NAKASEC » Media (group)

United Together, Standing Strong – April eNewsletter

nakasec — Wed, 09 May 2012 16:44:43 +0000

Upcoming Events

May 11 – AKASIA Scholarship Ceremony, Los Angeles (Contact: Jani Kim, jani@krcla.org)

May 17 – DREAM Scholarship Fund Wine Tasting Fundraiser, Los Angeles (Contact: Tam Duong, tam@krcla.org)

May 22 – Citizenship Workshop at Devon Bank, Chicago (Contact: Ju Young Oh, juyoung@chicagokrcc.org)

DREAM Scholarship Fund Deadline Fast Approaching!

2 Ways You Can Help

The application deadline for DSF is a little less than 2 weeks away (Friday, May 18). There are two ways you can help our scholarship program!

Encourage youth to apply: Instructions, eligibility requirements and application forms can be found here.
Donate: DSF is primarily funded through grassroots fundraising efforts led by youth at our affiliate organizations. We also invite local businesses and individuals to contribute using our online giving method (scroll down to give through Paypal).

For more information, please contact Joyce Yin, program associate with NAKASEC at

jyin@nakasec.org

Asian Immigrants in California Overwhelmingly Support Taxing the 1%

On April 11, a coalition of immigrant rights organizations released findings of its statewide survey of Asian immigrants, 85% who overwhelming support taxing the top 1%. The survey “Take Back the American Dream” was conducted by the Chinese Progressive Association (CPA), Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network (SIREN), Filipino Advocates for Justice (FAJ) and the Korean Resource Center (KRC) as part of the Mobilize the Immigrant Vote (MIV) coalition.

Over 7,000 Asian Immigrants including Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese and Filipino were contacted for the survey which measured their views on taxing the wealthy 1% to help fund California’s diminishing budget for education and public services. Registered occasional voters were the target of the survey.

For more information on how to get involved with civic engagement work with KRC, please contact Dayne Lee atdayne@krcla.org.

Rally to Stand Up for Justice

On April 25th, 2012, the US Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Arizona’s SB 1070, and is expected to make a decision sometime in June on whether or not to uphold certain parts of the law. During the arguments, nearly 1,000 individuals, including community members and advocates from immigrant rights, civil rights, progressive, faith-based and labor groups gathered in front of the US Supreme Court to say no to hate and stand united for justice.

Photo credit: NAKASEC

NAKASEC also organized 22 Korean American and Asian American community members, as well as, advocates representing the Asian American Justice Center, Asian Pacific Islander American Health Forum, Hmong National Development, Japanese American Citizens League, National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum – National and DC Chapter, National Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans, South Asian Americans Leading Together and Southeast Asia Resource Action Center.

The following is a statement by Morna Ha, NAKASEC Executive Director, following the rally

With one clear, unequivocal voice, civil rights, faith, and immigrant community members andleaders stood before the Supreme Court to seek justice and unity. Arizona’s cruel law, SB 1070, violates all that we believe America should be – a country where our basic rights are protected and where we can live without fear. For Latinos, African Americans, Asian Americans and others who look different, we should not have to fear being stopped based on the color of our skin, the shape of our eyes, or whether we speak with an accent.

The Supreme Court must strike down this unconstitutional law. It is an affront to our communities and it is an affront to what we value as an American people.

Our country needs real solutions. SB1070 and copy-cat laws like the ones in Alabama and Georgia do not fix a badly broken immigration system and only serve as distraction. We need to find humane ways that keep families together, allow immigrant students access to higher education, and lets people continue to contribute back to the country they call home.

We will be watching very closely what happens in the coming months for the Court’s ruling and will continue to sound the trumpet for humane immigration reform. Our communities only prepared to fight that much harder to realize the reforms that this country truly needs.

White House “Champion of Change” Alum Hee Joo Yoon Meets with President Obama

On April 26, Hee Joo Yoon, program director with the Korean Resource Center, was one of twelve White House Champions of Change Alumni who met with President Obama in celebration of the program’s one year anniversary.

Hee Joo talked about the importance of funding for HUD counseling programs, languages access issues with limited English proficient homeowners, allowing Fannie and Freddie to approve principle reductions and needs of expanding the Home Affordable Modification Program eligibility requirements.

From Civil Unrest to Civic Action

Lessons from Sa-I-Gu (4.29)

On the 20th anniversary of Sa-I-Gu (4.29), Korean Americans remembered the lesson learned from this critical moment in US history: we need to organize and build bridges with other communities to advance a shared agenda of economic and social justice.

In early April, NAKASEC launched “From Civil Unrest to Civic Action” – a national call to action to our community. Since the launch, more than a hundred Korean Americans organized and mobilized to become naturalized citizens, registered voters and stood against unjust anti-immigrant laws.

We have more activities planned for the rest of the year that encourage civic participation and seek to move our communities to action. Stay tuned for details in the coming weeks!

Read our press release here.

Press Advisory | April 25th Supreme Court Hearing on Arizona’s Cruel Immigration Law, SB1070

nakasec — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:17:13 +0000

Download a PDF of this release.
Click here to view in Korean (우리말)

For Immediate Release
April 23, 2012

Contact: Morna Ha, mha@nakasec.org, 202-299-9540

April 25^th Supreme Court Hearing on Arizona’s
Cruel Immigration Law, SB1070
NAKASEC Joins Immigrant Rights, Civil Rights, Progressive Allies, Labor & Faith Leaders for rally.
500 People Expected to Turn Out.

