Thanks for your interest in Asian Pacific Americans for Progress. Here are some frequent questions:

Who are you?

Asian Pacific Americans for Progress (APAP) is a national network of progressive Asian Americans and allies. We are a 501 (c) 4 that organizes educational programs with an affiliated political action committee (PAC) that endorses candidates and engages in more partisan activities.

How much is membership?
General membership is just $20 per year and all funds raised goes towards the public programs of the organization including our Dem Sums, townhalls, films, screenings and training programs. In return, you'll get discounts to our events and merchandise and voting privileges. To join, simply go here: http://www.apaforprogress.org/how-to-get-involved

Who are your members?
APAP is made up of every day citizens, including students, filmmakers, scientists, academics, community organizers, lawyers and others, as well as elected officials staffers and campaign workers. To see a list of our current Board, please go to: http://www.apaforprogress.org/about

How many members do you have?
APAP has a mailing list of over 3,000 progressive Asian American allies. We also have a network of working chapters with paid members. For a list of our chapters, please go to: Chapters and Contacts

Are you a Democratic organization?
APAP is a progressive organization that works with individuals and organizations, regardless of party affiliation.

What do you mean by "progressive"?
At APAP, the term "progressive" refers not only to a general set of beliefs that are classified as progressive or liberal, but also in terms of your approach to politics. The term "progressive" can also be used to identify people who use new technology or who are interested in bringing new people into the political process. Basically, it's anyone who is forward-thinking.

How can I get involved?
The best way to get involved is to contact your local chapter and see what programs they are organizing in your area. For a list of chapters, please go to: Chapters and Contacts

Why do we need another Asian American organization?
APAP actually identifies as a progressive organization first. This means our membership is united, first and foremost, by our political philosophies, as opposed to just our ethnicity, race or party affiliation. In addition, APAP serves several vital functions:

1.) our group was national and it's important to unify all the great efforts locally to form a cohesive national voice
2.) because our group is fairly new, we are willing to take chances, especially when it comes to new technologies and new ideas
3.) there really is no progressive / partisan group in the community.

Outside of election-year activity, how does joining the national organization benefit us with our concerns and organizational affiliations locally?
Simply, there are strengths in numbers. By building a national network, especially in the off-years of federal elections, we can more easily advance a national agenda and bring greater attention to local issues.

How do I form a chapter in my city?
If there are no chapters or contacts in your area and you would like to volunteer, please send us an email at apafp (at) apaforprogress (dot) org.

1.) Chapters in good standing must have ten actively paid members.
2.) Chapters in good standing must elect a President, and any other officers they deem necessary, on an annual basis, from the members in good standing.
3.) Chapters in good standing must organize at least two public events per year.
4.) Chapters in good standing may endorse local, state and federal candidates only within their chartered jurisdiction.
5.) Chapters in good standing must abide by all the general rules and by-laws established by the National Board.
6.) All membership fees and funds will be collected by the Treasurer of the National Board and disbursed on an as-needed basis. A percentage of all membership fees collected by the chapter, not to exceed ten per cent, will go towards national activities and administrative expenses.

Please email us if you would like to start a chapter in your area.