I've got a lot of love for my alma matter, Pomona College in Claremont, California. The AAPI student activism and organizing at the Claremont Colleges is energizing, vibrant, and just all-around dope. As a senior, I was one of three head mentors for the Asian American Mentor Program. It was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life, and I wanted to share an interview I recently conducted with the current head mentors of the program: Annie, Evyn, and Albert!

Pomona College and the Claremont Colleges have a long history of student activism, from rallies in support of workers' unionization to student strikes for Asian American Studies and other resources for AAPI and other students of color. As a recent college graduate, I love reading about and supporting similar student movements on campuses from coast to coast, and I thought that I'd share this interview with the current head mentors of Pomona College's Asian American Mentor Program.

1) What is AAMP and what is AAMP training? 

This is the mission statement that the AAMP mentors drafted for AAMP this year:The Asian American Mentor Program (AAMP) is a student-led organization that serves to build a community of APIA students and the greater Pomona College population. AAMP provides resources for incoming self-identified APIA students as well as safe spaces to explore and express identity. In addition, AAMP strives to be an ally to other communities and raise awareness for their causes.

AAMP training is an intensive two week program that teaches mentors about the history and experiences of API communities in both the United States in general and at the Claremont Colleges  specifically.  It gives an introduction to salient issues like gender, race, and sexuality, and encourages the mentors to get involved in the community.  Most importantly, AAMP training equips mentors with the necessary skills to guide their mentees through the first year of college.

2) Who were some of the most memorable facilitators? 

Sumun Pendakur presented how the different waves of Asian American immigration influenced the construction of Asian American communities and therefore informs past and present stereotypes about Asian Americans. 

Traci Akemi Kato-Kiriyama talked about art and activism, emphasizing the power of communication in building community. 

Sefa Aina, a member of the president’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders as well as the director of the Asian American Resource Center at Pomona College, gave an enlightening presentation on the cycles of oppression and also conducted an activity on intersectionality of identity. 

Alison de la Cruz facilitated a great workshop on gender that helped to identity gender roles and norms and how they influence our everyday lives.

3) What are some of the lessons you took away from training in terms of building community and mobilizing young AAPI's?

We’ve learned the importance of being energetic and staying positive.  The more we put into the training, the more we get back from the young API’s who are participating.  Also, we’ve learned not to preach to young API’s but rather to give them a safe space to develop their own conclusions.

 
4) Do you have any advice for students looking to get involved in similar organizing or looking to start similar programs at their schools?

For those who want to start similar programs, it’s important to reach out to established support groups for advice on how to organize and build community.  A lot of prominent community activists are willing to provide resources, and sometimes all it takes is to put yourself out there and ask for their help in providing facilitated discussions and workshops. Also, be prepared to put a lot of time and energy into your program.  It will be worth it in the end!

5) If a genie granted you 3 "policy wishes" for 2011, what would they be? 

a. GENERAL IMMIGRATION REFORM, starting with the Federal Dream Act.

b. Education Reform (pay teachers more!) – stop slashing funding for public education, public universities, and the arts

c. Equal access to health care

About me: Hey, I'm Dayne, and I'm a recent graduate of Pomona College. In college, I was active in AAPI student organizing as well as community work. I'm currenlty based out of Washington, D.C., and I'll be posting two to three times a week with the latest in progressive and AAPI political news and policy analysis, as well as spotlight features on young community leaders. Leave comments and share with friends! Follow me on twitter @ dayne4progress