As the healthcare debate rages around the country, it's critical that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have their voices heard. APAP will be organizing a series of Dem Sums around the country in cities from California to New York. Here are the first announced events. Please check back as we get further details on events in Chicago, Austin and other cities. Come share your thoughts and stories. If you'd like to organize one in your city, please let us know.

DATE: September 25, 2009 (Friday)

TIME: 7:00 pm

CITY: New York

LOCATION: Nightingale Lounge (213 2nd Ave on 13th St.)

COST: Free. Just purchase your own drinks

RSVP TO: Theresa Thanjan at t_thanjan @ yahoo.com

Topics to include healthcare, as well as the results of the Sept. 15th NYC primaries

DATE: September 26, 2009 (Saturday)

TIME: 7:00 pm 

CITY: Philadelphia

LOCATION: Kong (702 N. 2nd Street in Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia)

COST: Attendees order on their own off menu. A special $25 prix fixe menu is available, as well.

RSVP TO: Farzin Khan at Khan.Farzin @ gmail.com by Thursday, Sept. 24

Topics will include healthcare, school violence and other issues affecting the AAPI community in the greater Philadelphia area. Special Guest Iraq War veteran and physician Manan Trivedi, who is running for Congress.

DATE: September 27, 2009 (Sunday)

TIME: 6:30 pm  

CITY: Washington, DC

LOCATION: Burma  Restaurant (740 6th Street NW, #2)

COST: Attendees split cost of dinner

RSVP TO: Melvin Tabilas at melvin @ madskill.com

DATE: October 8, 2009 (Thursday)

TIME: 6:30 pm  

CITY: Los Angeles

LOCATION: Little Tokyo (location TBD)

COST: Attendees split cost of dinner

RSVP TO: Vivien Hao at prcvivien @ yahoo.com