼓勵亞裔參政的計畫，華府也能常見到亞裔面孔了。

日裔眾議員土村（Al Muratsuchi）也到場感謝實習生的幫助，鼓勵年輕人未來更多參與政治。亞美政聯主席胡澤群（Charles Woo）也恭喜各畢業學生，為他們一一頒發證書。

亞裔政壇勢力擴大！趙美心：搞好人際關係最重要 (Apple Daily)

駐洛杉磯記者：張紫茵

（新增動新聞）
「我們要改變亞裔美國人的思想，他們覺得政治事不關己，總希望下一代可以當醫生﹑律師，我們希望令大眾明白政治的重要性，並為亞裔爭取更多曝光。」首位華裔女聯邦眾議員趙美心（Judy Chu）周五出席亞美政聯（CAUSE）領導力學會的畢業禮分享自己從政之路，並希望年輕人好好裝備自己，打好人際關係。

過去每年都有實習生在趙美心辦公室工作，他們現在在社會上也取得不錯成就。趙美心認為，這類型的領導力訓練能讓更多年輕人參與公共事務，為亞裔發聲。她分享自己由蒙特利公園市（Monterey Park）市議員，一步步向上爬的故事，她表示沒有勢力在背後，一個華裔女性要打破「隱形天花板」並不容易，幸好得到前勞工部部長及眾議員Hilda Solis 支持才成功走到今天。

她又寄語年輕人，要好好建立人際關係及找尋你的良師益友（Mentor），此外要懂得變通，沒有永遠的朋友或敵人，最後當你抓緊機會，同時要有充足準備去滿足到別人的期望，繼續裝備自己。過去一段長時間，亞裔都像是隱了形一樣，但過去11月議會內亞裔的人數由13人增加18人，為歷史上最多，反映愈來愈多亞裔站出來發聲。

早前《蘋果》直撃亞美政聯（CAUSE）領導力學會的開學禮，當時接受訪問的19歲學生的任容甫（Jeffrey）也完成了為期9個星期的實習，在眾議員趙美心的辦公室工作。趙美心對於他的實習表現非常滿意，認為他切身處地為求助者解決問題，亦在不少活動上幫忙，表現出色。

任容甫再度接受訪問時表示，經過2個月後學到很多溝通的技巧，以前見到一些重量級人物時都會很怕跟他們講話，現在膽子大了可以從容面對。而在他實習過程中，見到一些個案由零開始到解決，覺得可以幫助到很多人。此外，他更了解提案由草擬到立法的過程，也對教育﹑移民等問題有更深入了解，所以受益不淺，希望未來無論在公共部門或私人機構可以學以致用。

另一位實習生孫詩韻（Stephanie）這個暑假就在聯邦眾議員華特斯（Mimi Walters）的辦公室實習，她學會了可以從不同途徑去為亞裔社會發聲，而對於未來會否從政，還沒有清晰路向，但會繼續幫助及關注與亞裔相關的議題。（張紫茵／洛杉磯報導）

CAUSE Hosts Graduation For Leadership Academy Class Of 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Haidee Pan

Director of Marketing & Communications

Phone: 626-356-9838

Email: haidee@causeusa.org

CAUSE Hosts Graduation for Leadership Academy Class of 2017

Pasadena, CA – August 18, 2017 – Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) will host the 2017 Leadership Academy Graduation on Friday, August 18, 2017 at the KPCC The Crawford Family Forum (474 S. Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105), from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.

The CAUSE Leadership Academy Graduation celebrates the 2017 Leadership Academy class’ completion of a rigorous nine-week internship program. Join elected officials, community leaders, local press, and families to congratulate the leaders of tomorrow!

The graduation will feature keynote speaker, Congressmember Judy Chu of the 27th Congressional District of California and Master of Ceremonies Jack Song, Marketing & Communications Lead at LimeBike and an alumni of the CAUSE Leadership Academy (Class of 2001).

Since its inception in 1991, the CAUSE Leadership Academy develops a pipeline of leadership for the Asian Pacific American (APA) community. The program prepares its participants to be leaders at the forefront of the democratic process through learning the importance of civic engagement and political participation. Graduates of this program have gone on to run for political office and have become leaders in politics, business, and nonprofits.

