NCVA eREPORTER
- March 1, 2005
In this NCVA eReporter:
Events
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
JOBS/INTERNSHIPS
TIPS/RESOURCES
NEWS
******************
EVENTS
HOPE FOR TOMORROW BENEFIT
Get together at
CAFE ASIA - Rosslyn
1550 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22209
703-741-0870
Sunday, March 6, 2005
6:00 -
11:00pm
FREE ADMISSION
WHA’s Mission:
To provide health care, dental care, and other professional
services to the underserved in our global community.
A percentage of all proceeds from foods, beverages and auctions
to benefit VAMA World Health Ambassador Program Relief Mission
to Cambodia
* Complimentary Appetizers
* Live/Silent Auctions
* Raffle Drawings: IPod Shuffle, Weekend Getaway to B&B, and
many more....
* Caricature Drawings
* Daffodil *Flower of Hope* Sale
* Live Musician - Favorite Tunes from the 80's
* DJ Music
Hosted by: National Congress of Vietnamese Americans &
Vietnamese American Medical Association
Sponsored by: Cafe Asia and Galerie Brigitte
Contact:
www.whausa.org
info@whausa.com
(http://www.ncvaonline.org/archive/prj_WHA_Cambodia.shtml)
******************
ARLINGTON: HEROES, HISTORY & HAMBURGERS
Sunday, March 13, 2005 @ 7pm PBS WETA Channel 26, Washington DC
region
NCVA Board members AnhThu Lu and Nguyen Ngoc Bich are
featured in this history of Arlington County, Virginia as they
share the history of the Vietnamese American community in this
region.
WETA's 80-minute tribute to Arlington County features archival
footage, interviews with residents and insight from historians
Kathryn Holt Springston, Sara Collins and Arlington County
historic preservation coordinator Michael Levanthal. The program
documents the history of Arlington starting with life on the
land 10,000 years ago and concluding in recent times with a look
at the county's diversity.
The
program shifts to Arlington in the 1970s and the arrival of
the Metro. Many neighborhoods experienced change during this
time. Clarendon, which had been a shopping hub, was torn apart
by the construction. Vietnamese store owners saw opportunity in
the lowered lease rates and settled in Clarendon – which
became known as Little Saigon.
(http://www.weta.org/arlington/about.html)
******************
NATIONAL
CONGRESS OF VIETNAMESE AMERICANS
invites you to a free GRANTSMANSHIP WORKSHOP
Open to all members of the community and nonprofit organizations
who are interested in learning more about the basics of grant
writing.
Presenter: Christine Hyland, CFRE (Certified Fund Raising
Executive)
Saturday,
March 19, 2005
9:00 –
11:00 AM
6245 Leesburg Pike, Suite 300
Falls Church, VA 22044
Direction: (The office is located in a 5-story red
brick building near Sears.)
West on Route 7
Traveling west on Route 7 (Leesburg Pike), it is the first large
building on the left after you pass Sleepy Hollow Road. If you
reach Seven Corners, you went too far.
East on Route 7
Traveling east on Route 7 (Leesburg Pike), pass Seven Corners,
after Mobile gas station, the first large building on your
right. Turn in the parking lot.
RSVP is recommended by calling
877-592-4140
or visiting
www.ncvaonline.org/workshop031905reg.htm.
Supported by Center for Business Planning and Development and
Business Development Assistance Group
Funded by a grant from
Southeast Asian Resource Action Center
(www.ncvaonline.org/archive/workshop031905.shtml)
******************
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE EDUCATION
AND ADVANCEMENT OF CAMBODIAN, LAOTIAN, AND VIETNAMESE
AMERICANS (NAFEA)
25th ANNUAL CONFERENCE
"THIRTY YEARS OF TRANSFORMATIONS: UNDERSTANDING THE NEEDS OF
SOUTHEAST ASIAN AMERICANS
AND REFUGEES"
APRIL 21 - 23, 2005
SEATAC HILTON HOTEL
SEATTLE, WA
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
* Phouang Sixiengmay-Hamilton: (360) 725-6152;
phamilton@ospi.wednet.edu
* Rithy Uong:
rithyuong@lkh.lowell.k2.ma.us
REGISTRATION AND PRESENTATION PROPOSAL FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT
http://www.searac.org/nafeaconf2005info.html
PRE-REGISTRATION DEADLINE: APRIL 1, 2005
PRESENTATION PROPOSAL DEADLINE: MARCH 9, 2005
UNDERSTANDING THE NEEDS OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN AMERICANS
As the 30th anniversary of the first wave of Southeast Asian
Refugees in the United States, this year's conference theme of
"30 Years of Transformation: Understanding the needs of SE Asian
Americans and Refugees" will address issues, challenges and
opportunities facing Southeast Asian Americans today. The
conference focuses on providing the necessary training and
information to those whose leadership will influence policy
makers, educators, and service providers working with the
Southeast Asian population.
CONFERENCE OVERVIEW
Vietnamese, Cambodian, Lao and Hmong are among the special
population served by refugee organizations across the states.
Within these language groups are students whose challenges are
both linguistic and academic and whose parents are not actively
involved in the education of their children. Especially
troublesome are the economic, social, and political contexts
that make difficult our attempts to address differences and
oppressions in schools and society. The 25th Annual Association
for the Education and Advancement of Cambodian, Laotian, and
Vietnamese Americans Conference on understanding the needs of
Southeast Asians will offer rare opportunities to exchange
ideas, develop resources, build networks, and explore
possibilities for new directions in preparation to bridge the
connection with a diverse group of educators, parents, students,
and social workers who share commitments and priorities.
This conference will offer strands on Education, Community
Development, Social and Cultural Issues that are critical to
supporting both the learning environments and parental and
community involvement. Not only will this conference focus on
Southeast Asian Americans, but will also offer strands for
service providers to understand the needs of all refugee
populations. Participants will hear from parents and students
regarding barriers they face within the community/school to
reach their full potential and to reap full economic and social
benefits.
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
* Cross-Cultural Exchange
* United States Department of Education Updates
* Preparing Educators to Address Homophobia and Heterosexism in
Schools
* Refugee Updates
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Proposals are solicited on all topics regarding education,
community development, and health and social services. Three
types of proposals are solicited: workshops, panel discussions,
and paper presentations. Descriptions of the featured themes,
workshop and paper sessions, Registration information, and
procedures to submit a proposal are available at
http://www.searac.org/nafeaconf2005info.html
(http://www.searac.org/nafeaconf2005info.html)
******************
NAVASA'S 2005
NATIONAL CONFERENCE
In honor of NAVASA's 10th Anniversary, this year's event will be
held in the DC Metropolitan area:
Location: Hilton McLean Tyson's Corner
Dates: July 15 & 16, 2005
Theme: "Empowering the Community through Giving"
Conference Goals
* To reflect and explore truths about "Giving" in Vietnamese
American and ethnic communities
* To inspire and empower practicing "Giving" - "Everybody gives"
* To recognize and challenge nonprofit leaders setting and
practicing higher standards of excellence
* To acknowledge the next generation of "social change
philanthropists" and "Dan Than Fellows"
Target Audience
* Board, staff, and volunteers in the nonprofit sector
* Social entrepreneurs and fundraisers
* Government agencies, foundations, and corporations
* Students, interns, fellows, professors, and researchers in the
nonprofit sector
* 200 attendees for conference workshops and 600 for recognition
banquet
This year's conference will focus on "Empowering the Community
through Giving", in which NAVASA promotes an "everybody gives"
philosophy. The two-day conference will feature training
workshops targeting current and future nonprofit sector
employees. It will conclude with a recognition banquet where
three "past givers" will be recognized and ten "future social
change philanthropists" will be acknowledged.