On April 25, 2012, the United States Supreme Court will hear arguments on the constitutionality of Arizona’s cruel law, SB1070. The court is expected to announce its ruling in mid to late June. The National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC) will join a broad coalition of workers, civil rights organizations, immigrant rights groups, progressive allies and faith leaders who are coming together on this day in Washington, D.C. to demonstrate the importance of striking down this law.

The ruling on SB1070 will shape the kind of nation in which we live. At its core, SB1070 and its copycat laws are part of a broader attack on people of color, immigrant rights, worker rights, and voting rights underway across the country. If it is upheld, numerous states may move forward on their own versions of Arizona’s ‘papers please’ racial profiling law. Such a decision could fundamentally change the relationship between the federal government and states in how immigration enforcement is conducted. By striking down the law, the Court will set a major precedent – that state-sponsored racial profiling will not be tolerated.

More information on the Supreme Court hearing (Korean & English) can be found here: http://bit.ly/HWtV5k

WHAT: Rally to uphold Justice during the Supreme Court Hearing on SB 1070

WHEN: Wednesday, April 25, 2012 — 11:00 AM

**NAKASEC, Asian American advocates ^ community members will meet in front of Barnes & Noble at Union Station at 10:15 am and walk over to the Supreme Court together.**

WHERE: United States Supreme Court (1 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20545)

WHO: Workers, civil rights organizations, immigrant rights groups, progressive

allies and faith leaders. NAKASEC & other Asian American advocates.

Organizations and individuals interested in joining the rally should contact Joyce Yin, jyin@nakasec.org, 415-680-4447. More information can be found at www.nakasec.org.

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The National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC) was founded in 1994 by local community centers to project a national progressive voice and promote the full participation of Korean Americans as a part of a greater goal of building a national movement for social change. NAKASEC is based D.C. and Los Angeles. NAKASEC also has affiliates in Chicago (Korean American Resource & Cultural Center) and Los Angeles (Korean Resource Center).

취재의뢰서 | 아리조나의 가혹한 이민법 SB1070에 관련 4월 25일 대법원 공청회 논평

nakasec — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:15:02 +0000

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즉시 보도 요청
2012년 4월 23일
담당자: 하 모나, mha@nakasec.org, 202-299-9540

아리조나의 가혹한 이민법 SB1070에 관련
4월 25일 대법원 공청회 논평
미교협은 이민 및 민권, 진보단체 및 노동계, 종교계와 함께 집회에 참여합니다.
총 500여명 참석예정

4월 25일 미 연방 대법원은 아리조나의 반 이민법 SB1070이 헌법에 위배되는 지의 여부를 가리기 위한 공청회를 열 예정입니다. 법원의 판결은 6월 중순에서 말사이에 내려질 예정입니다. 미주한인교육봉사협의회(이하 미교협)은 민권단체, 이민자그룹, 진보단체 및 노동계, 종교계의 지도자들과 함께 연합, 이날 워싱턴 디씨에서 이 법의 위법성을 널리 알리고 철폐를 요구하고자 합니다.

SB1070에 관련된 대법원 판결은 우리가 살고 있는 국가를 정의하게 될 것이며, 그 핵심은 SB1070과 그 유사한 법들이 유색인종, 이민권, 노동권, 투표권 등에 대한 대대적인 공격의 한 형태라는 것입니다. 만약 그 법이 본래 형태대로 관철된다면, 수많은 다른 주들이 아리조나의 예를 따라 이민서류 제시를 강제하는 인종차별법을 만들 것입니다. 뿐만 아니라 이민단속절차에 관련해서 연방정부와 주 정부의 관계를 근본적으로 바꿔 놓을 수 있어 우려됩니다. 이 법의 철폐를 통해 대법원은 선례를 세워 주단위의 인종차별정책을 방지할 수 있게 될 것입니다.

대법원 공청회에 관한 자세한 정보(영어, 한국어)는 다음을 참고하세요: http://bit.ly/HWtV5k

행사: 대법원 공청회 관련 정의를 요구하는 대중행사

일시: 2012년 4월 25일 수요일 오전 11시

**미교협과 아시안계 권익옹호단체들및 커뮤니티 지도자들은 유니언스테이션의 반즈앤노블 서점앞에서 10시 15분에 집결, 대법원까지 함께 행진할 예정입니다.**

장소 : United States Supreme Court (1 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20545)

참여단체 : 노동계, 민권, 이민단체, 진보단체 및 종교계 지도자들, 미교협과 아시안계 권익옹호단체

행사에 참석하고 싶은 단체와 개인들은 조이스 인씨, jyin@nakasec.org, 415-680-4447 에게 연락하시면 됩니다. 관련 정보는www.nakasec.org를 참조하시기 바랍니다.