The CAUSE Leadership Academy offers opportunities for students to gain firsthand experience in politics through constituent services, community organizing, community relations, and legislative research. Interns are required to participate in civic leadership workshops, work full time in a political office, attend an APA internship conference in Sacramento, and complete a group voter engagement project.

The Class of 2017 Leadership Academy Cohort includes:

• Anna Katrina Alvarado, California State University, Los Angeles | Intern at the Office of California State Assemblymember Chris Holden

• Sylvia Guan, University of Pennsylvania | Intern at the Office of California State Senator Josh Newman

• Sabrina Inoue, University of Michigan | Intern at the Office of California State Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi

• Jeffery Jen, Pomona College | Intern at the Office of US Congressmember Judy Chu

• Nayada “Mint” Katavetin, University of California, Berkeley | Intern at the Office of Los Angeles City Mayor Eric Garcetti

• Diana Lam, Wellesley College | Intern at the Office of California State Assemblymember Ed Chau

• Hanah Lee, Yale University | Intern at the Office of California State Senator Ed Hernandez

• Dim Mang, University of Michigan | Intern at the Office of California State Controller Betty Yee

• Erika Ngo, Whittier College | Intern at the Office of California State Treasurer John Chiang

• Sonia Romero, University of Southern California | Intern at the Office of US Congressmember Adam Schiff

• Stephanie Sun, University of California, Berkeley | Intern at the Office of US Congressmember Mimi Walters

• Eric Thai, University of California, Davis | Intern at the Office of California State Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon

• Allison Vo, University of California, San Diego | Intern at the Office of US Congressmember Lou Correa

• Helen Yu, Duke University | Intern at the Office of California State Senator Ben Allen

• Olivia Zheng, Amherst College | Intern at the Office of Los Angeles City Councilmember David Ryu

This program is open to the public. Elected officials, community leaders, press members, family, and friends are welcome to join. Admission is free and lunch will be provided. Please RSVP by Wednesday, August 16 at CLAGraduation.eventbrite.com.

Street parking and parking at local lots are available at varying rates. Public transit is encouraged.

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Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan, community-based organization with a mission to advance the  political empowerment of the Asian Pacific American community through nonpartisan voter outreach, training, and education as well as leadership development.

For any further inquiries, please contact CAUSE via phone at (626) 356-9838 or email at info@causeusa.org. General information can be obtained from our website at www.causeusa.org. Our office is located at 260 S. Los Robles Avenue, #115, Pasadena, CA 91101

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亚美政联2017年领袖实习班启动 (US China Press)

作者:高睿

【侨报记者高睿6月23日洛杉矶报道】亚美政联23日在洛杉矶商会举行2017年领袖实习班启动仪式，以华裔学生为主的15名来自美国各州的青年男女参加了这次活动，洛杉矶社区学院理事伍国庆受邀做主题演讲。

亚美政联主席胡泽群介绍说，亚美政联从1991年起首次举办领袖实习培训班至今已有26年的历史，其间培养了无数亚裔青年走上从政道路，通过在赵美心、江俊辉、刘云平、伍国庆、周本立等华裔民选官办公室8周的实习，让华裔青年人了解美国政府机构的运作机制，学习参政议政的知识和经验。他们当中很多人现在已经进入美国各级政府部门、非营利团体和华人企业商家，成为美国华人参政议政、创业经商的生力军。

伍国庆在演讲中鼓励年轻人肩负着老一辈华裔民选官的重托，“亚美政联培养你们，是希望你们将来能在各级政府争得更多的席位，更多的发言权，为亚裔选民争取更多的合法权益，通过你们的努力打开美国主流的大门，打破美国政坛的天花板，让父母为你们的参政议政而骄傲，让美国华人为你们的出现而自豪。”

据介绍，今年的15名领袖实习班成员大多数都是华人，他们来自美国各个州，经过层层筛选择优录取，其中包括滨州大学的关卓妍、卫斯理学院的林树钰、耶鲁大学的李涵娜、密执根大学的马迪姆、州大伯克利分校的孙诗韵、戴维斯分校的蔡艾瑞、杜克大学的于汉蓝、艾母赫斯特学院的郑一含等人。

在周本立办公室实习的林树钰表示，之前她曾在赵美心办公室实习过，这次再到周本立办公室实习，目的是让自己在参政议政的道路上向前迈进一步。“不论你将来选择什么职业，律师也好，医生也罢，都会受政治人物的摆布，你的命运都会掌握在别人的手中，与其受人摆布，不如自己参政议政，去决策国事的同时，也把命运掌握在自己的手中，这就是我参加政治领袖实习班的目的和原因。”