In reflection of this year's important conference theme, NAVASA
calls on organizations for partnership and friends and
colleagues for support as we visit the concept of giving which
is not limited to financial contribution but also time,
expertise, connections, and emotional and spiritual support.
Please consider how you too can give of your resources to help
make this year's conference an unparalleled success!
PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR to attend our conference, and join
NAVASA in celebrating 10 years of supporting Vietnamese American
community-based organizations.
(www.navasa.org)
******************
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
CALL FOR ENTRIES
– SHIFTING GEARS
"Shifting Gears", a national juried exhibit for young artists
with disabilities (living in the U.S.), ages 16-25 sponsored by
VSA arts & Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Postmarked deadline: Friday,
July 15, 2005
15 Finalists. $60,000 in cash awards. No entry fee.
All applicants will be notified by Friday, August 26, 2005.
For the fourth year, VSA arts & Volkswagen of America, Inc. are
pleased to launch a call for entries to identify promising young
artists with disabilities. Fifteen (15) finalists will be
awarded a total of $60,000 in cash awards that is distributed as
follows: $20,000 grand prize, $10,000 first award, $6,000 second
award, and 12 awards of excellence in the amount of $2,000.
Finalists will be honored at an awards ceremony on Capitol Hill
during late September 2005, and their artwork will be displayed
in a nation-wide touring exhibit that debuts at the Smithsonian
during October 2005. To learn more about the past awardees,
visit:
http://www.vsarts.org/prebuilt/showcase/gallery/exhibits/vw/2004/index.html
and
http://www.vsarts.org/showcase/exhibits/vw/2003/index.html
This year's theme, "Shifting Gears", challenges challenges
artists to reflect on a pivotal moment or event in their life
that led them to a greater understanding of themselves in
relation to their art and/ or their disability. Artwork may
illustrate actual aspects of the moment or event such as the
environment, physical manifestations, or personal discoveries.
Abstract work that relates to the artists feelings or emotions
is also encouraged. Work might also reflect the artist's
experience of living with a disability and its role in shaping
or transforming their life.
Applicants are asked to present evidence that will best
exemplify the extent and quality of their accomplishment. The
jury will be looking for the development of original ideas in
the work submitted - imagination, competence, and the skillful
use of materials. Art must be an original work that has been
completed in the last three (3) years. Eligible media include:
paintings and drawings (oil, watercolor, acrylic, pencil or
charcoal), fine art prints (lithographs, etching, intaglio, or
woodcuts), photography, computer generated prints and
two-dimensional mixed media. Artwork should not exceed 60 inches
in either direction. For additional information and to download
an application, please visit:
http://www.vsarts.org/x267.xml
Alternative formats of the application are available upon
request.
Inquiries should be directed to:
VSA arts & Volkswagen of America, Inc.
PO Box 33699
Washington, DC 20033-3699
Phone 800.933.8721 x3877
Fax 202.737.0725
TTY 202.737.0645
Email:
voa@vsarts.org
VSA arts is an international nonprofit organization founded in
1974 by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith. VSA arts is creating a
society where people with disabilities can learn through,
participate in, and enjoy the arts. VSA arts programs are
successful avenues for nurturing talents and launching
professional careers. In support of its mission, VSA arts
sponsors exhibitions for emerging artists with disabilities that
raise awareness of their artistic contributions.
www.vsarts.org
(http://www.vsarts.org/x267.xml)
******************
CIRCLE COMMUNITY
RESEARCH GRANTS
The
Center for Information Research on Community Learning and
Engagement (CIRCLE) invites teams of researchers under the
age of 18 to apply for the Community Youth-Led Research program.
Teams of five students or more must assemble to decide on a
vital community issue they wish to research and pitch it to
CIRCLE. Groups may have an adult supervisor, and should
align themselves with a community or nonprofit organization to
manage funding.
Grant awards range from $5,000 to $10,000. The deadline for
application is March 31. For more information, visit
CIRCLE online or download the
RFP in pdf format.
(http://www.civicyouth.org/)
(http://www.civicyouth.org/PopUps/YLR_RFP05.pdf)
******************
DUPONT SUPPORTS
COMPANY COMMUNITIES
DuPont Community Involvement Program
DuPont is committed to improving the quality of life and
enhancing the vitality of the communities in which the company
operates throughout the world by supporting organizations that
address social progress, economic success, and environmental
excellence. Areas of support include educational programs, arts
and culture, environmental initiatives, health and human service
organizations, and civic and community activities. Grants are
primarily made to programs in DuPont's headquarters community of
Wilmington, DE and other communities where the company has a
major presence. (A list of company facilities is available by
selecting "DuPont Worldwide" under "DuPont Overview" on the
company's website.) Applications are accepted throughout the
year from nonprofit organizations in company communities. The
DuPont Office of Education also supports education programs
through a separate application process.
(http://www1.dupont.com/NASApp/dupontglobal/corp/index.jsp?page=/content/US/en_US/social/outreach/index.html)
******************
FUNDS FOR THE GLBT
COMMUNITY
The Arcus Foundation
The Arcus Foundation seeks to contribute to a pluralistic
society that celebrates diversity and dignity, invests in youth
and justice, and promotes tolerance and compassion. The
Foundation gives special emphasis to programs and organizations
that recognize that members of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and
Transgender (GLBT) community deserve to be welcomed and
celebrated. The Arcus National Fund supports efforts with
national scope and impact to improve the quality of life of the
GLBT community nationwide. Areas of special interest include
social equity, public awareness and understanding, health and
safety, and scientific inquiry. The Foundation also provides
support to improve the quality of life in its home community of
Southwestern Michigan, improve the quality of life of the GLBT
community throughout Michigan, and conservation efforts that
promote the survival of the Great Apes. The next submission
deadline for letters of inquiry is April 1, 2005. Nonprofit
organizations applying for funds must have an Equal Employment
Opportunity Policy in place.
(http://www.arcusfoundation.org/)
******************
SUPPORT FOR FAMILY FARMS
Farm Aid
The mission of Farm Aid is to keep family farmers on their land.
Farm Aid supports organizations that work to maintain a family
farm system of agriculture and that promote solutions to the
challenges facing rural communities. Grants are awarded in the
following general categories: farm resources, including
hotlines, training, and assistance programs for family farms;
farm action, such as educational campaigns and outreach
regarding the benefits of family farm produced foods; food
systems, including creating new markets for family farm produced
food; and farm policy at the state, regional and national level
to create a family farm focused food system. Nonprofit
organizations throughout the U.S. are eligible to apply.
Proposals must be submitted no later than August 31st to be
considered in this year¹s grant round.
(http://www.farmaid.org/)
******************
FUJIFILM
SUPPORTS COMPANY COMMUNITIES
Fujifilm Corporate Giving Program
The goal of the Fujifilm Corporate Giving Program is to enhance
the quality of life 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 concentrated in the areas of the environment,
education, arts and culture, and health and human services.
Nonprofit organizations in communities with company facilities
are eligible to apply. Applications are accepted throughout the
year. Fujifilm also makes product donations to educators and
educational institutions throughout the U.S. through its
PhotoPro Product Donation Program, Products for Learning, and
QuickSnaps For Learning programs.
(http://www.fujifilm.com/JSP/fuji/epartners/AboutGiving.jsp)
******************
FOCUS ON
PROGRAMS SERVING THE NEEDY
First Data Western Union Foundation
The First Data Western Union Foundation supports nonprofit
organizations in the U.S. and selected regions internationally
that improve and enhance the lives of individuals, families and
communities most in need. In the U.S., Colorado, Florida,
Nebraska, New York and Texas, where First Data's employees live
and work, are priority funding regions for the Foundation.