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Press Release | 20 Years after 4.29 (Sa-I-Gu): From Civil Unrest to Civic Action

nakasec — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:42:35 +0000

Download a PDF of this release.
Click here to view in Korean (우리말)

Immediate Release
April 13, 2012

Contacts:

Morna Ha, NAKASEC, mha@nakasec.org | 202-299-9540
Dae Joong Yoon, KRC, djyoon@krcla.org | 323-937-3718
Sik Son, KRCC, sohnsik@chicagokrcc.org | 773-293-4050

20 Years after 4.29 (Sa-I-Gu):
From Civil Unrest to Civic Action
NAKASEC, KRCC & KRC Promote Community Organizing and Civic Participation

On the eve of the 20^th Anniversary of the Los Angeles Civil Unrest, the National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC) and its affiliates the Korean American Resource & Cultural Center (KRCC) in Chicago and the Korean Resource Center (KRC) in Los Angeles are launching a call to action to Korean Americans. Throughout April and May, community members are asked to participate in events that strengthen communities, encourage political participation and support immigration reform. [See attached document for events coordinated by KRC, KRCC and NAKASEC]

Sa-I-Gu and the wave of attacks on all immigrant and communities of color throughout the 1990s was a call for Korean Americans to become empowered stakeholders and agents of change. The community was confronting devastating impacts of the 1996 welfare reform laws and the passage of the vehemently anti-immigrant Prop 187 in California. The Korean American community was seeking a way to address race and establish a political identity that aligned with people of color, navigated the civic process and built community power.

“Korean Americans learned from Sa-I-Gu that we need to organize and build bridges with other vulnerable communities to advance a shared agenda of economic and social justice. And that’s exactly what we did,” said Dae Joong Yoon, executive director of KRC. “We established organizations like NAKASEC that launched campaigns to build a critical mass of politically informed citizenry that organized from the bottom-up on issues impacting diverse communities nationally.”

Through these campaigns, Korean Americans, young and old, have led the way alongside allied communities to winning many hard-fought battles: the restoration SSI and food stamp benefits in the 1990s; health care for immigrant children in 2009; and the growth of the movement of undocumented students to access higher education. NAKASEC and its affiliates, in deep connection to the Korean American community, have become a strong voice in the progressive movement in the United States.

A core component of this work was been the development of a seamless path to voter empowerment from naturalization to voter mobilization for limited English proficient and new voters.

“In 1996 Korean Americans in Chicago through KRCC launched a multi-faceted voter program – the first of its kind for Korean Americans,” said Sik Son executive director of KRCC. “Today our programs have become even more strategic and targeted. As a result of our organizing project, KA VOICE, Korean American voters had the highest rates of turn-out of all Early Voter sites for the March Primary elections. We will take this experience with us as we head into another critical election in November.”

During April and May, community members are being called to participate in voter registration drives, naturalization ceremonies, supporting access to education for all and actions for immigrant and civil rights.

Morna Ha, executive director of NAKASEC, said “During this highly political year, we face a familiar set of challenges as we did in the 1990s. The rights of immigrants, voters and workers are being stripped away, families are struggling to make ends meet and immigrant young people are denied an education. The events taking place from Los Angeles, Chicago to Washington D.C., are an opportunity for Korean Americans to protect what we have won over the last 20 years and continue moving forward with a progressive agenda that is just being realized.”

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20 Years After Sa-I-Gu:From Civil Unrest to Civic Action
List of Events and Actions coordinated by NAKASEC, KRC & KRCC

National

Date

Event/Activity

Contact

April to Early June

(deadline to apply is May 18 – postmarked)

5^th Annual DREAM Scholarship Fund!

Apply today or donate and volunteer at grassroots fundraising events in LA, Chicago and Washington D.C.!

Jani Kim, California

jani@krcla.org

Youngsun Song, Illinois

youngsun@chicagokrcc.org

Joyce Yin, all other states

jyin@nakasec.org

Daily

Voter Registration efforts

Dayne Lee, California

dayne@krcla.org

Hey Kyung Eum, Illinois

heyeum@chicagokrcc.org

Los Angeles

Date	Event/Activity	Contact
April 14	AB540 Workshop: Students and parents are encouraged to attend this workshop led by AKASIA youth members to learn about financial resources for undocumented immigrants students in California	Jani Kim jani@krcla.org
April 27	Voting Rights and Technology Demonstration with LA County Registrar’s Office	Dayne Lee dayne@krcla.org
April 28	Naturalization workshop (part of the national “Become a Citizen Now!” campaign)	Tam Duong tam@krcla.org
Every Saturday	High School Leadership Program: Open to all currently enrolled high school students who are eager to learn about community empowerment and promote civic participation	Dayne Lee dayne@krcla.org

Chicago

Date	Event/Activity	Contact
April 28	Citizenship Workshop (part of the national “Become a Citizen Now!” campaign)	Ju Young Oh juyoung@chicagokrcc.org
May 1	May Day	George Lieu george@chicagokrcc.org
May 8	Springfield Advocacy Day	George Lieu george@chicagokrcc.org
May 22	Citizenship Workshop (part of the national “Become a Citizen Now!” campaign)	Ju Young Oh juyoung@chicagokrcc.org
May 25	UPRISE3 Youth Cultural Show Celebrating Leadership	Youngsun Song youngsun@chicagokrcc.org

Washington D.C.