马凯普高中毕业的任荣富被分配到赵美心办公室实习9个星期，“参加领袖实习班是想给自己多一个接触社会的经验，有了这个经历，不论将来做律师还是做科学工作，都会起到增长见识、丰富阅历的作用。”

亞美政聯暑期政界實習 15亞裔入選 (World Journal)

記者張敏毅

積極推動亞裔參政的非營利團體亞美政聯（CAUSE）23日啟動今年暑期政界實習（Leadership Academy Internship）項目。今年共有15位年輕的亞裔大學生入選，其中華裔五人。

北加州灣區長大的鄭一含（Olivia Zheng）現在麻州私校艾姆赫斯特學院（Amherst College）學習英語文學。她在學校擔任期刊編輯，也是舞蹈社成員。她表示，未來發展目標還沒想好，但很有可能是政治、非營利或法律相關方向。她將前往洛杉磯市韓裔市議員柳大衛（David Ryu）辦公室實習。

在紐約長大的虞漢藍（Helen Yu）現在杜克大學，學習國際比較研究（International Comparative Studies）。她表示，爸爸來自中國，媽媽來自韓國，但無論亞洲哪裡，她發現亞裔在美參政的都比較少。恰好學校亞裔學生中心的老師告訴她，亞美政聯暑期實習項目，她就申請了。未來兩個月，她將在州參議員Ben Allen辦公室實習，這讓她很期待，「一直都想來感受陽光加州，現在終於有機會了」。

華裔實習生還包括賓夕法尼亞大學英語文學系的關卓妍（Sylvia Guan），她將前往州參議員Josh Newman辦公室實習；衛斯理學院（Wellesley College）政治系的林樹鈺（Diana Lam），將前往州眾議員周本立辦公室實習；柏克萊加大政治系的孫詩韻（Stephanie Sun），她將前往聯邦眾議員華特斯（Mimi Walters）辦公室實習。

18年前的夏天，在亞美政聯也當過暑期政界實習生的張慧中（Annie Chang Long）23日來到啟動儀式，用自己的親身經歷鼓勵年輕亞裔學子多多參與政治。她說，當年她剛進入洛杉磯加大，還沒開始選專業。母親在世界日報上看到亞美政聯招實習生的消息，催促她去報名，「當時我沒想好要學什麼，但媽媽想給我暑假找點事做，我就懵懵懂懂的去了，從此開啟了我不一樣的人生」。她說，那是她第一份與政治相關的實習，她每天負責傾聽選民的聲音，給他們回信，去社區會議聽他們說什麼。暑期實習結束後，她又去了州參議員劉璿卿（Carol Liu）辦公室實習，從此確定走上政治之路。

亞美政聯主席胡澤群（Charles Woo）表示，今年共有100個學生申請，每個人都很優秀。他說，這個實習項目的主要目的是幫助學生與社區之間建立聯繫，培養領導能力，「有時甚至還需要走出舒適空間」。他說：「我們首先需要政界的桌子上有我們一個席次，其次需要你們坐到領導席上，最終目的是要把你們培養成改變遊戲規則的人」。

【洛杉磯直擊】美國政壇亞裔力量崛起！華裔青年由細開始學從政 (Apple Daily)

駐洛杉磯記者：張紫茵

近年亞裔在美國政壇上的影響力愈來愈大，尤其是亞裔人口佔近15%的加州，在參、眾議會上亦不乏亞裔聲音。為了培育青年發展成為社區領袖或從政，亞美政聯（CAUSE）每年都舉辦領導力學會（Leadership Academy），周五就為15位實習生舉行開學禮。有參與的學生表示政治很重要，更表示從小父親就教導，對於社會現象「若不擁抱它，就改變它」。

領導力學會（Leadership Academy）已經是第26屆舉行，亞美政聯行政總監山崎（Kim Yamasaki）介紹，活動主要是安排大專生到南加州不同的亞裔政治領袖辦公室暑期實習，期間會安排工作坊，並會前往首府薩克拉門托（Sacramento）去學習憲政進程等，希望可以讓更多年輕的亞裔人士參與社區及政治，過去亦有實習生在不同領域有所成就，成為政界或商界的領袖人物。

