NCVA eREPORTER - February 18, 2004

In this NCVA eReporter:

Events

• Grantwriting Workshops for Faith and Community-Based Organizations
• OCAPICA POLL MONITORING – MARCH 2, 2004

Funding Opportunities

• Community Support from Fujifilm
• Community Support from Target
• Coca-Cola Foundation Support for Education
• Support for Financial Education

Jobs/Internships

• OCA 2004 Summer Internship Program
• Kennedy School of Government Fellowships
• 2004 OCA-Avon Foundation Scholarship Program
• Job Opening: Development Assistance - NAVASA

Tips/Resources

• Windows XP Pro Upgrade for $8
• TEACHING CURRICULUM ON VIETNAMESE AMERICANS

News

• Asian Population Surges in County (Los Angeles Times)
• National APA Leaders Release Policy Priorities (Press Release)
• U.S. Asians want their voices heard (Associated Press)
• Father’s Trip to Vietnam Is His Daughter’s Baggage (Los Angeles Times)
• Jeanne Honda, legislator's wife, dies (Mercury News)
• Hmong National Development Announces Keynote Speakers for Ninth Hmong National Conference (Press Release)
• Commerce Department to Weigh U.S. Shrimpers’ Anti-Dumping Petition (Congressional Quarterly)

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Events

GRANTWRITING WORKSHOPS FOR FAITH & COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS

SAMHSA: Grant-Writing Training and Technical Assistance for Grassroots Faith and Community Based Groups

(http://www.samhsa.gov/faithbased/fb_traininglist.htm)

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is sponsoring grantwriting workshops to explain the grant application process to faith- and communities-based organizations. Workshops are available across the United States. Visit the above website for the workshop dates and locations.

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Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance

Poll Monitoring Project for March 2nd Election Day

*Want to help ensure fair and clean elections?

*Are YOU energetic and friendly?

*Do you have 3 hours to spare on March 2nd?

*Want to earn class credit or $25 while serving your community?

CAN YOU HELP ON ELECTION DAY?

Why Poll Monitoring?

OCAPICA is a non-profit organization whose mission is to build a healthier and stronger community by enhancing the well-being of Asians and Pacific Islanders through inclusive partnerships. The Voting Rights Act ensures equal access to the voting booth for all Americans, and also requires Counties with large language minority populations to provide full bilingual assistance to ensure that access. OCAPICA organizes and trains poll monitors to serve as independent watch dogs on Election Day.  The data poll monitors collect vital pieces of information which organizations may use to advocate for policy changes.       

To Become a Poll Monitor*!

1) Attend a mandatory 1 Hour Training on Sat. Feb. 21st @ OCAPICA conference room from 2:00 PM-3:00 PM 

2) Monitor polling locations from 7:00 AM-10:00 AM on March 2, 2004

3) Be able to travel to and from the polling location on your own.  Polling locations are in Garden Grove, Westminster, Santa Ana, Irvine, Fullerton and other OC cities.

Benefits:

1) OCAPICA is a non-profit agency. You may earn either class credit OR a $25 stipend.

2) Be involved in an important Voting Rights project that will ensure the protection of all voters' access to the ballot booth.

3) Learn about unique challenges that may face the Asian and Pacific Islander community, and be a part of the SOLUTION.

4) If you have additional time to volunteer, learn about other opportunities at OCAPICA.

To become a poll monitor or for more information, contact ASAP:

Jennifer Kuo jkuo@ocapica.org or Young Joo yjoo@ocapica.org

(714) 636-9095

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Funding Opportunities

COMMUNITY SUPPORT FROM FUJIFILM
Fujifilm Corporate Giving Program

(http://www.fujifilm.com/JSP/fuji/epartners/AboutGiving.jsp)

The goal of the Fujifilm Corporate Giving Program is to enhance the quality of life for the residents in the communities where company employees live and work. Major facilities are located in California, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, and Texas. Contributions are made to specific projects or programs in the areas of education, environment, arts and culture, and health and human services. Applications are accepted year-round and are reviewed on a monthly basis. In addition, Fujifilm supports schools and higher education institutions across the nation with product donations of items including lab supplies, photographic paper, film, digital, and imaging equipment. Visit the above website for more information.

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COMMUNITY SUPPORT FROM TARGET
Target Stores Community Giving Program

(http://target.com/common/page.jhtml?content=target_cg_local_giving)

The Target Stores Community Giving Program supports nonprofit organizations in the communities where the company's stores are located. There are currently stores in every state, with the exception of Alaska, Hawaii, and Vermont. The company's grants focus on the arts, including art exhibitions, classes, performances, and programs that expose school children to the arts; family violence prevention, including parenting classes, family counseling, support groups and abuse shelters; and early childhood reading programs. Applications will be accepted between March 1 and May 31, 2004. Visit the above website for more information and for application forms and guidelines.