Date

Event/Activity

Contact

April 23 – 24

Vigil in front of U.S. Supreme Court – pre-mobilization for hearing on Arizona’s anti-immigrant law SB 1070

Joyce Yin

jyin@nakasec.org

April 25

Rally in front of U.S. Supreme Court -Hearing on Arizona’s anti-immigrant law SB 1070

Joyce Yin

jyin@nakasec.org

보도의뢰서 | 4·29 20주년 활동의 달: “시민 소요”에서 “시민 참여”로

nakasec — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:42:09 +0000

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보도의뢰서
2012년 4월 13일

연락:

하모나 Morna Ha, NAKASEC, mha@nakasec.org | 202-299-9540
윤대중 Dae Joong Yoon, KRC, djyoon@krcla.org | 323-937-3718
손식 Sik Son, KRCC, sohnsik@chicagokrcc.org | 773-293-4050

4·29 20주년 활동의 달: “시민 소요“에서 “시민 참여“로
한인 단체들이 커뮤니티 조직과 시민참여 활동에 나서다

로스엔젤레스의 4.29시민소요 사태 20주년을 맞이하여 미주한인봉사교육단체 협의회 (이하 미교협)와 그 가입단체인 시카고의 한인교육문화마당집(이하 시카고 마당집)과 로스엔젤레스의 민족학교는 커뮤니티 권익 보호, 정치력 신장, 이민개혁 진전을 위한 핵심 활동에 한인 커뮤니티의 동참을 촉구한다. (참가 할 수 있는 활동 및 행사 별첨 참고)

1990년대에 걸쳐 일어난4.29시민소요 사태를 비롯한 일련의 반이민 움직임은 한인 커뮤니티가 적극적으로 지역사회에서 변화의 주체가 될 것을 요구했다. 1994년의 캘리포니아 반이민 주민 발의안 187번에서부터 1996년 연방 웰페어 개혁의 파괴적인 영향에 이르기까지 한인 커뮤니티는 역사의 큰 사건 속에서 커뮤니티 정치력 신장 및 시민참여를 통해 인종 차별을 극복하고 타 민족과 함께 나아가는 정치적 방향을 찾았다.

로스 앤젤레스 민족학교의 윤대중 사무국장은 “4.29사태의 중요한 교훈은 한인 커뮤니티가 힘을 하나로 모아서 억압받는 다른 커뮤니티와 연대하여 경제 정의 및 사회 정의로 나아가는 이정표를 세워야 한다는 것이었다. 그리고 우리는 바로 그러한 방향으로 나아가고 있다.” 라고 미교협 가입 단체들의 활동을 평가했다. “우리는 1994년 지역사회로터 미교협을 설립하여 시민사회의 정치의식을 일깨워 풀뿌리 차원에서 전국 현안을 다루기 시작했다. 미교협을 통해 다양한 계층에게 영향을 끼치는 캠페인들을 출범하고 지역 리더들을 키워내었다.”

한인들은 청소년부터 노년층에 이르기까지 세대를 초월하여 1990년대의 웰페어 개혁부터 2009년 저소득층 어린이들을 위한 의료 보험 캠페인의 승리와 교육에 대한 접근권에 이르는 캠페인에 참여하여 뜻을 같이하는 타 커뮤니티와 함께 새로운 길을 열어왔다. 미교협과 가입단체들은 한인 커뮤니티에 뿌리를 내리고 미국에서 진보적인 운동을 향한 강력한 목소리로 성장했다.

이 활동의 핵심 부분은 한인 유권자들이 시민권 신청에서 투표를 통한 영향력 발휘로 이어지는 시민참여 프로그램의 개발이다. 투표를 통해 커뮤니티의 현안에 대해 목소리를 낼 수 있게 된 것이다.

시카고 마당집의 손식 사무국장은 “시카고 한인사회는 1996년부터 시카고 마당집을 통해 다차원적인 시민참여 프로그램을 출범하고 유권자 등록, 유권자 투표독려, 및 유권자 교육의 활동을 펼쳐왔다. 이러한 프로그램은 한인 사회에서 전례가 없는 것이다.”라고 강조했다. 우리는 지속적인 한인 유권자 조직 활동을 기반으로 최근 한인 유권자 프로젝트를 출범시켰고, 3월에 있은 일리노이주예비선거에서 한인 유권자 조기투표의 날을 성공적으로 진행시켰다. 쿡 카운티 서버브 선관위의 공식 발표에 따르면, 3월3일 조기투표의 날 행사가 진행된 글렌뷰 빌리지홀 조기투표소에서는 300명의 한인이 투표에 참여했으며, 쿡 카운티 서버브 44개 투표소중에서 조기투표 기간중 가장 많은 유권자가 참여한 투표소및 날짜로 기록됐다. 우리는 이번 성공을 발판으로, 11월 선거에서는 더욱 더 많은 참여를 이끌어 낼 것이다.