Outside of the United States, China, India, Mexico, Russia and
the Ukraine are priority regions. However, grant requests from
other states and countries are accepted and will be approved or
denied based upon a program's ability to serve extremely needy
and vulnerable individuals with very limited avenues of
assistance. Grants are provided for educational, health, and
human services programs, especially in support of initiatives
that address literacy, healthcare for the uninsured, poverty
alleviation, language barriers and cultural adjustment. The next
application deadline is June 1, 2005.
(http://www.firstdatawesternunion.org/)
******************
FUNDING FOR NATIONAL YOUTH
AND SCIENTIFIC EDUCATION PROGRAMS
American Honda Foundation
The American Honda Foundation supports projects in the areas of
youth and scientific education. The Foundation makes grants to
K-12 and higher education institutions, vocational or trade
schools, scholarship and fellowship programs, scientific and
education-related nonprofit organizations, national youth
educational or scientific programs, national educational radio
or television stations, nationally distributed and aired films,
movies, film strips, slides and/or short subjects concerning
youth and/or scientific education, and a variety of other
programs focused on youth or science education. Nonprofit
organizations with projects that are national in scope are
eligible to apply. The next application deadline is May 1, 2005.
(http://corporate.honda.com/america/philanthropy.aspx?id=ahf)
******************
2006 JOYCE AWARDS
Funded by the Joyce Foundation of Chicago, the Joyce Awards
support projects that advance the creation and production of
works by minority artists in dance, music, theater, and visual
arts. Organizations must be located in Chicago, Cleveland,
Detroit, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, or St. Paul/Minneapolis.
Letters of inquiry are due April 1, 2005.
(http://www.joycefdn.org/)
******************
DIVERSITY DEVELOPMENT FUND SUPPORTS MINORITY ARTISTS
Independent Television Services seeks talented minority
producers to develop projects for public television. The Fund
supports minority artists in the research and development phase
of their project to tell their stories and reach audiences often
overlooked by conventional programming. The application deadline
is April 1, 2005.
(http://www.itvs.org/producers/)
******************
YOSHIYAMA AWARD ONLINE NOMINATION PROCESS
NOW OPEN
The Hitachi Foundation Yoshiyama Award recognizes high school
seniors who have distinguished themselves through extensive
service and leadership in their communities. The Award is given
annually to ten high school seniors from throughout the U.S.
Nominations are accepted from anyone in the U.S. associated with
the community endeavors of high school students and are due by
April 1, 2005.
(http://www.hitachifoundation.org/yoshiyama/)
******************
JOBS/INTERNSHIPS
For Immediate Release
February 24, 2005
Contact: OCA National Office
oca@ocanatl.org
Telephone: 202-223-5500
OCA ANNOUNCES KFC ESSAY CONTEST
The Organization of Chinese Americans, a national civil rights
organization with over 80 chapters and affiliates across the
country, is pleased to announce that applications are being
accepted for the OCA-KFC National Essay Contest. Three winners
will be selected by a national committee. With sponsorship from
KFC, this year’s awards are: $1000 for first place, $500 for
second place, and $300 for third place.
Deadline: All materials must be postmarked on or before
April 11, 2005. All Asian Pacific American students between the
grades 9-12 are eligible.
Essay Question:
“Your United States Senator has asked you to suggest to him/her
an idea for a bill pertaining to Asian Americans and civil
rights. What would you like to propose to your Senator and why?”
Application:
* Applications may also be found online at
www.ocanatl.org.
* Please complete and submit the application form.
* Submit essay in English, typed, double-spaced, approximately
800 to 1,000 words on 8 1/2" x 11" white paper.
* Send 5 copies. Please place name, address, and phone number on
all pages.
* Photocopied applications are accepted.
OCA recommends that the student keep a copy of the application
for his or her records. Please address your envelope to:
OCA-KFC 2005 Essay Contest
1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW #601
Washington, DC 20036
Judging Criteria
* Theme and Content 50% - relevance and insight into the essay
topic, validity of ideas, and thoroughness of presentation
* Organization and Development 20% - clear and logical
development of essay
* Grammar and Mechanics 20% Style 10% - effectiveness and flow
of writing.
About KFC Corporation: Based in Louisville, Kentucky, KFC is the
world's most popular chicken restaurant chain, specializing in
Original Recipe®, Extra Crispy™, Twister® and Colonel's Crispy
Strips® chicken with homestyle sides. KFC has more than 11,000
restaurants in more than 80 countries and territories around the
world.
For more information on KFC Corporation, please visit
www.kfc.com.
For more information on the essay contest and application,
interested students may go to OCA’s website at
www.ocanatl.org.
******************
AFL-CIO UNION ORGANIZER
National Openings Available
The AFL-CIO Organizing Institute is a paid job training corps
and placement program for people who want to fight for the
rights of workers, immigrants, women & people of color. The
Organizing Institute was founded in 1989, to increase the scale
and success of union organizing and train the next generation of
union organizers. Since its inception, the Organizing Institute
has produced over 20,000 graduates. Graduates of our training
program are placed in permanent full time jobs as union
organizers. These newly trained organizers are on the cutting
edge of some of the most important labor battles of the last
decade.
Training: Applicants are first invited to participate in
a 3-day training. The training is an intensive weekend course
that teaches the basics of campaign tactics and strategy to
potential organizers and assesses participant skills. Housing
and food are provided.
After the 3-day training, selected applicants go on to a paid,
14-day orientation and then a three-month field training program
on a union organizing campaign, during which they learn
union-building skills firsthand. The three-month field training
includes a $450 weekly salary, housing, transportation and
health insurance. Candidates must be able to travel and relocate
for program placement.
Job Placement: Trainees who successfully complete the
training program are recommended by the Institute to be hired as
union organizers by local and national unions. Placement rates
for graduates are better than 95 percent. Annual starting pay
ranges from $23,000 to $32,000, with full benefits.
Qualifications: Strong commitments to social and economic
justice, as well as openness to working with people of various
races, ethnicities, religions and sexual orientations are
critical qualifications. Excellent communication skills is a
must. Participants need to be people oriented, enthusiastic,
energetic, flexible and willing to work long hours on an
unpredictable schedule. A college degree is not required.
Previous union experience is not necessary. Volunteerism or
activism is a plus!
To Apply: Please send cover letter & resume to
medavis@aflcio.org with job # DC5-- in subject line. In your
cover letter please answer the following questions: Why do you
want to become a union organizer? What has your role been in
social justice or community work? You must have a driver's
license, be wiling to travel and relocate.
For more information go to
www.organize.aflcio.org
Women, people of color & bilingual speakers encouraged to apply.
Changing Our World Begins at Work
Become a Union Organizer!
Tanzila 'Taz' Ahmed
Director
South Asian American Voting Youth
www.saavy.org
******************
TIPS/RESOURCES
HAUSER CENTER FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS OFFERS WORKING PAPERS
SERIES
Hauser Center Working Papers
The Hauser Center for Nonprofit Organizations, part of the John
F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, offers a
series of working papers, available online, to share
works-in-progress written by Hauser Center scholars and
researchers. Working paper number 25, Organization Development
for Social Change by L. David Brown, Jane G. Covey, and Mark
Leach, examines how organization development concepts and tools
can be used to solve problems and foster constructive change at
the societal level. Working paper number 26, Effective
Foundation Boards: The Importance of Roles by Christine W. Letts,
examines the importance of the roles of foundation board members
as individuals and as a collective. Visit the above website to
access these papers, or any of the others in the series.