每年都有參與開學禮的洛杉磯社區學院理事伍國慶（Mike Eng）表示，最近有調查指出加州人愈來愈擔心他們的前景。但他認為，縱使社會有不少問題，最重要的是到底誰會帶領社會去解決問題；而好消息是，91%的千禧世代（Millennials）有擔任領袖的意向。他認為，對比過去幾個年代的人選擇逃避，千禧世代更勇於去承擔社會責任。

其中一位實習生是19歲的任容甫（Jeffrey），他是台灣移民第二代。他表示自己是在蒙特利公園市（Monterey Park）長大，「我在長大的時候發現亞洲人在政治方面參與率不高，我很喜歡政治，我爸爸也是熱衷於政治，每次會投票，他教我為甚麼政治很重要。」在逾百名報名者中脫穎而出，Jeffrey表示在申請過程只是忠於自己就輕鬆過關。

現時他在波莫納學院（Pomona College）修社會學及副修政治，未來八星期將會在聯邦眾議員趙美心（Judy Chu）的辦公室內實習。他表示，一直都有留意她的動向，所以對於可以在她辦公室工作感到興奮，「希望可以學到領導能力、溝通技巧以及建立人脈等方面技巧。」至於未來，Jeffrey希望可以成為一名律師，服務亞裔及社區。

Jeffrey爸爸任海欣（Eric）表示，覺得兒子有機會參加此計劃是一件好事，對於他人生的履歷會很有幫助。他從小教育兒子政治以及社會現象，因為他覺得「生於這個社會裏面，你不能忽視它們（社會現象），只能夠擁抱或是改變它。」

任海欣1987年移民過來，第一個來他家敲門的就是趙美心的爸爸。他說，當年趙美心在選蒙特利公園市市議員。他跟她溝通時，深深感受到當時在美華人想在政壇上有所突破，隨後一家人就成為趙美心的支持者，「看着後來愈來愈多華人出來從事公職競選，華人參政對於社會提升都有很大的幫助。」

亞美政聯展開領袖訓練項目 亞裔青年勇敢發聲 (Sing Tao Daily)

記者李博爾洛杉磯報道

亞美政聯於日前舉辦記者會，宣佈迎來第24屆領袖訓練項目，2017年度共有15名青年經過遴選參與其中，他們將展開各級政府部門展開為期9周的帶薪實習。
多位華裔青年表示，他們參與該項目，志在未來為在美亞裔發聲。

亞美政聯記者會在洛杉磯商會舉辦，近百位嘉賓出席會議，各界民選官員辦公室代表現身會場。多位發言人在會場發表演說，表達對參與領袖訓練青年的期望。

亞美政聯主席胡澤群致詞表示，領袖訓練項目的青年參與者都是經過仔細遴選才可獲准參加，參與者在優秀的學術表現外，也具有領導潛能。他表示，在各級政府實習中，與會青年們應積極建立人脈，與實習中結識的人士建立有效的聯繫，這種在人脈發展上的投入將在未來給大家提供回饋。胡澤群談到，為社區培養領導者是該項目的首要目標，他希望年輕人們可以突破自身的「舒適區」（comfort zone），勇於挑戰自我，同時他寄語年輕人要樹立理想，並且為理想努力奮鬥。

洛杉磯社區學院理事伍國慶發表演說，他表示，近些年來加州居民的恐慌感上升，面臨著多種社會問題的困惱，加州需要未來領袖來幫助民眾建立一個更好的加州。他強調，近些年來亞裔民選官員為民眾發生，為社區做出了巨大的貢獻，國會眾議員趙美心、加州財務長江俊輝等都展現了亞裔的政治力量及信念。

多位華裔青年參與了今年的領袖訓練項目。鄭一含今年19歲，在加州長大，她將在這個暑假加入洛杉磯市議員劉大偉（David Ryu）辦公室，她說，「儘管現在我還不知道我將從事什麼工作，但是我希望我可以在實習中歷練自我，學習更多知識。未來我希望可以為亞裔發聲。」