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SUPPORT FOR EDUCATION
Coca-Cola Foundation

(http://www2.coca-cola.com/citizenship/foundation_coke.html)

The mission of the Coca-Cola Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the community and enhance individual opportunity through education. The Foundation supports educational programs primarily in the areas of higher education, classroom teaching and learning, and international education. Supported programs provide scholarships for aspiring students, encourage and motivate young people to stay in school, and foster cultural understanding. The Foundation provides support to public and private colleges and universities, elementary and secondary schools, teacher-training programs, educational programs for minority students, and global educational programs. Applications are accepted year-round. Other Coca-Cola foundations provide support internationally. Visit the above website for more information and for applications guidelines.

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SUPPORT FOR FINANCIAL EDUCATION

National Endowment for Financial Education

(http://www.nefe.org/pages/innovative.html)

The National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) is dedicated to helping individuals acquire the information and skills necessary to take control of their financial lives. Nonprofit organizations throughout the U.S. may submit a letter of inquiry to apply for funding in response to requests for proposals (RFPs) and the unsolicited grants program. The RFPs seek proposals from qualified applicants for financial education projects conceptualized by NEFE.

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Jobs/Internships

OCA 2004 SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Important Dates

Applications: Postmarked by March 15

Offers: Announced by 1st week of May

Acceptance Deadline: Received by 2nd week of May

Requirements:

1. Undergraduate or graduate student

2. Demonstrated interest in public affairs

3. Oral and written communication skills

4. Commitment to work for a minimum of 10 weeks (Internship term start and end dates are flexible and may work around intern’s schedule.)

About the Program

OCA’s program is largest internship program for APIA college students in Washington, D.C. and it is the oldest program.  We have produced many interns who have continued their careers in the public sector or at least have remained active within the APIA community. 

The OCA Summer Internship Program recruits approximately 24 undergraduate or graduate students from an applicant pool of over 200 applications. Decisions are often based on complete, written applications, and interviews are not necessarily given. The position compensates $2000 for 10 weeks of full time work and, based on available funding. In addition, OCA sets aside $500 for each intern’s travel expenses to the OCA Convention, held in Boston this year. OCA also assists interns in finding affordable and local housing resources for out-of-town interns’ transitions into the Washington, DC area.

Last year, OCA recruited 20 interns to participate in the Summer Internship Program. Their placements include: Capitol Hill offices of Representative Jesse Jackson, Jr. (IL), Representative Nancy Pelosi (CA), Representative Susan Davis (CA) and Representative Diane Watson (CA); the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies; Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; Department of Commerce; U.S. Commission on Civil Rights; Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; National Education Association; and within the OCA National Office.

In addition to the interns’ placements, OCA’s Summer Internship Program provides unique supplementary experiences, incorporating the Brown Bag Luncheon Series (the Brown Bag Luncheon Series is coordinated by OCA with the help of the various national APA organizations. Weekly sessions address issues commonly focused on), leadership training, Conference on Asian Pacific American Leadership (CAPAL) events, visits with Hill staffers and federal agency workers, meetings with Senators and Representatives, OCA Convention planning, and staff and other meetings.

Some of the projects that our 2003 summer intern class completed as a group include the creation and production of the OCA 30th Anniversary video and the summer intern class of 2003 PowerPoint presentation; White Papers on affirmative action, HR 333 (AAPI Serving Institutions), hate crimes, post 911 civil liberties and the USA Patriot Act, immigration, election reform, and Proposition 54; writing and editing articles for OCA’s quarterly publication, Image; and writing letters in response to issues such as hate crimes and HR 333.

Application

Please see our Internship Program section of our website (www.ocanatl.org) for an application.

Special thanks to this program’s past sponsors including PepsiCo., Ford Motor Company, OCA chapters, the FF Fraternity, and special trust funds of Mary Anne & Paul Yu Internship Fund and the Ken & Karen Lee Foundation.

Organization of Chinese Americans

1001 Connecticut Ave., NW #601

Washington, DC 20036

Tel: 202-223-5500 Fax: 202-296-0540

Web: http://www.ocanatl.org

E-mail:  oca@ocanatl.org

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KENNEDY SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT FELLOWSHIPS

The Fannie Mae Foundation is pleased to announce that applications are being accepted for fellowships to the June and July 2004 Senior Executive Education Program for State and Local Officials at the Kennedy School of Government. This is a great opportunity for state and local policymakers and practitioners to build their knowledge of affordable housing as well as leadership skills. In addition, Fellows become part of a network of over 200 Fellows in public leadership positions nationwide.

State and local elected and appointed officials, as well as non-profit development executives are eligible for the program, which uses the case study method to develop leadership and quantitative skills. The program also offers several special sessions on housing related topics exclusively for Fellows. For 2004 we are targeting policymakers and their staff from state and local executive branch offices:  mayors and other municipal officials, county executives and their staffs, governors, their cabinets and staff.