(http://www.ksg.harvard.edu/hauser/publications/working_papers/workingpaperlist.htm)
******************
NEWS
February 21, 2005
Weekend of events attracts hundreds
850 STUDENTS ATTEND ASIAN-AMERICAN WORKSHIPS, SPEECHES
By Uri Friedman
The Daily Pennsylvanian
Approximately 850 Asian-Pacific American students from over 120
East Coast colleges convened at Penn this weekend, and amid
workshops, speeches, comedy shows and parties they kept one
major concept in mind: power.
The students congregated at the University for the 28th Annual
East Coast Asian American Student Union Conference, which is
hosted by a different college every year, and is the largest
gathering of Asian-Pacific American students in the United
States.
Before introducing conference keynote speaker and MTV news
correspondent SuChin Pak on Saturday night, Penn ECAASU
co-Chairman and College senior Brian Redondo looked out at the
audience and asked, "Do you all feel like you have power?"
He was alluding to an event that morning in which Christina
Lagdameo, one of the board members of the National Asian Pacific
American Woman's Forum, told students to stand up and say "I
have power."
"Power is such a key theme," Redondo said. "Asian Americans
often grow up feeling confused because they are not represented
here and they are not represented there and that's when their
voices often become silent."
The conference featured 70 individual workshops cent-ered around
three themes -- awareness, tangible change and personal
empowerment.
Redondo said that the three central themes were designed to help
students become "aware of the issues that are important, come up
with specific solutions and action plans and then embrace their
own identity as Asian Americans and use that to become effective
leaders."
According to Penn ECAASU co-Chairwoman and College and Wharton
senior Karen Kim, one of the major issues discussed over the
course of the weekend was identity and the experience of being a
first-generation American with immigrant parents.
The Dec. 26 tsunami, as well as a New York City radio station
song making light of the disaster's victims, were also hot
topics.
One awareness workshop featured national bestselling author
Helie Lee, who documented her family's war stories in Korea and
chronicled her rescue of family members from North Korea.
In a workshop entitled "Biculturalism," Lee told students how,
as a teenager growing up in the Los Angeles Valley, she tried
desperately to shun her heritage and assimilate into Caucasian
culture.
Once she entered the professional world, though, Lee said, "I
had been running away from my family, my culture and my face,
and I was tired from running. I said, 'I'm going to face my
greatest fear in life -- to be Asian.'"
College sophomore Sean Kramar said he identified with Lee's talk
because he is "hapa," or half-Asian.
In reference to Lee's exhortation to students to ask the older
generations about their personal history, Kramar said, "My
grandpa has always been this old Korean guy I respect, but now I
want to ask him about the Korean war."
While raising awareness, the conference was also intended to
give students ideas about how to effect change in their
respective universities.
Lagdameo told students about how, as a student at the University
of Maryland, she ordered fortune cookies for a dinner with the
administration that held the message "Asian American Studies
now" to get such an academic program on the road to being
implemented.
Kim said that this year's conference differed from past
conferences mainly in its emphasis on networking among students
and between students and activists.
To further this goal, Kim and her fellow organizers randomly
assigned students to small student-led peer groups that met
twice to discuss pertinent issues and to reflect upon the other
events.
"Many students when they came to Penn didn't know each other,"
Kim said. "It was cool to see them leaving with friendships."
The weekend's events culminated with Pak's address on Saturday
night.
Kim said that the question-and-answer session following the
address -- during which students brought up issues such as
tokenism, the "model minority" myth and biculturalism --
reflected the success of the conference.
"They were drawing [on] the things they had been thinking about
during the day. We were making them think," she said.
(http://www.dailypennsylvanian.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2005/02/21/42198dc6d87fb)
******************
February 23, 2005
WORK, SMART POLITICS MADE AMERICAN DREAM COME TRUE
Esther Wu
Dallas News
Everyone has his or her own definition of the American dream.
But before some immigrants can dream, they must start a new life
in an adopted country, learn a second language, and accept jobs
at the bottom of the employment ladder.
And that is exactly what Hubert Vo did before his
American dream came true.
On Jan. 11, after a bitter election battle, Mr. Vo took the oath
of office to become a member of the Texas House of
Representatives. The Houston-area businessman's election is not
only the culmination of his aspirations, it also has become a
political benchmark.
"This was my dream for a long time," Mr. Vo said Tuesday. "My
father was active in government and in politics in [South]
Vietnam. He took me to different regions where I got to see
firsthand how the political process worked. When I enrolled in
the university, I decided to study economics and politics."
At the time, Vietnam was embroiled in a civil war, and Mr. Vo's
father was serving in the South Vietnamese navy. Shortly before
the fall of Saigon, Mr. Vo and his family left their homeland
and relocated to Texas.
In the United States, Mr. Vo said, he had to put his political
aspirations on hold. "I came to this country with little more
than the clothes I wore," he said.
To support his family, Mr. Vo worked a variety of jobs, from
busboy to convenience store clerk. He attended the University of
Houston during the day and worked as a steel worker at night. He
became a machinist while earning a mechanical engineering
degree. After graduating, he opened a computer business.
In 1995, Mr. Vo decided to diversify his business and acquired
his first investment property. He now owns an office complex and
shopping center and manages several apartment complexes in Alief,
a community just west of Houston where he has lived for more
than 20 years.
"After moving to America, I shifted the focus of my studies to
concentrate on developing my business career, but I always
remembered my foundation of politics and economics," Mr. Vo
said.
When fellow Asian-American Gordon Quan was elected to the
Houston City Council, Mr. Vo decided to make a bid for the state
Legislature. In a surprise upset, he narrowly won in his first
attempt for public office.
His opponent, Rep. Talmadge Heflin, the Republican incumbent and
chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, challenged Mr.
Vo's victory, alleging voter fraud.
The challenge prompted voters throughout Texas to take action.
Web sites popped up to talk about this upstart Asian Democrat
who upset the Republican political machine. Asian-American
groups organized petitions to stop Mr. Heflin's challenge.
Asian-Americans organized bus caravans to the Capitol to watch
Mr. Vo be sworn into office on Jan. 11.
Mr. Heflin withdrew his challenge in early February, after an
investigation led by state Rep. Will Hartnett, R-Dallas, proved
that Mr. Vo won the election by at least 16 votes.
Every election is important, but this battle is significant for
several reasons, said Daphne Kwok, executive director of the
Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies.
"First, it shows that every vote counts," she said. "And it
shows that registering new voters and getting them to the polls
makes a difference. Had Mr. Vo not registered all the new
Vietnamese and APA voters for the election, the race would most
likely have been over on Nov. 2, with the incumbent winning.
"Candidates cannot and should not underestimate the voting
strength of the APA community. We can be the swing vote, and
that determines the ultimate outcome of a race," Ms. Kwok said.
Mr. Vo is taking a more pragmatic approach to his win, saying
this is simply his way of giving back to the community.
"When my family and I came to the United States, we were
welcomed," he said. "We were provided with opportunities. In
return ... we worked hard. Now is the time to give back.
"My life has been my American dream."
E-mail
ewu@dallasnews.com
(http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/localnews/columnists/all/stories/022405dnmetwu.cb0.html)
******************
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT SETTLEMENT
February 22, 2005
Dear Student Representative:
We write to request your assistance in spreading the word about
the landmark class action discrimination lawsuit against
Abercrombie, on behalf of people of color and women. Members of
your organization may be Class members affected by the lawsuit,
or may have friends who are. By informing your group members of
the lawsuit -- in a meeting, newsletter, email, blog, etc. --
you can help ensure that justice is served in this case.
