California Asian Pacific Islander Policy Summit 2009

Be part of a new longer-term strategic planning effort to strengthen and build API advocacy capacity by attending the California Asian Pacific Islander Policy Summit, “Connecting The Dots: The Catalyst For A Stronger Community Voice,” from May 26-27, at the Sacramento Convention Center, 1400 “J” Street, Sacramento.

Register for the summit by April 30 to take advantage of a special registration web rate of $80. Otherwise, the two-day registration fee is $120.

The summit is held in partnership with Asian Americans for Civil Rights and Equality (AACRE), Asian and Pacific Islanders’ California Action Network (APIsCAN), Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, California Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus Institute and Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA).

The summit will include topics such as:

*Demonstrate the collective power of APIs and increase our visibility at the State Capitol

*Connect with key state agencies and non-profits at the API Summit Resource Expo

*Empower your staff and volunteers, improve your organization’s advocacy operation, learn how to play a role

*in the state legislative and budget process, and discuss new API community issues and research data

*Meet with elected officials to build long-term working relationships and advocate on API issues

*Develop legislative proposals with other stakeholders at API Summit issues tracks

Here is a sampling of the workshops scheduled:

*Comprehensive Immigration Reform: What Does it Mean for API Communities?

*University of California’s New Admissions Policy: What is its Impact?

*The Special Election Results & the State Budget: What is the Impact for Health and Human Services?

*Making Sure We’re Counted: API Participation in the 2010 Census and Redistricting

*State Contracts & Federal Stimulus Projects: Ensuring that API Businesses Have Access to Publicly-Funded Projects

*Marriage Equality: A Civil Rights Issue

Click here to download a draft 2 day agenda for the summit and to view a complete listing of the planned workshops.

For more information, visit www.apisummit.org or contact:

Andrew T. Medina, API Legislative Caucus

(916) 319-3686 or andrew.medina@asm.ca.gov

Diane Ujiiye, Asian and Pacific Islanders California Action Network

(310) 532-6111 or apiscandiane@sbcglobal.net

Leilani Aguinaldo Yee, Asian Americans for Civil Rights and Equality

(916) 321-9001 or layee@aacre.org

Here’s additional background information about the summit:

Asian Pacific Islanders (APIs) have reached a critical mass in the state of California. The API community is now the second largest minority community in California. Additionally, the diversity of the API community reaches nearly six to seven generations in the United States with over 48 ethnic sub-groups. Today, API’s represent a critical swing vote in state and national elections, and through grassroots organizing, our community has proven to have a powerful voice.

Our communities must continue to elevate our role in shaping California public policy as we become more firmly rooted and invested in this State. To that end, we are pleased to invite you to the 6th Annual California Asian Pacific Islander Policy Summit on May 26th – 27th, 2009, at the Sacramento Convention Center.

This year’s theme of “Connecting the Dots: the Catalyst for a Stronger Community Voice” speaks to our goal of creating an even stronger community coalition at this year’s summit. Organizing API community members, community based organizations, non-profits and elected officials under a collective movement will provide boundless opportunities to further advance the API agenda.

API public policy advocacy has grown on the community level as well as with state elected representation. The California API Joint Legislative Caucus has reached its highest membership to date, with eleven API members in 2009. This is remarkable progress considering that in 1991, there were zero legislators of API descent. Additionally, State Controller John Chiang and Board of Equalization Members Judy Chu, Michelle Steele, and Betty Yee represent Asian Pacific Islanders in prominent constitutional offices.

This year’s summit marks a paradigm shift that reflects our ability to impact public policy with greater depth and sophistication. Participants will be asked to roll up their sleeves and apply and expand their advocacy skills based in four different policy areas, or “tracks:” Civil Rights, Community Development & Housing, Education, and Health & Human Services.

In addition to the skills building workshops and strategic roundtable sessions, participants will advocate their legislative, policy, and budget issues with elected officials that correspond with their respective track. Participants will also have ample opportunity to network and meet with community activists and elected officials.

The API Policy Summit marks a significant opportunity for California API community members and organizations to empower themselves and their community at the California State Capitol. We look forward to your participation at the 2009 Summit!

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