華裔、韓裔混血虞漢藍居住於紐約，就讀於杜克大學國際比較專業（International Comparative Studies），她表示這是她第一次有機會可以在洛杉磯長期生活。她說，「從小我就很喜歡洛杉磯的陽光，這次有機會可以在洛杉磯實習兩個月對我來說非常重要。」虞漢藍表示，她希望可以有更多亞裔政治家為亞裔發聲，未來她希望可以進入法學院繼續學習。

Taking Up Space (Twanas Press)

BY TAYLOR HUANG-BOUTELLE

For the first couple of hours after I was born, I was “Baby Huang.” My parents weren’t married and my dad wasn’t in the room, so they just identified me with my mom’s last name. The way my mom tells it, he was watching the Tonight Show in the waiting room, and my dad becomes reasonably humbled. Sometimes, I think that was the first and last time I was unquestionably legible as an Asian-American.

Whining about being mixed race is one of my specialties at this point, though this will not be an exercise in that vein. Legibility in society is something many people, particularly people of color, face on a daily basis. Whether it is attempting to be legible to a society that views you as only one thing, a checked box category, or trying to be seen as a person, are all issues of being seen and read how we truly are. Usually there is one space where you can be recognized with your own people, but I rarely feel that sense of belonging.

I have never felt very comfortable in AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) spaces. I get the squint and the unsaid ‘why are you here?’ at the same moment that eyes flicker to the jade on my neck and question whether I am a sinaboo1 or something more offensive. However, I decided to take several steps and a plane ride outside of my comfort zone when I took the opportunity to intern for an AAPI non-profit organization in Los Angeles and work in Washington, D.C. for ten weeks last summer.

I was afraid and unsure how I would fit into these spaces, and whether I might be an interloper once again. When I was accepted as a Leadership Academy Intern for the Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) to intern with the Conference on Asian Pacific American Leadership (CAPAL) in D.C., I learned a lot of acronyms and more about myself and my community than I could have anywhere else. There was not a singular event that allowed me to come to terms with and live in my skin, but an entire journey which allowed me change my mindset. From being readily accepted by my peers and the leadership to being part of a pan-ethnic organization, I was not only able to learn about the AAPI community in all parts of the country, but from the people who were most affected by these issues. In addition, I had the luck and privilege of a mixed race AAPI supervisor who I came to see as a mentor and a friend.

The sense of welcome, and an excitement for any AAPI to be interested in public service, allowed me to come into my identity as Asian American in ways I never would have expected possible. Just last year I was unable to think of anything good about being mixed race, as I often had the feeling of not belonging to any community. Personally, the comfort I have been able to feel in my own skin as a result of the opportunity to help uplift and create change in the AAPI community, even in the smallest ways, has been one of the most valuable experiences of this internship. For example, during my internship one of my main roles was working on an annual Career Fair. One of my duties was to order tables, at the time it seemed like an insignificant task, but every table used contributed money to my organization, to support future interns, and to allow AAPI access to networking opportunities they may not have seen otherwise.

For me, this is the reason affinity-based internships are so important. Even for people who may not have my exact experience of racialization, it is important to be able to discuss issues within the community. This is particularly true in the AAPI community, which is already heterogeneous, encompassing a continent and several islands, and a multitude of different experiences of diaspora. Some argue that these spaces are not necessary, that there should not be organizations dedicated to a particular identity, however there is no way I can see this as a logical argument. These organizations, whether they are non-profit or parts of the government, exist to fill a space that was once blocked to us, to tell a different story, and to show us that we can be leaders too. That even if our faces aren’t on television, or if we’re assumed to be a monolith of a racist caricature from decades ago, we need to take up space, and claim the space we’re owed.

This is particularly poignant in a place like Washington, D.C., where gentrification has hit multiple communities of color. From the Chinatown which includes an Urban Outfitters and only three hundred Chinese Americans still living in the area, to Dupont and U Street, which have become homes to high rise apartments and whole foods, but was once a historically black area.

In some ways, we must critique our own participation in the disenfranchisement of people of color from their homes. The center I lived in hosted many interns, and was in the middle of new land developments. We need to push past representation for representations sake and move towards representation as a modality for change. I cannot rally behind a person of color in leadership if they are espousing the same rhetoric and beliefs as dominant powers. We need to use our space, and even our tokenization to get a foot in the door, to be a part of a conversation we may not be included in otherwise.