As you may know, the class action against Abercrombie (including
Abercrombie & Fitch, abercrombie kids, and Hollister) recently
settled, creating two substantial benefits for people of color
and women. First, Abercrombie must pay $40 million to Latino,
African American, Asian American, and female applicants and
employees. Second, Abercrombie must institute a system of
policies to recruit, hire, and promote people of color and
women, and to guard against future discrimination.
We have made great strides as a nation to eradicate race and
gender discrimination. Unfortunately, it still persists in many
parts of corporate America. Thanks to the courage of the
original nine plaintiffs who stepped forward, there will be one
less company implementing discriminatory policies and
practices. It is now up to us to ensure that people affected by
Abercrombie's discrimination learn about the settlement and seek
compensation by submitting a claim form. This will help hold the
company accountable for its actions, and serve as a warning to
other companies of the cost of violating America's civil rights
laws.
Class members must file a Claim Form to be included in the
settlement. Class members must contact the Claims Administrator
at
www.abercrombieclaims.com or 1-866-854-4175 to request a
Claim Form or to get more information.
As campus representatives and leaders, you have the power to
reach many of these people. This case also provides a great
opportunity to increase public awareness about race and gender
discrimination issues that still affect young people today.
Enclosed are materials providing more details about the lawsuit
and settlement, as well as strategies for getting the word out:
(A) Summary of the Lawsuit, (B) Descriptions of the Named
Plaintiffs' Experiences, (C) Abercrombie's Alleged
Discriminatory Practices, (D) Descriptions of the Legal
Organizations, (E) Strategies for Using the Action Kit, and (F)
a one-page flyer regarding the claims process.
If you have any questions or would like to request the
electronic version of the Action Kit, you may contact Minah Park
at
mpark@apalc.org or (213) 977-7500, ext. 220.
In Solidarity,
The Plaintiffs' Legal Team
Gonzalez, et al. v. Abercrombie & Fitch
(www.abercrombieclaimes.com)
******************
February 23, 2005
CANADA TO ACCEPT BOAT
PEOPLE
Bending immigration rules allows group of stateless Vietnamese
to leave Philippines
By Campbell Clark
The Globe and Mail
OTTAWA — Canada will bend its immigration rules to take in about
200 Vietnamese boat people who have remained stateless in the
Philippines, decades after fleeing their native country. No
longer considered refugees under United Nations rules because
they are not in danger in the Philippines, about 2,000 people
remain without official status as a lingering reminder of the
massive exodus from Vietnam.
They arrived after a 1989 deadline for an international
resettlement agreement -- having fled persecution by the
Communist authorities in Vietnam -- and have lived in the
Philippines without residency status or the legal right to work.
They often earn money as unlicensed street vendors and are in
constant flight from police.
Now, those who have close relatives in Canada -- parents,
grandparents, siblings or children -- and who pass security
checks, will be able to come here under a special measure,
Immigration Minister Joe Volpe said last night. About 200 people
are expected to accept the offer.
"It might be a bit more, it might be a little bit less," Mr.
Volpe said. "We will fast-track them so that we can accommodate
them within the year."
Canada probably will create a special category of family-class
immigrants, since they will not be categorized as refugees, Mr.
Volpe said.
He said that accepting the group will not place an undue burden
on the immigration system and would allow speedy reunification
of families, as well as alleviate a long-standing concern.
"It gives us an opportunity to do something really good and
close the page on what was a very sorry and sad tale in that
part of the world."
Canada's move is part of a growing international effort to
resolve the issue of the displaced Vietnamese.
Australia and Norway agreed to resettle some of the people --
Norway's Parliament passed legislation in December to accept 98.
The United States agreed to work toward the resettlement of
others.
Vietnamese Canadian groups recently pressed Ottawa to take about
500 people, and made their case at hearings before a Commons
committee last week.
New Democrat MP Bill Siksay raised the issue in the Commons on
Friday.
"The number that we have asked for is approximately 500," said
Tu-Anh Takacs of the group Save our Stateless Viet Phi.
"The United States will take the majority, so we anticipate
approximately 500 will be left behind.
"They are stateless. They have no rights to work and to
integrate into the [Philippine] society," Ms. Takacs said.
"Most of them rely on selling in the black market or door to
door. If they can bribe the police into allowing them to sell in
the market, then they're lucky. If they can't, every time they
see an officer they have to run."
(http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20050223.wxrefugees23/BNStory/International/)
******************
February 27, 2005
NEW PUSH FOR
VIETNAMESE GARDEN
ORGANIZERS
AIM TO RAISE $1 MILLION, BREAK GROUND NEXT YEAR
By Mike Antonucci
Mercury News
The next big push for the long-stalled plan to create a
Vietnamese garden and cultural center in San Jose starts Monday.
That's when the first major fundraising event to raise $1
million or more in donations will take place. The organizer, the
Viet Heritage Society, estimates it needs that amount, in
combination with an expected $1 million from the city, to fund
the first stage of the project and break ground next year.
The fundraiser is set for 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the San
Jose Museum of Art. Tickets are $125 at the door; call (408)
394-0864 to check on availability.
The Viet Heritage Society (www.vietheritagesociety.org)
was formed in 2003, largely as the result of efforts by
businessman Henry Le (Lee's Sandwiches).
Le, who had served on the board of the previous group planning
the garden, says city officials encouraged him to recruit more
people from the Vietnamese community to jump-start the project,
which has been discussed since the 1980s.
A group formed relatively quickly, drawing heavily on
individuals with prominent professional reputations and strong
business backgrounds. It evolved into the Viet Heritage Society,
which has a 15-member board of directors headed by cardiologist
Ngai Nguyen as chairman and Le as president.
Each has pledged to raise or contribute at least $10,000, says
Thao Dang, the society's treasurer and the vice president of
marketing for the Century 21 Alpha real estate firm.
Other board members include entrepreneur Duc Trong Ngo, who is
serving as vice president, and Khoa D. Do, a partner in the
Greenberg Traurig law firm, who is the society's secretary.
The first phase of the project, which will be built in Kelley
Park, is a garden that will be constructed in traditional
Vietnamese design. It will include small replicas of landmark
historical structures in Vietnam, such as the Heavenly Lady
Pagoda.
Phase 2 will be the construction of a museum and exhibition
hall. The cost of that stage of the project will depend in part
on its timetable and has been estimated at $3 million to $5
million. Katey Nguyen, executive director of the Viet Heritage
Society, says the work is most likely to start in 2009.
Nguyen's organization is in the process of finalizing an
operating agreement with city administrators, subject to
approval by the city council.
Contact Mike Antonucci at
mantonucci@mercurynews.com or (408) 920-5690.
(http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/living/11005821.htm)
******************
February 28, 2005
LETTER TO SECRETARY OF STATE CONDOLEEZZA RICE ON RELIGIOUS
FREEDOM IN VIETNAM
Vietnam: Action Needed Now to End Religious Persecution
Vietnam Blacklisted as One of the Worst Violators of Religious
Rights
New York –The U.S. needs to spell out specific actions that
Vietnam should take to improve its dismal religious rights
record, Human Rights Watch said today in an open letter to U.S.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. The U.S. is currently
engaged in talks with Vietnam over its designation as one of the
worst violators of religious rights in the world.
Last September the U.S. State Department designated Vietnam as a
"Country of Particular Concern" (CPC) for its systematic and
egregious abuse of religious freedom under the 1998
International Religious Freedom Act. Consultations on religious
freedom between the U.S. and Vietnam are slated to end on March
15, 2005. Religious repression in Vietnam was highlighted in the
State Department’s own annual human right report, which was
released today.
