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Seattle/Redmond, WA AAPI House Party 5/31/2009

Report from the Seattle/Redmond House Party:

Top 3 issues--brief discussion on how to approach 'issues':

'Silo-ing' of different issues prevents acknowledgement of the underlying broad, systemic challenges (eg, multicultural perspective on education can benefit everyone)

1.  Immigration:

On the state level the Deportation Bill is being supported by the governor in Wa state and is an example of why we need leadership on the Federal level.

Support for people who are new immigrants but also those who have been here for a while and encouragement to getting involved in the political process.

2. Political involvement/activism

Cultural barriers still exist within different cultures due to a cultural definition of success that does not always include political involvement 

On the plus side, small are efforts are starting the AAPI community and we need to nurture these to make certain they grow (eg, APAfor progress! ) and gain momentum.

Typically AAPI communities are insular and to step outside and integrate into the broader community can be difficult---this may be an issue if we don't encourage and educate our next generation to become more involved

Difficulty for some in knowing how to get 'plugged in'

3.  Education --day care program for working parents

--mentoring availability and acces

--promotion of mediocrity vs. excellence in students (noticed in some communities as being a big issue with Asian Americans)

How can AAPI's gain more political clout?

Different cultures finding common ground in the community --eg,,out of approx. 5 state legislators, all but 1 had Japanese American heritage showing a lack of diversity in the political process,,

Using community based organizations to encourage collective involvement of different cultures that might otherwise be insular

Comments on teleconference:

Great idea and thanks for opportunity,

Would make sure the speakers are ready to go and and please prep the speakers with questions beforehand so answers are thorough  

on the question regarding 'Don't ask, Don't tell', several at our house party were disappointed in the response 

Thank you again for the opportunity--was a great conversation and much needed!

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