For these reasons, I believe affinity organizations, whether they are in the Capital or on our campus, are key spaces for organizing and understanding goals as a community. It is impossible to mobilize something which has no name or direct values. Working within one’s community can do more than lift one person of color up, it can create a framework of people who help each other. My greatest understanding of this came from the White House Initiative on AAPI Youth Forum, where there was a panel on “Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling.” The glass ceiling is a more well known phrase, that attempts to name the blocks of advancement for women and people of color; sometimes, in AAPI spaces, it is somewhat jokingly called, “the bamboo ceiling”. It is not my favorite term for a couple of reasons, most particularly, it argues all we struggle against is an achievement gap. This is the kind of the thinking that forgets that we need more than representation. We need resources and we need to remember every part of our community, particularly those who do not fit the model minority myth. From undocumented AAPI (currently 10% of undocumented persons are AAPI identified), to high school dropouts and incarcerated individuals, and persons suffering from mental health issues. As an AAPI leader in mental health stated, “It should not be our goal just to get past the ‘bamboo ceiling’, but to prevent anyone from falling through the cracks in the bamboo floor”.

This summer I realized it matters less how I look or how I am perceived, what I have power over is what I do. And for me, that is supporting and empowering myself and my community to do the best it can for those most vulnerable to powers outside our control.

CAUSE Welcomes Leadership Academy Class Of 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Lindsey Horowitz

Director of Programs

Phone: 626-356-9838

Email: lindsey@causeusa.org

CAUSE Welcomes Leadership Academy Class of 2017

Pasadena, CA – June 23, 2017 – Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) will host the 2017 Leadership Academy Kickoff Press Conference and Reception on Friday, June 23, 2017 at the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce (350 S. Bixel Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017), from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Through this program, CAUSE will welcome and introduce the 2017 Leadership Academy Cohort. Program participants will share their stories and passion in serving the community. The Honorable Mike Eng of the Los Angeles Community College District Board of Trustees will serve as the keynote speaker for the program.

Since its inception in 1991, the CAUSE Leadership Academy develops a pipeline of leadership for the Asian Pacific American (APA) community. The program prepares its participants to be leaders at the forefront of the democratic process through learning the importance of civic engagement and political participation. Graduates of this program have gone on to run for political office and have become leaders in politics, business, and nonprofits.

This year, CAUSE received a record number of applications from elite students across the nation. Participants went through a rigorous and comprehensive reviewing process. Decisions are made based on academic and personal excellence, as well as demonstrated leadership capabilities in extracurricular activities.

The CAUSE Leadership Academy offers opportunities for students to gain firsthand experience in politics through constituent services, community organizing, community relations, and legislative research.

Class of 2017 Leadership Academy Cohort includes:

• Anna Katrina Alvarado, California State University, Los Angeles | Intern at the Office of California State Assemblymember Chris Holden (AD-41)

• Sylvia Guan, University of Pennsylvania | Intern at the Office of California State Senator Josh Newman (SD-29)

• Sabrina Inoue, University of Michigan | Intern at the Office of California State Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (AD-66)

• Jeffery Jen, Pomona College | Intern at the Office of US Congressmember Judy Chu (CD-27)

• Nayada “Mint” Katavetin, University of California, Berkeley | Intern at the Office of Los Angeles City Mayor Eric Garcetti

• Diana Lam, Wellesley College | Intern at the Office of California State Assemblymember Ed Chau (AD-49)

• Hanah Lee, Yale University | Intern at the Office of California State Senator Ed Hernandez (SD-22)

• Dim Mang, University of Michigan | Intern at the Office of California State Controller Betty Yee

• Erika Ngo, Whittier College | Intern at the Office of California State Treasurer John Chiang

• Sonia Romero, University of Southern California | Intern at the Office of US Congressmember Adam Schiff (CD-28)

• Stephanie Sun, University of California, Berkeley | Intern at the Office of US Congressmember Mimi Walters (CD-45)

• Eric Thai, University of California, Davis | Intern at the Office of California State Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (AD-63)

• Allison Vo, University of California, San Diego | Intern at the Office of US Congressmember Lou Correa (CD-46)

• Helen Yu, Duke University | Intern at the Office of California State Senator Ben Allen (SD-26)

• Zheng, Amherst College | Intern at the Office of Los Angeles City Councilmember David Ryu (District 4)

This program is open to the public. Elected officials, community leaders, press members, family, and friends are welcome to join. Admission is free and lunch will be provided. Please RSVP by Wednesday, June 21 at CLAKickoff.eventbrite.com.