"Despite a few well-timed goodwill gestures, such as the recent
release of several religious prisoners, Vietnam has in all other
respects continued its exceptionally repressive policies," said
Brad Adams, Asia Director of Human Rights Watch. "Vietnam is
notorious for persecuting and imprisoning believers of religions
who attempt to peacefully and independently practice their
faith."
The Vietnamese government imposes strict controls over religious
organizations and treats leaders of unauthorized religious
groups with intense suspicion, branding many of them as
subversives. Targeted in particular are ethnic minority
Christians, Mennonites, and members of the Unified Buddhist
Church of Vietnam (UBCV).
Ethnic Hmong Christians in the northwest provinces have been
beaten, detained and pressured by local authorities to renounce
their religion and cease religious gatherings. At least ten
Hmong Christians remain in detention in Lai Chau and Ha Giang
provinces. Recently the military presence in several villages in
Lai Chau has increased recently, causing many Hmong Christians
to flee from their homes.
In the Central Highlands, the government has increased its
repression of Montagnard Christians, particularly those thought
to be following "Dega Protestantism." This is a form of
evangelical Christianity, banned by the Vietnamese government,
which links it to the Montagnard movement for return of
ancestral lands, religious freedom and self-rule.
Since 2001 more than 180 Montagnard Christians – not only Dega
church activists, but pastors, house church leaders and Bible
teachers as well - have been arrested and sentenced to prison,
many on charges that they are violent separatists using their
religion to "sow divisions among the people" and "undermine
state and party unity." There is no evidence that the Dega
church movement has ever advocated violence. By arresting and
imprisoning people for their religious beliefs or peaceful
expression of their views, Vietnam is in violation of the
International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, to which
it is a party.
While one UBCV monk was included in a recent Tet New Year
prisoner amnesty, the government continues to persecute UBCV
members and withhold any recognition of this group, once the
largest organization of the majority religion in the country.
Many UBCV members remain confined without charges to their
pagodas, which are under strict police surveillance.
Mennonites in Vietnam have also encountered difficulties. Four
Mennonites currently remain in prison on charges of resisting
police officers after a scuffle broke out in March 2004 with
undercover policemen who had been monitoring their Ho Chi Minh
City church. On two separate occasions during 2004, officials in
Kontum province bulldozed a Mennonite chapel. In September and
October 2004, police pressured Mennonites in Kontum and Gia Lai
provinces to sign forms renouncing their religion.
While relations between the Vatican and Vietnam have warmed in
recent years, at least three Roman Catholics remain in prison,
where they are serving long prison sentences for conducting
training courses and distributing religious books without
government permission. They include sixty-four-year-old Father
Pham Minh Tri, who has been imprisoned at Z30A prison in Dong
Nai for the last eighteen years, despite suffering dementia for
most of the past decade.
As the deadline for finalizing the CPC consultations approaches,
earlier this month the Prime Minister issued Instruction No.
01/2005, "Guiding Protestant Religious Organizations." It
outlaws attempts by officials to force Protestants to abandon
their religion, a practice Human Rights Watch has documented
among ethnic minority Christians for years.
However, as with the Ordinance on Beliefs and Religion passed
last year, this latest directive continues to require religious
organizations to obtain government permission in order to
operate, advancing Vietnam’s official stance that religious
freedom is a privilege to be requested and granted by the
government, rather than a fundamental human right.
"Hanoi needs to commit itself to deep-seated reform and
meaningful action, rather than token gestures," said Adams.
"There are hundreds of religious prisoners waiting for release,
and thousands more people waiting for the right to express their
beliefs and practice their faith." The International Religious
Freedom Act offers the President a menu of options to address
abuses in countries designated as CPC, ranging from public
condemnation, limiting certain kinds of assistance, to full
sanctions. In addition to Vietnam, countries designated as CPC
this year include China, Burma, North Korea, Iran, Sudan, Saudi
Arabia and Eritrea.
"The Bush Administration needs to send a strong message to the
Vietnamese government that the U.S. will not tolerate this kind
of persecution," said Adams. "The U.S. should make sure that any
pledges made during these consultations are backed up by prompt
action on the part of the Vietnamese authorities."
Proposed Benchmarks
The current talks between the U.S. and Vietnam aim to outline
specific steps for Vietnam to take to improve its record on
religious freedom, thereby avoiding stronger penalties by the
U.S., including economic sanctions.
Human Rights Watch proposes that the State Department should
make sure that the government of Vietnam has taken the following
concrete steps as it evaluates Vietnam’s progress in improving
its respect for religious freedom:
• Allow independent religious organizations to freely conduct
religious activities and govern themselves. Churches and
denominations that do not choose to join one of the
officially-authorized religious organizations whose governing
boards are under the control of the government should be allowed
to independently register with the government.
• Release or grant amnesty to all people imprisoned or detained
because of their non-violent religious beliefs and practices.
• Investigate and punish those responsible for all instances of
violence against religious believers, including by civilians
acting in concert with government officials. Such incidents
include the violent suppression of the April 2004 protests by
Montagnards in the Central Highlands, and reports of torture,
beatings and killings of ethnic minority Protestants in both the
central and northern highlands.
• Investigate reports of suppression of Protestants, including
arbitrary detention of Mennonites and evangelical Christians.
Those responsible for these violations should be brought to
justice.
• Ensure that all domestic legislation addressing religious
affairs is brought in conformity with international law, such as
the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Amend
provisions in domestic law that criminalizes certain religious
activities on the basis of imprecisely-defined "national
security" crimes.
• Amend the 2004 Ordinance on Beliefs and Religion to include a
provision that prohibits forced renunciation ceremonies by
government officials, linked to specific disciplinary measures
for offenders.
• Permit outside experts, including those from the United
Nations and independent international human rights
organizations, to have access to religious followers in Vietnam,
including members of denominations not officially recognized by
the government.
• Invite the U.N. Special Rapporteur on Religious Intolerance,
the U.N. Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, and the U.N.
Special Rapporteur on Torture to visit Vietnam to investigate
violations of religious freedom and other rights abuses
committed against members of churches that are not officially
sanctioned by the government.
For the full text of Human Rights Watch’s letter to Secretary
Rice, see:
http://hrw.org/english/docs/2005/02/28/vietna10217.htm
(http://hrw.org/english/docs/2005/02/28/vietna10217.htm)
******************
February 28, 2005
SISTER DRAW
NATIONAL EYE WITH CHARITY
FUNDRAISERS FOR VIETNAMESE GROUP IN S.J. KEEP BUILDING AS
PAIR CONTINUE EFFORTS
By Eric Louie
Knight Ridder
The efforts of Bay Area sisters Chi and Truc Nguyen to raise
money for needy children in Vietnam have received national
attention during the past year.
By virtue of the sisters' work, including the annual fundraising
concerts they coordinate, younger sister Chi was involved with
the ``Start Something'' program run by Target and golfer Tiger
Woods' foundation. Besides getting a year of piano lessons for
participating, the 16-year-old was selected to appear in
newspaper and TV ads with the golfer promoting ``Start
Something.''
In December, Chi traveled to New York for a NetAid awards dinner
co-hosted by music producer Quincy Jones. That earned the high
school senior $5,000, which will help pay her tuition at
Stanford University in the fall. She was also interviewed on
CNN.
Focus unchanged
Yet, Chi Nguyen said putting together Sunday's sixth annual
Children's Benefit Concert in Pleasanton was much the same as in
years past.