미교협 하모나 사무국장은 아래와 같이 덧붙였다. “한인들은 어느 때보다도 미국 사회의 기반을 튼튼히 다지는 것에 중요한 역할을 맡을 수 있다. 그것은 풀뿌리 교육 및 권익 활동과 함께 시작되는 것이다. 20년 전과 마찬가지로, 우리는 오늘날 익숙한 도전에 직면해 있다. 이민자, 유권자, 여성 및 노동자의 권익이 침해 당하고 있다. 가정들은 가계를 유지하는데 어려움을 겪고 있으며, 이민자 젊은이들은 교육의 기회를 얻지 못하고 있다. 4월과 5월 동안 미교협은 변화를 일으키기 위해 협동적으로 활동과 봉사 정신을 조장 할 것이다. 로스엔젤레스에서 시카고와 위싱턴 디씨에 이르기까지 한인들은 변화를 가져올 기회를 가지고 있으며, 그것은 우리 커뮤니티에서부터 시작된다.”

미주한인봉사교육단체협의회, 시카고 한인교육문화마당집, 그리고 민족학교는 유권자 등록, 시민권 신청, 교육에 대한 접근권 그리고 이민자 권익 및 민권 활동에 함께 할 커뮤니티 구성원을 모집하고 있다.

###

미주한인봉사교육단체협의회 (미교협)은 1994년에 사회 변화를 위한 전국적인 운동 창출이라는 큰 목표의 일환으로 코리안 아메리칸의 전국적인 진보적 목소리를 결집시키고 완전한 시민 참여를 증진시키기 위해 지역 커뮤니티 단체들에 의해 설립되었다. 미교협은 워싱턴 디씨와 로스앤젤레스에 사무실을 두고 있으며 가입단체로는 로스앤젤레스 민족학교와 시카고의 시카고 마당집이 있다.

4∙29 20주년 기념 활동의 달

전국

날짜

활동 및 행사

참여문의

신청 마감 5/18

드림장학금

김제니, 켈리포니아

jani@krcla.org

송영선, 일리노이

youngsun@chicagokrcc.org

조이스 인, 나머지 모든 주

jyin@nakasec.org

매일

유권자 등록 및 교육

이대인,켈리포니아

dayne@krcla.org

엄혜경, 일리노이

heyeum@chicagokrcc.org

엘에이

날짜	활동 및 행사	참여문의
4월 14일	서류미비 이민자 학생 대학 입학 설명회	김제니 jani@krcla.org
4월 27일	LA선거국 공동 주최 투표 방법 설명회	이대인 dayne@krcla.org
4월 28일	시민권 신청 클리닉 (미국 시민권자가 됩시다 캠페인)	탬 두옹 tam@krcla.org
매 토요일	오렌지 카운티 고등학생 시민참여 리더십 프로그램 (포모나 대학)	이대인 dayne@krcla.org

시카고

날짜	활동 및 행사	참여문의
4월 28일	시민권 워크샾 (미국 시민권자가 됩시다 캠페인)	오주영 juyoung@chicagokrcc.org
5월 1일	노동자의 날 행사	유영기 george@chicagokrcc.org
5월 8일	스프링 필드 로비의 날	유영기 george@chicagokrcc.org
5월 22일	시민권 워크샾 (미국 시민권자가 됩시다 캠페인)	오주영 juyoung@chicagokrcc.org
5월 25일	업 라이즈 3, 청소년 문화행사	송영선 youngsun@chicagokrcc.org

워싱턴 디씨

날짜

활동 및 행사

참여문의

4월 23-24일

아리조나의 반이민법SB 1070에 관한 대법원 공청회 촛불시위

조이스 인

jyin@nakasec.org

4월 25일

아리조나의 반이민법SB 1070에 관한 대법원 공청회 집회

조이스 인

jyin@nakasec.org

Press Release | Asian Immigrants across California Overwhelmingly Support Taxing the 1% (KRC)

nakasec — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 23:14:39 +0000

Originally posted on the Korean Resource Center’s website

Asian Immigrants across California Overwhelmingly Support Taxing the 1%

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 11, 2012

CONTACT: Dayne Lee 323-937-3718 dayne@krcla.org

Asian Immigrants across California Overwhelmingly Support Taxing the 1%
On Heels of Tax Day, Mobilize the Immigrant Vote Coalition Announces its Support of Gov. Jerry Brown’s November Ballot Measure Taxing the Wealthy 1%/Corporations

San Francisco – Today a coalition of immigrant rights organizations released findings of its statewide survey of Asian immigrants, 85% who overwhelming support taxing the top 1%. The survey “Take Back the American Dream” was conducted by the Chinese Progressive Association (CPA), Korean Resource Center (KRC), Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network (SIREN) and the Filipino Advocates for Justice (FAJ) as part of the Mobilize the Immigrant Vote (MIV) coalition.

In conjunction with these findings, MIV reaffirmed its support of Governor Brown’s November ballot measure that would raise taxes to help balance the budget.

“On the eve of tax day, we want to remind voters that tax revenue pays for vital services that benefit all our communities including schools, hospitals and libraries. Vietnamese voters overwhelmingly supported taxing the top 1% wealthy and corporations to help restore vital services.” said Patricia Diaz, Services, Immigrant Rights and Education Network (SIREN)

“The Chinese voters we spoke with throughout the state overwhelmingly support taxing the wealthy 1%/corporations to help restore vital public services, including our schools, In Home Support Services for seniors and libraries, which help our communities get ahead” said Alex Tom, Executive Director of the Chinese Progressive Association.