Underground parking is available at the L.A. Chamber on West 4th Street. Parking costs $2 for every 15 minutes with a maximum daily charge of $6. Additional parking is available at 417 South Boylston Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017. The parking is one block away from the L.A. Chamber and costs $7 per vehicle. Metered parking is also available surrounding the L.A. Chamber.

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Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan, community-based organization with a mission to advance the  political empowerment of the Asian Pacific American community through nonpartisan voter registration and education, community outreach, and leadership development.

For any further inquiries, please contact CAUSE via phone at (626) 356-9838 or email at info@causeusa.org. General information can be obtained from our website at www.causeusa.org. Our office is located at 260 S. Los Robles Ave., #115 Pasadena, CA 91101

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CAUSE Welcomes Leadership Academy Class Of 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Aki Leung

Director of Programs

Phone: 626-356-9838

Email: aki@causeusa.org

CAUSE Welcomes Leadership Academy Class of 2016

Pasadena, CA – June 9, 2016 – Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) will host the 25th Leadership Academy Kickoff Press Conference and Reception on Friday, June 17, 2016 at the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce (350 S. Bixel Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017), from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Through this event, CAUSE welcomes and introduces the 25th Class of Leadership Academy participants to the community. Program participants will share their stories and passion in serving the community. The Honorable Mike Eng, Vice President of the Los Angeles Community College Board will serve as the keynote speaker for the event.

Since its inception in 1991, the CAUSE Leadership Academy develops a pipeline of leadership for the Asian Pacific American (APA) community. The program prepares its participants to be leaders at the forefront of the democratic process through learning the importance of civic engagement and political participation. Graduates of this program have gone on to run for political office and have become leaders in politics, business and nonprofits.

This year, CAUSE received a record number of applications from elite students across the nation. Participants went through a rigorous and comprehensive reviewing process. Decisions are made based on academic and personal excellence, as well as demonstrated leadership capabilities in extracurricular activities.

The CAUSE Leadership Academy – Washington, DC Program offers opportunities for students to gain firsthand experience in politics through legislative work, attending various legislative briefings and hearings, and conducting policy research.

Class of 2016 Leadership Academy – Washington, DC Cohort includes:

• Haeeun Blessing Jee, Harvard College | Intern at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

• Edwin Saucedo, University of Southern California | Intern at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

The CAUSE Leadership Academy – Los Angeles, CA Program offers opportunities for students to gain firsthand experience in politics through constituent services, community organizing, community relations, and legislative research.

Class of 2016 Leadership Academy – Los Angeles, CA Cohort includes:

• Zenni Duong, University of California, Davis | Intern at the Office of U.S. Congressmember Judy Chu

• Kevin Hsu, Claremont McKenna College | Intern at the Office of California State Treasurer John Chiang

• Sabina Li, University of California, Los Angeles | Intern at the Office of California State Controller Betty Yee

• Jess Xinyi Liu, University of Michigan | Intern at the Office of U.S. Congressmember Adam Schiff

• Eric Phung, Yale University | Intern at the Office of California State Assemblymember Ed Chau

• Phoebe Shen, Scripps College | Intern at the Office of California State Assemblymember Jimmy Gomez

• Joanna Tien, University of California, Los Angeles | Intern at the Office of U.S. Congressmember Grace Napolitano

• Xuan Le Tong, University of California, Riverside | Intern at the Office of Los Angeles Unified School District Boardmember Scott M. Schmerelson

• Erika Zheng, University of California, Berkeley | Intern at the Office of Los Angeles City Mayor Eric Garcetti

This event is open to the public. Elected officials, community leaders, press members, family and friends are welcome to join. Admission is free and light refreshment will be provided. Please RSVP by Wednesday, June 15 at cla2016-kickoff.eventbrite.com. Parking is at 417 S. Boylston Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017 ($7 cash only) and additional street parking is available.

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Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan, community-based organization with a mission to advance the  political empowerment of the Asian Pacific American community through nonpartisan voter registration and education, community outreach, and leadership development.

For any further inquiries, please contact CAUSE via phone at (626) 356-9838 or email at info@causeusa.org. General information can be obtained from our website at www.causeusa.org. Our office is located at 260 S. Los Robles Ave., #115 Pasadena, CA 91101

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