The June session will be held from 6/13 to 7/2 and the July session from 7/11 to 7/30.

A further description of the program, as well as the application may be accessed at:

http://www.fanniemaefoundation.org/grants/kennedy_school.shtml

Applications to both the June and July programs and for the fellowship are due by March 1.  

Applicants should complete and submit applications (online or by mail) to the Kennedy School.  We are also happy to answer any questions about the program.  To apply for the Fellowship, please send a hard copy of the Kennedy School application and a resume, with a cover letter expressing interest in being considered for the Fannie Mae Fellowship to:

Laura N. Lucs

Policy and Leadership Development

Fannie Mae Foundation

4000 Wisconsin Avenue, NW

North Tower, Suite One

Washington, DC 20016-2804

Ph: 202-274-8073

Fax: 202-274-8111

Email: llucs@fanniemaefoundation.org

www.fanniemaefoundation.org

www.knowledgeplex.org

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OCA CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2004 OCA-AVON FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Washington, DC - The Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA) is teaming up with the Avon Foundation to introduce the 2004 OCA-Avon Foundation Scholarship Program. Fifteen scholarships of $2,000 each will be awarded to Asian Pacific American (APA) women who will be entering their first year of college.

Within the last eight years, OCA has awarded over 1300 scholarships to financially disadvantaged students through its various scholarship programs.  Scholarships and financial aid are critical in helping students from lower income families attain a college education.

"OCA and the Avon Foundation are dedicated to education in the APA community," commented OCA National President Raymond Wong. "The Avon Foundation recognizes the need to provide opportunities to APA students who do not have access to the financial resources necessary to pursue higher education."

The APA population is nearly 12 million with a poverty rate of 12.6 percent, compared with 9 percent for non-Hispanic Whites in 1999, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Although APAs are often made victims of the model minority myth, and thus lack access to additional financial resources to pay for college, most APAs do not fit into the highly educated and wealthy category dictated by this stereotype. The scholarship will provide opportunities to APA students who wish to pursue higher education while facing financial difficulties.

"Education has always been a high priority in the Asian Pacific American community." noted Christine Chen, OCA Executive Director. "Although the average level of education for APAs is high, the statistics are misleading. Although there are many members of our community who have advanced degrees, there are countless APAs who are unable to attend college because of financial difficulties. Through our many scholarships - including the OCA-Avon Foundation Scholarship - OCA is committed to granting deserving APA students a chance they otherwise would not get."  

Since 1955, the Avon Foundation (www.avoncompany.com/women) has shown its commitment to women through an expanding network of life enhancing programs that promote economic empowerment for women.  The Avon Foundation's economic empowerment program supports organizations that offer women the ability to acquire the skills and support they need to become economically secure, such as job training and readiness, women's shelters, scholarships and professional development.  The Avon Foundation is the largest corporate women's foundation. In almost 50 years, the Avon Foundation has contributed more than $100 million and funded over 11,000 grants and scholarships that benefit the economic empowerment of women.

For more information on OCA's scholarship programs and an application, students may go to OCA's website at www.ocanatl.org. The deadline for applying to the 2004 OCA-Avon Foundation Scholarship Program is May 1, 2004.

###

The Organization of Chinese Americans, a national civil rights organization with over 80 chapters and affiliates across the country, was founded in 1973 to ensure the civil rights of the Asian Pacific American community. It maintains its headquarters in Washington, D.C.

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JOB OPENING AT NAVASA

JOB TITLE: Development Associate 

ORGANIZATION:

NAVASA is a national advocacy agency currently compromised of 37 mutual assistance associations (MAAs). Since its incorporation in 1995 as a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization, NAVASA has promoted economic self-sufficiency and active citizenship for Vietnamese-Americans through full participation in the socio-political system. Located in metropolitan Washington D.C., NAVASA is fully committed to assisting its affiliate organizations to address the civic, economic, linguistic, and social needs facing community members in their specific localities.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Development Associate will work closely with staff members to designing programs and researching assistance resources, and writing grants. The Associate is responsible to bring forth innovating projects that will move NAVASA to the next level to serving the Vietnamese, refugees, and immigrants' community at large.

In addition, Development Associate will actively support and assist community-based (CBOs) and faith-based (FBOs) organizations across the country on the aspect of technical assistances and resources development.

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES:

Working with the Executive Director and program staffs, the Development Associate will:

 * Research prospective funding opportunities for NAVASA;

* Research, develop, draft and submit grant proposals as well as gather supporting materials and narrative reports;

* Develop and implement programs for NAVASA;

* Provide ongoing technical assistance and administer budget allocation and fiscal management relating to program implementations;

* Cultivate positive and continuous communication amongst prospective and current funders, donors, and community leaders;

* Consult participating entities on training, skill development, and program’s measurable goals and outcomes; 

* Coordinate national, regional and local relating to developmental meetings and conference;

* Write and maintain organization’s funders and donors database and tracking reports 

* Participate in forums, conferences, meetings, and workshops concerning technical assistance, community development, coalition building and advocacy;

* Promote networking among participating entities, CBOs, FBOs, affiliated members, and members of the community; and

* Undertake any necessary tasks required by Executive Director. 