Over 7,000 Asian Immigrants including Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Filipino were contacted for the survey which measured their views on taxing the wealthy 1% to help fund California’s diminishing budget for education and public services. The overwhelming majority of those surveyed, agreed that the top 1% must pay their fair share. Registered occasional voters were the target of the survey.

“We are trying to empower and raise the strength of the progressive immigrant voting bloc in California. We are joined together here today, from counties and cities all across the state, in order to demonstrate the unity that clearly exists among Asian American immigrant communities. It shows that we’re stronger and we share a common political analysis, of what needs to be done, and what kind of investment we need in our state. It shows that immigrant communities have interests in common, and we are stronger joined together by our common interests than we are divided.”, said Dayne Lee, Civic Participation Coordinator at the Korean Resource Center.

“Taxing the top 1% ensures a shared responsibility among those who for too long have evaded paying their fair share for the public services we all rely on, including schools and social services. Mobilize the Immigrant Vote supports the Governor’s November ballot measure and will work with our local partners to garner voter approval,” said Aparna Shah, Executive Director of Mobilize the Immigrant Vote.

Mobilize the Immigrant Vote (MIV) is the first-ever statewide campaign in California to organize a multi-ethnic coalition of community-based organizations working within immigrant communities and building their capacity to register, educate, and mobilize their constituents for electoral participation. For More Info: mivcalifornia.org

# # #

Below: photos from the Press Conference in San Francisco, at the offices of Chinese Progressive Association. Left to right:
Aparna Shah, Executive Director, Mobilize the Immigrant Vote;
Emily Jieming Lee 李介明, Youth Organizer, Chinese Progressive Association (CPA);
Lucila Ortiz, Community Organizer, Services, Immigrant Rights and Education Network (SIREN);
Lilian Galedo, Executive Director, Filipino Advocates for Justice (FAJ)

Building Stronger Communities – March eNewsletter

nakasec — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 20:50:41 +0000

Upcoming Events

April 14 – AB540 Workshop led by AKASIA and KRC (Contact: Jani Kim, jani@krcla.org)

April 25 – National Day of Action: Supreme Court to hear arguments on the Department of Justice’s challenge to Arizona’s anti-immigrant law, SB 1070. Join us for a rally in DC! (Contact: Joyce Yin,jyin@nakasec.org)

April 28 – KRCC and Chicago North Collaborative Citizenship Workshop (Contact: Ju Young Oh, juyoung@chicagokrcc.org)

April 28 – Citizenship workshop held at KRC from 9 am to 3 pm (Contact: Hee Joo Yoon, yoonheejoo@krcla.org ; Tam Duong,tam@krcla.org)

Thank You for Your Calls!

A couple of weeks ago, we asked you to continue to raise awareness and make calls on behalf of Ueen Joung (Cindy) Chang who was detained in Eloy, Arizona. Just hours after our action alert went out, and after numerous days of working with the Asian Law Caucus on advocacy efforts, we received word that she was being released and on her way home to reunite with family and friends in California. Thank you for promptly picking up the phones and making calls for Cindy.

5th Annual DREAM Scholarship Launches!

We are now accepting applications for our 2012 DREAM Scholarship Fund (DSF)! Deadline for submission is May 18, 2012 (postmarked).

DSF is largely funded by youth-led grassroots fundraising efforts, as well as, generous donations and support from small businesses and individuals.

For eligibility requirements, download application forms or

to donate, please visit - http://bit.ly/nakasecdsf2012

Help us spread the word! Suggested Tweets:

To be we dream! NAKASEC launches 5th Annual DREAM Scholarship Fund for #AAPI’s- apply today!bit.ly/nakasecdsf2012 #DSF5 @krcla @chicagokrcc
Apply for NAKASEC DREAM Scholarship Fund for #AAPI youth which launches today! bit.ly/nakasecdsf2012 #DSF5 #DREAMAct @krcla @chicagokrcc
Help youth achieve their dreams! Donate today to NAKASEC DREAM Scholarship Fund for #AAPI’sbit.ly/nakasecdsf2012 #DSF5 @chicagokrcc @krcla
Support youth in achieving their dreams! NAKASEC DREAM Scholarship Fund launches today bit.ly/nakasecdsf2012 #AAPI #DSF5 @chicagokrcc @krcla

ABOUT

DSF was founded in 2007 by Korean American youth who tirelessly campaigned for the passage of the federal DREAM Act for over a decade, to meet the immediate needs of their peers who were facing undue financial hardships in continuing their education. It has since become an annual effort to raise awareness of the federal DREAM Act and to fundraise on a grassroots level for access to education.

Join Us! April 25 National Day of Action

Supreme Court Hearing on SB 1070

On April 25, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in United States v. Arizona, the first legal challenge to SB 1070, Arizona’s anti-immigrant law. Since its passage in 2010, five other states have followed suit and more states are considering similar laws. We cannot stand idly by and watch this happen.

On this day, NAKASEC will join other immigrant rights and civil rights organizations in Washington D.C. for a National Day of Action. If you are in the area and want to know how you can join, contact Joyce Yin (jyin@nakasec.org) for more information.

Korean American Early Voting Day in Chicago a Success!