``I think it has given the project a little more credibility,''
said Chi about the benefit concert. Chi and Truc, who are from
San Ramon, have raised $34,000 since starting their fundraising
efforts in 1998. ``But it really hasn't changed anything. I
don't share that information with everyone I meet. I'm not a big
bragger,'' Chi said.
This year's concert performers include the Just Friends jazz
band and members of the Milpitas-based Viet Spring Folk
Ensemble. There also will be other musicians, including the
sisters themselves playing piano.
The sisters started their efforts in 1998 with a garage sale,
selling a personal Beanie Baby collection, homemade almond
toffee and anything else they could. They donated those proceeds
to the San Jose-based Vietnam Health Education and Literature
Projects.
The next year, the girls traveled to Vietnam with their family.
It was the first time the sisters had been to their parents'
homeland; Truc Nguyen was born in Canada and Chi in Walnut
Creek. Their parents would tell them about the poverty that
existed in Vietnam.
The sisters saw the library that their first donations funded,
but then saw a shelter that also provides schooling for about
100 children in the southern Vietnamese city of Can Tho. For the
past four years, their fundraising efforts have paid all of the
costs to operate that shelter.
Chi Nguyen said it takes about $5,000 to run the shelter for a
year. So, after making a record $7,000 from last year's concert,
this year's goal is to raise $10,000 and fund other projects of
the San Jose group.
Gaining momentum
Each year the sisters' momentum has grown.
``I got volunteers from Stanford,'' said Truc Nguyen, 22, who
recently graduated from the university and teaches job skills at
a San Jose semiconductor company. She is a graduate of
Pleasanton's Amador Valley High School, and the Pleasanton
school district continues to let the sisters use the Amador
Theater space for free. ``I sell almond toffee at work.''
This year's concert will have KGO-TV reporter David Louie as an
emcee. A volunteer marketing consultant suggested an emcee and
is also helping the sisters with their Web site. So when Chi
Nguyen meets with local service groups to gather support, those
groups' leaders already have the sisters' background.
``When we look back, it's surprising how far it's gone,'' she
said. ``Every year we grow a little bit more.''
IF YOU'RE INTERESTED
The sixth annual Children's Benefit Concert will be held at 2
p.m. Sunday at the Amador Theater, 1155 Santa Rita Road,
Pleasanton. Admission is $9. For more information, call (925)
275-9250; e-mail
worldinterchange@gmail.com;
or go to
www.vnyouthinterchange.net.
(http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/11012016.htm)
******************
March 1, 2005
STUDY FINDS RACIAL UNDERSTANDING NOT A PRIORITY FOR MANY
FRESHMAN
College newcomers also less likely to possess interracial
friendships
By Lydia Osolinsky
Senior Staff Writer, The Daily Aztec
Marking a significant change, an annual study reported this
year's college freshmen class is much less likely to have
interracial friendships or see racial discrimination as a
problem - compared with past classes.
"We were somewhat surprised," Linda J. Sax, UCLA associate
professor of education and director of the study, said. "Those
of us in academia are acutely aware of continuing racial
discrimination that exists, but the students seemed to be less
concerned."
Differences were reported along racial lines, with 24.9 percent
of white students saying discrimination is no longer a problem,
compared with 12.5 percent of black students and 18.3 percent of
Hispanic students.
Out of the UCLA's Higher Education Research Institute, "The
American Freshman: National Norms for 2004" report marked the
39th year the study was conducted. Results were based on the
responses of 289,452 students at 440 colleges and universities
nationwide.
Though the data alone does not indicate what is causing the
trends, Sax said students may have interpreted the word
"discrimination" to mean overt actions and may have been unaware
of the more subtle inequities that exist between racial groups.
"Students may be interpreting decisions in various states to
dismantle affirmative action as a sign that discrimination is
not so much of a problem anymore," she said.
Jill Esbenshade, assistant sociology professor at San Diego
State, said legislation attacking affirmative action programs,
such as California's Prop. 209 in 1996, shows a culture of
backlash that emerged during the time when many current college
freshmen were growing up.
"There has been an upsurge in the belief that whites have
somehow been disadvantaged by the system and that people of
color are being unfairly advantaged by the system," she said.
Since the abolishment of affirmative action, many higher
education institutions have seen declines in minority enrollment
and reports have shown many neighborhoods and schools across the
nation remain overwhelmingly segregated.
According to Esbenshade, who teaches a minority-group relations
course, many students in her classes - whites in particular - do
not fully grasp the prevalence of discrimination still prevalent
in America, which she attributes in part to the lack of
interaction between groups.
"Unless you're in a situation where you are with a person who is
racial minority, you're not likely to be aware of how other
people are treated," she said. "If you have only seen what
you've experienced, you believe that to be the norm."
If the environment lacks diversity, she said, students of
different ethnic groups will be less likely to interact because
they will have fewer opportunities to do so.
According to SDSU Media Relations Director Jason Foster, though
the university is unable to directly target potential students
by race, it has continued outreach programs that indirectly
promote ethnic diversity.
Scholarship awards, assistance funds and partnerships with
inner-city school districts, such as City Heights and
Sweetwater, target underprivileged groups and help prepare
students for college, which will increase diversity on campus,
Foster said.
Current SDSU numbers show 45 percent of students identify
themselves as Caucasian, 20.7 percent as Hispanic or
Mexican-American, 14.3 percent as Asian and 6.9 as Filipino or
Pacific Islander. African-Americans make up 3.7 percent of the
student body and 0.7 percent identify themselves as American
Indian, according to Analytic Studies and Institutional
Research. International students and those who declined to state
their ethnicity are excluded from these numbers.
For many immersed in the university setting, the study's recent
findings come as no surprise.
Biochemistry freshman Diana Bustos said though she does not
consciously avoid making interracial friendships, she sometimes
finds it is easier to relate to students who share her
Mexican-American background.
"We can relate to how things are back home," Bustos said. "We
have been raised the same way."
According to the study, fewer freshman students said "helping to
promote racial understanding" was an "essential" or "very
important" personal goal than in any other year in the history
of the survey.
Laura Benson, a liberal studies freshman, would have aligned
with the 23.5 percent of white students who agreed with the
statement.
According to Benson, growing up in Long Beach helped to expose
her to many different types of people, an experience she hopes
to pass on to her future children.
"As a parent, I want my kids to be with other groups of people,"
she said.
"I want to invite African-American people and Spanish people -
or whomever - over to my house with their kids so that my kids
can see that (interracial friendships are) totally fine and that
there is nothing wrong with that."
The number of students who indicated promoting racial
understanding was an important personal goal peaked in 1992, the
year riots broke out on the streets of Los Angeles.
Sax said it may take another event of national scope to raise
awareness of racial tensions. However, she did not predict
whether she believes the survey will report changes in racial
interaction and understanding in the future.
(http://www.thedailyaztec.com/news/2005/03/01/City/Study.Finds.Racial.Understanding.Not.A.Priority.For.Many.Freshmen-880496.shtml)
******************
March 1, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Sin Yen Ling, Esq., 212-966-5932 x 213
EAST COAST LEGAL IMMIGRATION CLINICS FOR
NEW DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE REGULATIONS
AALDEF Provides Free Legal Advice to Southeast/Asian Communities
Facing Deportation
April 26 Deadline to Reopen Deportation Case
Call AALDEF at 800-966-5946 x 213 to schedule an appointment;
Obtain free legal advice for former green card holders with old
deportation orders.