REQUIREMENTS:

NAVASA will provide any necessary training (s) to fulfill the duties as the Development Associate. NAVASA seeks candidates with the following desired skills and experiences:

 * Committed in working to improve and better the Vietnamese American and refugee community across the country. Prior experience in working with MAAs and community agencies is a plus.

* Background in grant writing and program development and implementation. 

* Ability to work independently and in a team;

* Willing to dedicate extensive hours of work and service to develop and implement programs;

* Have capacity to research and extensive network to interact with private and public funders and donors;

* Computer literacy is a must; and

* Have the aspiration and flexibility to learn and acquire new skills and experience.

SALARY:

We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits based on experience.

*****

Please send your cover letter and resume to:

Huy V. Bui

Executive Director

NAVASA

1010 Wayne Avenue, Suite 310

Silver Spring, MD 20910

Fax: 301.587.2783

Email: huy.bui@navasa.org

Additional information from applicant may be requested.

For any questions or inquiries, please visit our website at www.navasa.org or contact us in the office at 301.587.2781.

Posted: 02/10/04

Position Close: Until filled

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Tips/Resources

WINDOWS XP PRO UPGRADE FOR $8

(http://www.techsoup.org/DiscounTech/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=TechSoupMain&category%5Fname=Servers+MS&product%5Fid=LS%2D2326&Cat1=Microsoft&Cat2=Servers+MS&CatCount=2)

Nonprofits may upgrade their existing version of Microsoft Windows to Windows XP Professional for just $8 under a program administered by TechSoup.

The normal cost for the upgrade is $199, but Microsoft has donated upgrade licenses to TechSoup to help out nonprofit groups. For more details, see the program announcement on the TechSoup website.

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TEACHING CURRICULUM ON VIETNAMESE AMERICANS

TEACHING TOLERANCE has just published a wonderful new online teaching curriculum on VIETNAMESE AMERICANS.

Designed for use with learners in grades 7 and above, it includes 8 lesson plans and

more than 10 extra activity ideas. This curriculum guide sheds light on the complexities of this unique identity group - and encourages users to bridge cultural gaps through awareness of shared experiences.

It is published in partnership with the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Association.

"http://www.tolerance.org/teach/expand/vietnamese/"

Thanks for your good work.

All the best,

Kacie Mixon

Outreach, Teaching Tolerance

A project of the Southern Poverty Law Center

http://www.teachingtolerance.org

Fighting Hate and Promoting Tolerance

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News

February 12, 2004

ASIAN POPULATION SURGES IN COUNTY

At least half the residents of seven cities are Asian Americans, study finds.

By K. Connie Kang and David Pierson
Times Staff Writers

In a testament to the changing makeup of the Southland, a report released Wednesday found that for the first time, Asian Americans now constitute at least half the population of seven Los Angeles County cities.

In 1990, only Monterey Park had an Asian majority. But according to the study by the Asian Pacific American Legal Center, Asians now make up 61% of the population in Cerritos, 58% in Walnut, 52% in Rowland Heights and 50% in San Gabriel, San Marino and Rosemead.

All but Cerritos are in the San Gabriel Valley, which experienced a 20% increase in Asian population between 1990 and 2000, according to the study.

There is, quipped San Gabriel Valley resident Michael Hoong on Wednesday, one prerequisite for living there: "Speak Mandarin."

Actually, the Asian and Pacific Islander population in the county includes more than 45 ethnic groups speaking 28 languages, according to the first such report for Los Angeles County since 1996, researchers said.

Asians, said Walnut Mayor Joaquin Lim, have "completely changed the landscape. It's not just the mix of businesses. You hear so many different Asian languages in the supermarket now. They've invested their money and uplifted the community."

Countywide, the Asian population increased by 35% between 1990 and 2000, according to the study. Asians now constitute 13% of the county's population.

Lim, who has lived in Walnut for 16 years, said the region has benefited because so many Asian immigrants are professionals or entrepreneurs.

"Asians want the suburban American dream: two cars and two dogs," he said. "Cities like ours are alluring to them because it's beautiful out here. Homes are a minimum of 2,000 square feet. We have gentle, rolling hills. The school district is one of the best in Los Angeles County, and we're surrounded by industrial areas, so it's easy to set up shop."

The political impact of the growth has yet to be felt, said Assemblywoman Carol Liu (D-La Cañada Flintridge), whose 44th Assembly District also includes Arcadia and Temple City. It will take time for the numbers to translate into political influence, she said, because Asians tend to eschew politics.