KA Voice & KRCC Mobilize Voters

On March 3, KRCC, as part of KA Voice, held a Korean American Voters’ Day at Glenview Village Hall aiming to turn out 300 voters for the early voting cycle. With a team of volunteers who were on location to greet voters and encourage their engagement throughout the 2012 election season, KA Voice surpassed its goal, which was double the number early voter turnout at the same polling site in 2010. Building on this momentum, KA Voice will roll out a comprehensive voter education and engagement plan that includes organizing voter registration drives, conducting voter education workshops and coordinating additional voter turnout campaigns.

Korean American voters make their voices heard during Illinois’ early voting cycle (Photo credit: KRCC)

A Renewed Call for Civil Rights

Historic Selma to Montgomery March

On March 9, a delegation of community organizers and advocates from NAKASEC, KRCC and the Center for Pan Asian Community Services, Inc. (CPACS) in Atlanta, joined thousands of other labor and civil rights leaders and community members in Alabama for the final day of the 5-day long re-enactment of the historic 1965 Voting Rights March. NAKASEC and KRCC were also part of the march on March 8, a day dedicated to immigration. Workers’ rights and public education were also highlighted on previous days with the overarching theme of voting rights weaved throughout the entire march.

Members of the Fair Immigration Reform Movement at the Selma to Montgomery March. Morna Ha, executive director of NAKASEC is third from right

AJA (Americans Joining in Action), an all-women led Korean poongmul (traditional percussion) troupe also joined from Georgia to provide thunderous drumbeats for the marchers as they neared their final destination. The culminating rally took place in front of the State Capitol, just a few feet away from Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Dexter Avenue Baptist Church.

AJA is a multi-cultural, all-women led poongmul troup from Georgia.

Put the Breaks on Hate

SEIU, LCCR & NAKASEC Call on Hyundai to Stand Up for Human Rights

On March 16, leaders of the Service Employees International Union, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and NAKASEC stood beside labor movement leaders in Korea to urge Hyundai shareholders to stand against hate and voice their opposition against HB 56, Alabama’s anti-immigrant law. Investors and executives were urged to break their silence and oppose the law in a state where they have a significant auto manufacturing presence. Dae Joong Yoon, board member of NAKASEC and executive director of KRC was part of the contingent and delivered a testimony during a press conference following the shareholders meeting.

Dae Joong Yoon, board member of NAKASEC and executive director of KRC speaks at a press conference in Korea (Source: America’s Voice)

This effort is part of a campaign announced by American civil rights and labor leaders to urge major auto manufacturers in Alabama – Hyundai, Honda and Mercedes – to “put the breaks on hate”. Join the action!

Click here to read NAKASEC’s statement, view photos and read media coverage!

Become a Citizen Now!

National Partnership for New Americans Launches Citizenship Campaign

On March 24, NAKASEC joined 11 other grassroots organizations to launch a citizenship campaign as part of the National Partnership for New Americans (“The Partnership”). “Become a Citizen Now!“ aims to train over 1,000 Citizenship Coaches who can build capacity over the next year to meet the Partnership’s collective goal of naturalizing 3,650 citizens, assist almost 13,000 legal permanent residents and outreach to almost 73,000 people in 2012.

KRC’s citizenship workshop in Los Angeles.

KRC and KRCC held citizenship workshops in their respective cities in Los Angeles and Chicago, as par to the launch, and have more planned throughout the year.

KRCC’s citizenship workshop in Chicago.

Interested in becoming a volunteer or a Citizenship Coach? Contact Hee Joo Yoon (yoonheejoo@krcla.org) in Los Angeles or Ju Young Oh (juyoung@chicagokrcc.org) in Chicago for more information.

#meetNAKASEC

Meet the people who keep us grounded, help drive our campaigns and motivate us! Our online series profiles our supporters every week! Stay connected to #meetNAKASEC Fridays!

Heejoo Yoon rewinds things back to the beginning in working to raise awareness in the Korean American community to oppose Prop 187.

Yongho Kim thinks KRC is the best. Well, don’t you? Read on to see why.

Hyun Kyu (Kevin) Lee was inspired by AKASIA members. Now he inspires a new group of youth to serve and act.

Photo caption: #meetNAKASEC (from left to right): Heejoo Yoon, Yongho Kim, Hyun Kyu (Kevin) Lee

What kind of other online series would you like to see NAKASEC do? (For example, photo submissions, college activism features, spotlight on Koreatowns across the country)

Submit your suggestions to Jane Yoo (jyoo@nakasec.org).