New York City - The Asian American Legal Defense and Education
Fund (AALDEF) is partnering with community-based organizations
in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Philadelphia to provide free
legal-advice about these new federal regulations that may
benefit former green cardholders placed in deportation as a
result of a criminal conviction. Attorneys will provide legal
advice, by appointment only, at the following locations:
* March 6, 2005, 1:00pm-4:00pm, Providence, Rhode Island,
located at
Providence Youth Student Movement, 807 Broad Street, 3rd Floor,
Providence, RI 02907
* March 14, 2005, 3:00pm-8:00pm, Lowell, Massachusetts, located
at
Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association, 165 Jackson Street,
Lowell, MA 01852
* March 26, 2005, 1:00pm-4:00pm, Providence, Rhode Island,
located at
Providence Youth Student Movement, 807 Broad Street, 3rd Floor,
Providence, RI 02907
* April 1, 2005, 3:00pm-8:00pm, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
located at
Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia, 5412 North 5
Street, Philadelphia, PA 19120
Who can apply under the new regulations? You must meet the
following requirements: 1) you were a green card holder until
you received a final order of deportation or removal; 2) you had
the green card for at least 7 consecutive years prior to the
date of your final order of deportation; 3) you pled guilty or
no contest to a criminal case where the plea was made before
April 1, 1997; and 4) you were eligible to apply for section
212(c) (deportation waiver) relief at the time the plea was
made.
Individuals seeking legal advice must call to set up
confidential meetings with an AALDEF staff attorney. Individuals
must bring the following documents in order to receive proper
legal advice: copy of notice to appear for deportation; copy of
criminal convictions; and copies of immigration court documents,
i.e., Immigration Judge Order; Notice of Appeal to Board of
Immigration Appeals.
###
Sin Yen Ling
sling@aaldef.org
ASIAN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATION FUND
99 Hudson Street, 12/F New York, NY 10013-2815
Defending the civil rights of Asian Americans since 1974
t: 212.966.5932 f: 212.966.4303 website:
www.aaldef.org
******************
March 1, 2005
DEMOCRATS OFFER DEAL
ON REMAP
Lawmakers would no longer draw districts if governor agrees to
begin plan after 2010 census
By Nancy Vogel, Times Staff Writer
SACRAMENTO — Democratic leaders would agree to give an
independent panel the power to decide the boundaries of
legislative and congressional districts as long as Gov. Arnold
Schwarzenegger would wait until after the 2010 census to redraw
the lines, Assembly Speaker Fabian Nuñez said Monday.
Democrats would be willing to "have an objective third party
that draws the district boundaries," Nuñez (D-Los Angeles) said,
adding that he also was speaking for Senate Democratic Leader
Don Perata (D-Oakland).
"That's huge movement on our part," Nuñez said. "To give up
drawing the district boundaries is no small thing."
Schwarzenegger has said the current legislative boundaries were
gerrymandered to protect incumbents. He has made it a priority
to take the power to draw district lines away from the
Legislature and give it to a panel of retired judges.
So far, he has insisted that the change take effect in 2006, and
he has said that he would take his proposal to voters in the
fall if the Legislature did not approve it.
Some legal experts, however, say that even if the governor wins,
drawing new lines in time for the 2006 election may be
impossible. The boundaries would have to be based on 2000 census
data.
California's population has grown by 2.6 million people since
then, state demographers said.
Mapmakers using out-of-date information would be unable to
guarantee that the 80 Assembly, 40 Senate and 53 congressional
districts they drew would contain nearly equal numbers of people
to meet constitutional requirements.
That makes a court challenge practically inevitable, the
academic and legal experts say. States typically redraw their
political boundaries once every 10 years using fresh census
data.
Experts say only one state has voluntarily redrawn lines
mid-decade — Texas in 2003 — and the legality of that
Republican-led plan has been challenged in federal court, with a
decision expected any day.
"If you're looking at doing another redistricting mid-decade, we
don't have accurate data," said Karin Mac Donald, who oversees
California's redistricting database, which is housed at the
University of California's Institute of Governmental Studies in
Berkeley. "We would probably be in court until 2010."
Steve Reyes, a staff attorney with the Mexican American Legal
Defense and Educational Fund in Los Angeles, said: "There's a
problem with using outdated census data. It's not going to get
you close to one-person, one-vote districts … of equal size.
During the last redistricting here they were within five people
here and there."
Other redistricting experts said there should be no legal reason
why new lines could not be based on 2000 census data.
"It's a human compromise as to how you do the best you can
without saying we have to change lines every 20 minutes every
time a kid's born, dies or drives out of town," said Chip
Nielsen, a Marin County attorney with Nielsen Merksamer
Parrinello Muller & Naylor, which was heavily involved in
redistricting disputes in the 1980s.
"The bottom line is, on this sort of stuff, there is nothing
that's perfect," he said. "The size of the districts changes
every day. But the rule is you've got to use the most recent
census data…. So the question is, could you have districts that
change four years or six years into the decade? The answer is,
why not?"
Under the current lines, which were crafted by Republican and
Democratic lawmakers in 2001, not one of 153 seats changed party
hands in the last election.
In a speech last week in Sacramento, Schwarzenegger said the
current districts were drawn by "a political elite building a
fortress to keep themselves in and to keep the people out."
The independent redistricting plan, ACAX1 3 introduced by
Assembly Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield and
backed by the governor, will probably not pass the
Democratic-controlled Legislature so long as it requires new
lines before the 2010 census, Nuñez said.
"You cannot draw district boundaries without making sure that
every vote counts," Nuñez said. "And you can't make sure every
vote counts if you don't have a census which will tell you
whether we have 3 million new people, 5 million new people or a
million new people. Anything short of that is a political power
grab by the Republicans to try and move Democratic seats over to
the Republican aisle."
McCarthy said that if his bill dies, the governor will take his
fight to voters and endorse an initiative drafted by anti-tax
activist Ted Costa that includes an immediate redrawing of
political boundaries. Schwarzenegger is expected to call a
special election in November to push several major proposals,
including redistricting.
Nuñez said Democrats are willing to take their chances with
voters.
Even if voters pass a measure in November, experts say, there
probably isn't enough time to prepare for a June 2006 primary.
County election officials and those familiar with past
redistricting efforts say that at least five months are needed
after maps are redrawn to adjust voting precincts within
counties, alert voters to new polling places and give candidates
time to campaign.
Passage of a ballot measure in November would leave only a month
or two, including the December holidays, for a panel of retired
judges to be chosen, hold public hearings and redraw lines for
173 districts.
Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder Conny B. McCormack said
that in the last redistricting, registrars got the new maps on
Sept. 28, 2001, and had to be ready for a March 5, 2002 primary
election.
"It's less time than we had last time, which is insufficient
time," she said.
Schwarzenegger spokesman Rob Stutzman said the governor wants
new lines drawn "as soon as possible."
"If 2008 is as soon as possible, then that's great," he said,
"but we'll strive for 2006."
If 2008 is more achievable, "why are we spending all this money
when in two years you're going to go through this process again
[when the 2010 census is taken]?" asked Kathay Feng, voting
rights director of the Asian Pacific American Legal Center. She
will begin work soon as executive director of California Common
Cause, a citizens lobby with a long history of pushing to take
redistricting out of the hands of lawmakers.
In a big victory this month for Schwarzenegger, California
Common Cause endorsed McCarthy's redistricting bill — despite
the group's opposition to a mid-decade redistricting.
"We have had some very productive discussions with Senate and
Assembly leadership and also with the governor's office," Feng
said.
"I think the final issue they will lock horns on is mid-decade
redistricting."
(http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-redistrict1mar01,1,717631.story)
******************
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. |
|