"It's not only an ethnic learning curve, but it's culturally like night and day for us, because we are not supposed to be outspoken, stand up in front of groups and speak about how we feel," Liu said.

"The evolution of the Asian Americans becoming part of the mainstream is a work in progress."

Using census data issued last summer on ethnic group breakdowns, the study also found that a growing number of Asians identified themselves as multiracial, a new category in the 2000 census.

"They're the group of the future," said Paul Ong, professor of urban planning at UCLA's School of Public Policy and Social Research. "There's no question, they're going to be a growing segment."

The county's Japanese population, for example, decreased 14% between 1990 and 2000, but those identifying themselves as multiracial Japanese increased 6%.

Kimiko Kelly, chief researcher of the study, who is biracial, said that in the 1990 census, she chose "Asian" because it only allowed one choice. That troubled her, because it did not accurately describe her racial parentage: an Irish American father and Japanese mother.

"Where do you put somebody like me?" she said. In 2000, she marked both categories.

The study, done in partnership with United Way, also examined education, healthcare, language proficiency and income of the county's Asian and Pacific Islanders and found wide disparities.

For example, while 42% of Asian Americans have at least a bachelor's degree, 18% do not have a high school education. More than half of Cambodians lack high school diplomas, the report said.

Even among Chinese, there was a huge gap in schooling. While 43% of Chinese had college or advanced degrees, 24% did not graduate from high school.

Economically, Asians also covered a wide span. Their median income was $47,406, higher than all other racial groups except for whites.

But some Asian groups were among the poorest in the county, with half of Hmongs and 38% of Cambodians living below the poverty line, the study said.

Overall, the report found, the single fastest-growing group of Asians in the county were Chinese Americans, who now make up 27% of the county's Asian population of 1.3 million.

"We're all over the place," said Hoong, a 19-year-old Chinese-Vietnamese American who lives in Baldwin Park.

(http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-asian12feb12,1,41321.story?coll=la-headlines-california)

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National Council of Asian Pacific Americans

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release                                                          

Contact:  Andrew Rice

February 12, 2004                                                                  

202-296-2300         

Call To Action

Platform for Asian Pacific Americans

National Policy Priorities 2004

NATIONAL APA LEADERS RELEASE POLICY PRIORITIES

Washington, D.C. – Today, a coalition of 18 leading national Asian Pacific American organizations, announced their endorsement of Call to Action: Platform for Asian Pacific Americans National Policy Priorities.  The Platform, a statement of policy concerns, is a project initiated by the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA).

The Platform is endorsed by the following organizations:

Asian American Institute

Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum

Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations

Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO

Hmong National Development, Inc.

Japanese American Citizens League

Korean American Coalition

National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association

National Asian Pacific American Bar Association

National Asian Pacific American Legal Consortium

National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum

National Alliance of Vietnamese American Service Agencies

National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development

National Federation of Filipino American Associations

National Korean American Service and Education Consortium

Organization of Chinese Americans, Inc.

Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force

Southeast Asia Resource Action Center.

The policy priorities outlined in the Platform include issues concerning: economic empowerment; community and economic development; education; health care; civil rights; immigration; language access; worker’s rights; women; senior citizens; data collection; and technology.

“Politically, the release of the Platform represents a coming of age for the APA community,” said Karen K. Narasaki, President and Executive Director of the National Asian Pacific American Legal Consortium and chair NCAPA.  “National APA groups representing a very diverse community have come together in this election year to speak with one voice.”

“No candidate, party or political movement can afford to ignore the APA community,” said Christine Chen, Executive Director of the Organization of Chinese Americans and treasurer of NCAPA.  “We will be looking to see the extent to which our concerns are met by candidates.  Our organizations are working to mobilize our constituencies for this election.”

“As the 2000 election proved, many election are close contests.  The APA vote will make a difference in tight races,” said Jeff Caballero, Executive Director of the Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations and secretary of NCAPA.  “Asian Pacific Americans, the fastest growing minority group, are an increasingly important part of our electorate.”

“This platform is non-partisan and does not endorse any candidate or party,” said Gloria T. Caoile, Executive Director of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance and vice-chair of NCAPA.  “The political parties, the President, and all the Democratic candidates can do a better job of addressing these issues.  We have sent the Platform to President Bush and the major Democratic candidates.  We look forward to discussing these policies with them.”

The Platform is available at www.ncapaonline.org.

#  #  #

The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans, founded in 1996 is a coalition of twenty-one Asian Pacific American organizations nation wide. Based in Washington D.C, NCAPA serves to represent the interests of the greater APA community and to provide a national voice for APA issues.

www.ncapaonline.org

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February 13, 2004

U.S. ASIANS WANT THEIR VOICES HEARD

Associated Press

They've watched presidential hopefuls woo blacks in South Carolina and Hispanics in New Mexico, and now some Asian-Americans are wondering: What about us?

