News, campaigns and more from NCAPA and our 35 member organizations.

News and Updates

160+ AANHPI groups support affirmative action: NCAPA joined Asian Americans Advancing Justice in its Supreme Court amicus brief supporting affirmative action in higher education admission policies. AAJC and NAPABA led briefs backing University of Texas at Austin’s race-based holistic admissions policy, following the Fisher II case in which a white applicant challenged the university for their affirmative action policies. Read the NCAPA statement, AAJC statement and NAPABA’s statement urging the Supreme Court to support diversity in admission programs.

NCAPA supports #RestoreTheVOTE: The Congressional Asian Pacific American, Black, and Hispanic Caucuses launched an initiative Tuesday to amplify support for the Voting Rights Advancement Act, legislation with bipartisan support that would protect the right to vote. NCAPA supported the effort, which will include participation in Twitter rallies on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. Join the conversation with #RestoreTheVOTE and #TestimonialTuesday.

How Asian American women became the target of anti-abortion activism: NAPAWF Executive Director Miriam Yeung wrote an op-ed in the Washington Post about how some anti-abortion activists unfairly target Asian American women, citing how anti-Asian rhetoric has been used to push for laws that attack women’s health rights.

President Obama issues Executive Order to prevent employment discrimination based on criminal record: The President on Monday issued an Executive Order to remove the criminal record box on federal government job applications. This order is part of the President’s efforts to reform the criminal justice system, and focus on rehabilitation rather than on incarceration. APALA released a statement saying they will continue work to make sure the formerly incarcerated have resources they need to gain employment.

NCAPA congratulates Kiran Ahuja and Doua Thor: We send our congratulations to outgoing WHIAAPI Executive Director Kiran Ahuja, and the Initiative’s incoming director Doua Thor. Read a statement from National Director Christopher Kang.

SAALT outraged by second mistrial of Alabama police officer: SAALT expressed outrage after a jury failed to convict the Madison police officer who was captured on video beating Sureshbhai Patel, who was left with partial paralysis.

NCAPA members engage voters on Election Day: Many NCAPA organizations phone banked to get out the Asian American vote ahead of Tuesday’s elections. APIAVote partnered with AAJC through a national election protection hotline, assisting limited English proficient individuals through the voting process. NAKASEC also led voter outreach to Korean & Asian American communities in Virginia.

SEARAC’s Quyen Dinh reflects on the Southeast Asian American experience: This weekend, SEARAC will hold its last 40 & Forward reception in San Jose. Read SEARAC Executive Director Quyen Dinh’s blog about her experience being the daughter of refugees and honoring her parent’s legacy. 

Open Enrollment begins: As open enrollment began last week, Action for Health Justice partners (members APIAHF, AAPCHO, AAJC as well as Advancing Justice-LA) continue to reach and enroll families in health coverage, providing assistance to those who need language assistance in Asian & Pacific Islander languages in 22 states. The President also thanked community-based organizations this week for their work in ACA enrollment. Read more.

Other Announcements

Appointments Project: Help NCAPA and APAICS identify ideal appointment candidates who are AAPI. Once candidates complete the online application at https://apply.whitehouse.gov/, they should fill out this form, which will go to NCAPA and APAICS: http://goo.gl/forms/8Lnjv3G4oB

NAPABA Pro Bono General Counsel Program: This program provides AAPI organizations pro bono legal advice and counsel that they cannot afford. Get the application for organization and application for attorneys.

SABA North America: Request for Convention Programming Ideas

Campaigns

APPEAL: Promote the #GreatAsianAmericanSmokeouton Nov. 19 to raise awareness about the smoking rate in AANHPI communities in coordination with the American Lung Association’s Great American Smokeout effort.

APIASF: “We Are Not The Same” or #NotTheSame celebrates the unique stories of AAPI students and challenges stereotypes. Become a partner and send your logo to [email protected] by Monday, Nov. 9.

NCAPIP: Screen at 23 focuses on the importance of screening for diabetes in the Asian American community, as our communities are at risk for type 2 diabetes at the body mass index of 23.

WHIAAPI: #ActToChange addresses bullying in the AAPI community and provides tools to prevent this problem. NCAPA and more than 20 members supported the campaign. Take the pledge and participate in a live event in LA on Nov. 21.

Opportunities

APIASF: Scholarship Opportunities

JACL: Kakehashi Project (For March trip)

Job and Internship Openings

APIAHF (Oakland):

Finance & Administrative Systems Associate

Accounting Manager

Accounting Specialist

APIAVote: Internship Program in D.C.

CAAM: Development and Communications & Festival Internships in San Francisco

NAPABA: McGuireWoods/NLF Undergraduate Internship Program in D.C. (Spring)

NAPAWF:

Economic Justice Program Coordinator in D.C.

Reproductive Justice Program Director in D.C.

Field Organizer in Atlanta

External job (including Hill) opportunities: http://bit.ly/NCAPAexternaljobs

NCAPA Events

Saturday, Nov. 7: 40 & Forward Southeast Asian Americans Rooted Rising Reception in San Jose

Friday, Nov. 6:NCAPIP Student Conference in San Francisco

Saturday, Nov. 14:APAICS Inaugural Young Leaders Summit in Salt Lake City

Saturday, Nov. 14: CAAM Muslim Youth Voices Panel & Shorts in Philadelphia

Wednesday, Dec. 2: AAPIs Behind Bars Congressional Briefing

Wednesday, Dec. 2:APAICS Holiday Reception at National Association of Broadcasters in D.C.

Thursday, Dec. 3: APIAVote 50+ AAPI Electorate Briefing in D.C.

Thursday, Dec. 3:APIAVote Taste of Democracy Reception in D.C.

Other Community Events

Sunday, Nov. 8: OCA-DC Free Community Health Fair in Silver Spring, Md.

Wednesday. Nov. 11 @ 2:00 p.m.: Annual Veterans Day Ceremony at National Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism in WWII. No RSVP required. Please contact Bruce Hollywood (cell: 703-229-3198 or [email protected]) with any questions.

Wednesday, Nov. 11:Book Talk of “We Too Sing America” by Deepa Iyer at Brookland Busboys & Poets

Saturday, Nov. 21:Act to Change Live Event in Los Angeles