Saying they're tired of being overlooked, Asian-American activists are trying to make their voices heard by candidates and political parties. Eighteen groups on Thursday jointly released a first-of-its-kind platform of their priorities for presidential candidates, while a separate effort is in the works aimed at persuading Asians to vote in a bloc for one candidate.

"In this election season, I think we've been fairly invisible," said Karen Narasaki, president of the National Asian Pacific American Legal Consortium, a member of the coalition that created the platform.

Candidates look to Asians "for financial support for campaigns, but they're not reaching out to our communities in terms of caring about our votes."

Though Asians make up a small portion of the overall national population--about 4 percent--they are concentrated in key electoral states. In California, for example, there are 1.9 million Asian-American citizens of voting age.

When it comes to political parties, Asians are almost evenly split among Democrats, Republicans and independents, said Daphne Kwok of the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies.

The 75-page agenda released Thursday calls for policies that will help Asians overcome poverty, find affordable housing and get a good education and access to health care--issues important to most Americans.

But the platform also strives to shatter the stereotype of Asians as "model minorities" with above-average incomes and few serious problems.

The report notes that the poverty rate in 2000 for Hmongs was 38 percent; 29 percent for Cambodians; 19 percent for Laotians and 16 percent for Vietnamese.

Other priorities include protecting affirmative action and the right to vote and fighting hate crimes and racial profiling.

Copyright © 2004, Chicago Tribune

(http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0402130217feb13,1,3236480.story)

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February 15, 2004

FATHER’S TRIP TO VIETNAM IS HIS DAUGHTER’S BAGGAGE
Entertainer Ky Duyen Nguyen catches flak over the journey home by her dad, the former South Vietnamese premier.

By Mai Tran, Times Staff Writer

The host of a Vietnamese variety show is under siege for supporting her father's decision to return to Vietnam, a country he fled as it fell to the Communists nearly 30 years ago.

Critics of the former South Vietnamese prime minister's ongoing journey are urging a Little Saigon-based production company to bounce Ky Duyen Nguyen from her role as host of a popular series of videos called "Paris by Night"— cabaret-style videos that have swept her to fame in immigrant communities and Vietnam.

Her father, Nguyen Cao Ky, inflamed the Vietnamese emigre community after returning last month to Vietnam to make peace with a government he once fought. Anticommunist Vietnamese Americans from Southern California, home to the largest Vietnamese community outside Vietnam, decried his trip as a traitorous mission.

Ky Duyen said she was invited to join her father a week before his departure but declined because of work commitments. Still, she supports her 73-year-old father's decision.

"He's old and hasn't seen his homeland. He wanted to visit his mother's gravesite, see the temples and visit tourist areas, just like everyone else," she said. "I didn't know he had any political visits in mind."

Ky, who was scheduled to return this weekend, has extended his trip, during which he has played golf with Communist leaders, urged a reconciliation between Vietnam and those who fled and hinted that he might even move back to Vietnam.

"I sympathize and understand people's frustrations," Ky Duyen said at her Garden Grove home. "But my father is his own person and I am my own person. Don't oppose me just because I am my father's daughter."

Orange County's Little Saigon has long been a hotbed of anticommunist sentiment. Shopkeepers display the South Vietnamese flag. A statue of a South Vietnamese soldier fighting alongside an American dominates the Westminster Civic Center. The community erupted in violence in 1999 after a video store shopkeeper hung a picture of Ho Chi Minh, the late Communist leader, and the flag of Communist Vietnam.

The critics have now turned on Ky's daughter, barraging the entertainer with venomous e-mails and blasting her on Vietnamese talk-radio shows. They have put pressure on Thuy Nga Productions to remove her as hostess of the "Paris by Night" videos. Even those who have interviewed her on television have been scolded. Virginia-area residents plan to protest a show she'll be hosting in Washington to raise funds for stranded Vietnamese immigrants in the Philippines.

"She better keep her mouth shut about her father," said Madalenna Lai, 61, an activist from Pomona. "She needs to stop being proud of him and bragging about his past."

Lai said she had eight relatives who were shot to death as they tried to flee the country in 1975. Her husband was jailed for 10 years.

"My husband stayed to fight while Ky fled and now he wants to make peace with the Communists?" Lai said. "It hurts and it's a shame. All of us lost. Why is he changing his mind and turning his back on the community?"

Critics like Lai say human rights and democracy must be restored in Vietnam before any relations with that country are developed. Traveling or doing business with Vietnam only supports a corrupt regime, they contend.

Sitting on a leopard-print armchair in her living room, Ky Duyen wrestles with her culture and her career. On one hand, she's keenly aware of the anticommunist feeling that still runs deep among expatriates. But following her culture, she feels little choice but to stand behind her father's decision to go home.

"It's very difficult because I grew up in a strict and close family," she said. "It's very big in the culture and tradition that it's not my place to question or make judgments about my father or my mother."

Ky Duyen was a youngster when Saigon fell in 1975. She and 20 others escaped in a crammed military cargo plane to Washington. Her father flew his own helicopter to a waiting U.S. aircraft carrier. But she was too young to appreciate the significance of the moment.

"I just remember my mom was quiet with tears streaming," she said. "It was a tremendous look of loss on her face."

The family moved to Virginia and two years later to Huntington Beach, not far from where her father opened a liquor store. Ky Duyen attended Marina High School in Huntington Beach and worked in the food court at Westminster Mall. She gave her first paycheck — $88 after taxes — to her mother, a typical gesture in traditional Vietnamese households.

In college, she became active in Vietnamese pageants, teaching participants how to walk the runway. Later, a well-known host of a variety show recruited her to be his co-host.

"She had a lot of potential," said Nam Loc Nguyen, who lives in Los Angeles. "But being Ky's daughter made her famous instantly overnight."

She captured audiences in Europe, Australia and Vietnamese communities in the United States with her humor and charm, prompting Thuy Nga Productions to recruit her while she was a student at Western State University College of Law in Fullerton. Her "Paris by Night" videos have made her more recognizable than her father in much of Vietnam.

"I'm sure when I first got into entertainment, people loved my dad," she said. "Now people are mad at me because of my dad. I haven't done anything different."

She said she understands people's frustrations and sympathizes with them, but as an entertainer she has stayed away from politics.

Lai Van To, founder of Thuy Nga Productions, said he does not plan to remove Ky Duyen despite calls urging him to do so. "Her father's problem is her father's problem and should not be taken out on his daughter," said To, who was also the subject of protests several years ago when some people thought his videos contained pro-Communist scenes.

While Ky's return to his homeland is emblematic of the growing stream of Vietnamese Americans who visit Vietnam as tourists or on business, the reaction shows that it's still controversial. Ky Duyen visited Vietnam without fanfare, while her father received death threats for his trip.

It is not the first time activists have ostracized people who favor closer ties to Vietnam.

Singer Elvis Phuong held several concerts in Vietnam, then began seeing protesters at his U.S. shows. With his audience declining, he gave up his home in Seal Beach and moved to Ho Chi Minh City.

Protesters spent 53 days demonstrating in front of former Westminster City Councilman Tony Lam's Garden Grove restaurant, which has since been sold, because he favored doing business with Vietnam.

Co Pham, a Westminster physician, was criticized and became the subject of protests in front of his medical office because he pushed for open trade with Vietnam.

"Look back at the last 15 years I've been in the community," Ky Duyen said. "Actions speak louder than words. I've never said anything on any political issues.

"I want to be a pure entertainer. I just want to bring happiness, not to bring them turmoil."

(http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-ky15feb15,1,7285895.story)

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PRESS RELEASE                                                           For Immediate Release

February 16, 2004

HMONG NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ANNOUNCES KEYNOTE SPEAKERS FOR NINTH HMONG NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Washington, DC – Hmong National Development, Inc. (HND), a national organization working to ensure the full participation of Hmong Americans, announces the keynote speakers joining the Ninth Hmong National Conference to be held in Charlotte, North Carolina, April 2 – 4, 2004, where the theme is “Connecting Across Communities”.

Over the past 10 years, HND has hosted the Hmong National Conference to bring together professionals, scholars, community members, youth, and leaders to increase capacity, promote active civic participation, discuss community challenges, and to celebrate community successes together.

The first day will feature keynote speakers Dr. Dia Cha and Dr. Kathleen Culhane-Pera.  Dr. Cha is a Professor at St. Cloud State University and Dr. Culhane-Pera is a faculty staff with the Westside Clinic in Minnesota.  Both speakers will discuss their latest books, Hmong American Concepts of Health, Healing and Conventional Medicine and Healing By Heart: Clinical and Ethical Case Stories of Hmong Families and Western Providers and talk about how research helps is used to bridge the needs of the Hmong community.

The second plenary panel of keynote speakers include Kazoua Kong-Thao, St. Paul School Board Member; Lee Yang, Principal of Freeport Elementary School in Sacramento, California; and Long Her, Student at California State University, Fresno and member of the popular Hmong Paradise Band.  All three speakers have been leaders in championing the needs of Hmong students, and will discuss how students, parents, administrators, and elected officials can work together to improve access and the quality of education for Hmong students and their families.  This panel will also reflect on the 50th Anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education.

The last plenary session will focus attention on the anticipated arrival of Hmong refugees from Thailand this summer.  Panelists include Dr. Nguyen Van Hanh, Director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement, and Kelly Ryan, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration.

“This year’s speakers will expand on some of the most important issues to Hmong Americans.  In addition, being in North Carolina will be exciting as we highlight the significant Hmong American population there.  It will be a great time of learning and celebration for all,” says Bo Thao, HND Executive Director.

All Conference Forms (Registration, Exhibit Application, Advertisement, and Sponsorship) can be downloaded from HND’s website at http://www.hndlink.org/conference.htm.

# # #

For more information about the conference, please contact Tong Lee at (202) 463-2118 or tong@hndlink.org.

Hmong National Development, Inc. (HND) is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is “developing capacity to ensure the full participation of Hmong in society.”  HND works with local and national organizations, public and private entities, and individuals to promote educational opportunities, to increase capacity, and to develop resources for the well-being, growth, and full participation of Hmong Americans.

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February 17, 2004

JEANNE HONDA, LEGISLATOR’S WIFE, DIES

By Barbara Feder Ostrov

Mercury News

Jeanne Honda didn't seem to mind being a political wife.

``I'll support you,'' she would tell her husband, Rep. Mike Honda, D-Campbell, as he mulled various campaigns for office. ``Just don't make me speak in front of people.''

Honda died early Saturday after a monthslong battle with ovarian cancer, her husband said Monday. She was 61.

Selfless and self-effacing, Jeanne Honda never liked public attention focused on her, Mike Honda said.

``She was my anchor,'' he said, describing his wife as ``a really dedicated mother and schoolteacher.''

``She loved teaching and would spend almost every day during summer preparing for next year,'' he said. ``The kids really got tender loving care and good guidance from her.''

In 16 years of teaching, many of them with kindergartners at Baldwin Elementary School in San Jose, Honda missed only two days of work -- one of them to attend her husband's swearing-in ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Despite her fear of public speaking, she did make the occasional appearance on her husband's behalf as he vaulted from the San Jose Unified school board to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors to the California Assembly and finally, in 2000, to Congress. He is up for re-election in November.

``If it makes you happy, go ahead and do it,'' Mike Honda said she would tell him. ``She really allowed me to do the kinds of things I enjoy doing in public office.''

Her best political advice, he said, was telling him to run for Congress when he was wavering, despite appeals from powerful Democrats.

``She said, `If your friends are asking for your help and you don't give it and you need help in the future, what do you think they'll say then?' ''

Jeanne Yoshida Honda was born in Hiroshima, Japan, and moved with her family to Lodi when she was 11, and later to San Mateo. Many of her relatives were survivors of the devastating atomic blast that struck Hiroshima in 1945, Mike Honda said.

Jeanne and Mike Honda began dating as students at San Jose State University, where she was studying teaching. They saw the movie ``Breakfast at Tiffany's'' on their first date, he said.

Jeanne Honda's main interest was her children: Mark Honda, an aerospace engineer who lives in Torrance, and Michelle Honda Phillips, a public health educator, her husband said. 

``Her life really centered around children and her teaching,'' he said.

``Those are the things that gave her purpose.''

The cancer that took her life was quiet, quick and deadly, Mike Honda said. But she faced it with the same determination and positive spirit that characterized her life.

``When she was ill, I never heard her say anything that sounded like she was angry about her health condition,'' he said. ``She always made the best of it. She hoped she could lick it. But she was not afraid of death. She said, `You've got to go sometime.' ''

Jeanne Yoshida Honda

Born: July 14, 1942, Hiroshima, Japan.

Died: Feb. 14, 2004, San Jose.

Survived by: Husband, Mike Honda, San Jose; daughter, Michelle Honda Phillips, San Jose; son, Mark Honda, Torrance; mother, Hisaye ``Rose'' Toshida, San Jose; brothers, Stan and Richard Yoshida, San Jose.

Services: Saturday, 1 p.m. at Santa Clara Valley Japanese Christian Church, 40 Union Ave., Campbell

Memorial: Donations may be sent to Abrazos and Books, a student scholarship fund, 255 W. Julian St., San Jose, Calif. 95112

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Contact Barbara Feder Ostrov at bfeder@mercurynews.com or (408) 920-5064.

(http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/7971112.htm)

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February 17, 2004

COMMERCE DEPARTMENT TO WEIGH U.S. SHRIMPERS' ANTI-DUMPING PETITION

Congressional Quarterly

The U.S. International Trade Commission gave preliminary approval today to a petition from U.S. shrimpers seeking the imposition of duties on cheap, pond-raised shrimp from overseas. The decision, reported by the Associated Press, means the domestic shrimpers' petition will now go to the Commerce Department, which will determine if imported shrimp have been dumped on domestic markets. U.S. shrimpers filed the anti-dumping petition Dec. 31 against imports of frozen and canned shrimp from six South American and Asian countries, arguing that cheap imports have destroyed 40 percent of U.S. shrimp processing jobs. The petition for duties was filed against Brazil, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Ecuador and India, which are some of the largest exporters of shrimp.

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About NCVA
Founded in 1986, the National Congress of Vietnamese Americans is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community advocacy organization working to advance the cause of Vietnamese Americans in a plural but united America – e pluribus unum – by participating actively and fully as civic minded citizens engaged in the areas of education, culture and civil liberties.