Press Release | NAKASEC, KRCC & KRC’s 5th Annual DREAM Scholarship Fund Launches Nationwide

nakasec — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 10:00:38 +0000

Download a PDF of this release.
Click here to view in Korean (우리말)

For Immediate Release
April 9, 2012

Contacts:
Joyce Yin, NAKASEC, jyin@nakasec.org | 202-299-9540
Jani Kim, KRC, jani@krcla.org | 323-937-3718
Youngsun Song, KRCC, youngsun@chicagokrcc.org | 773-293-4050

NAKASEC, KRCC & KRC’s 5th Annual DREAM Scholarship Fund Launches Nationwide

Program to Provide Financial Support to Young Asian American and Pacific Islander Students Who Exemplify Leadership and Service for Community

Washington, D.C. – The National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC) and its affiliates the Korean American Resource & Cultural Center (KRCC) in Chicago and the Korean Resource Center (KRC) in Los Angeles are excited to announce the launch of the 5th Annual DREAM Scholarship Fund (DSF) program for Asian American and Pacific Islander students. Funded largely through grassroots efforts by youth groups from our affiliates, Fighting Youth Shouting Out for Humanity (FYSH) in Chicago and the Alliance of Korean American Students in Action (AKASIA) in Los Angeles, the scholarship program will enable young people to continue with their education on the collegiate level. Based on financial need, leadership and service to local communities, a total of eight $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to students in California, Illinois and nationwide.

The scholarship program was founded in 2007 by Korean American youth who tirelessly campaigned for the passage of the federal DREAM Act for over a decade, to meet the immediate needs of their peers who were facing undue financial hardships in continuing their education. It has since become an annual effort to raise awareness of the federal DREAM Act and to fundraise on a grassroots level for access to education.

“DSF is not only important, but necessary because it allows young people to have an opportunity to become leaders and help provide access to higher education for other young people who may not the means to do so,” said Bryan Wright who is involved with youth organizing at KRCC’s youth council, FYSH.

In Chicago, FYSH has played a critical role in facilitating the growth of not only Asian American youth, but also youth of color. They have undertaken a series of campaigns and the focus of their efforts this year will be raising awareness on the federal DREAM Act.

In Los Angeles, KRC’s undocumented youth organizing group, AKASIA, has also been actively working on access to education issues for a number of years. Specifically, youth have led AB540 (California’s in-state tuition law) workshops and consultations to Korean American students and their parents.

“This scholarship program provides students with the opportunity to get closer to achieving their academic dreams and inspires us to keep reaching for our dreams,” said Jamie Kim, student leader with AKASIA. She continued saying, “It is support like this that empowers me to keep studying and to give back to my community.”

Application deadline: May 18, 2012

To download the application form, donate to the scholarship fund or for more information, please visit: http://bit.ly/nakasecdsf2012

###

The National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC) was founded in 1994 by local community centers to project a national progressive voice and promote the full participation of Korean Americans as a part of a greater goal of building a national movement for social change. NAKASEC is based D.C. and Los Angeles. NAKASEC also has affiliates in Chicago (Korean American Resource & Cultural Center) and Los Angeles (Korean Resource Center).

보도의뢰서 | 미교협, 마당집, 민족학교가 제 5회 드림 장학금을 수여합니다

nakasec — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 10:00:28 +0000

PDF 파일을 다운로드 받으시려면 여기 클릭 하세요. [다운로드]
영문 자료를 보고싶으시면 여기 클릭 하세요. [영문자료 - English]

보도의뢰서
April 9, 2012

연락:
조이스 인, 미교협 Joyce Yin, NAKASEC, jyin@nakasec.org | 202-299-9540
제니 김, 민족학교 Jani Kim, KRC, jani@krcla.org | 323-937-3718
송영선, 시카고 마당집 Youngsun Song, KRCC, youngsun@chicagokrcc.org | 773-293-4050

미교협, 마당집, 민족학교가 제 5회 드림 장학금을 수여합니다

커뮤니티를 위해 봉사하고 리더로서 모범을 보인 젊은 아태계 학생들을 위한 장학금

워싱턴 디씨- 민주한인봉사교육단체협의회(이하 미교협)와 그 가입단체인 시카고의 한인교육문화마당집 (이하 마당집)과 로스앤젤레스의 민족학교는 아태계 학생들을 위한 제 5회 드림장학금 신청을 받습니다. 장학기금은 시카고의 Fighting Youth Shouting Out for Humanity (FYSH)와 로스엔젤레스의 Alliance of Korean American Students in Action (AKASIA) 등 청소년회의 주도로 지역의 풀뿌리 모금을 통해 모아집니다. 경제적인 도움이 필요하며, 사회봉사및 리더쉽의 모범을 보인 대학생을 대상으로 캘리포니아주와 일리노이주, 또 전국에서 8명의 학생을 뽑아 $1000씩 수여하게 됩니다.

이 장학금은 10년 넘게 연방드림 법안 통과를 위해 활동해 온 한인 청소년들이 경제적 어려움에 직면한 친구들에게 즉각적인 도움을 주기 위한 의도로 2007년에 시작되었습니다. 이후로 드림 장학금은 연방 드림법안에 대한 인식을 높이며 지역사회의 참여를 이끌어내는 연례행사로 정착했습니다

“젊은이들이 힘을 모아 고등교육의 기회를 제공할 뿐 아니라, 그들이 역량있는 지도자가 될 수 있는 기회를 줄 수 있기 때문에 드림 장학금이 중요하고 꼭 필요합니다.” 라고 마당집의 청년그룹FYSH에서 활동하고 있는 브라이언 라이트 씨는 말합니다. FYSH는 아시안 아메리칸 청년들뿐만 아니라 다른 소수계 청소년의 리더쉽 개발을 위해 중요한 역할을 해 오고 있으며, 올해도 연방 드림법안 홍보및 통과를 위해 활동할 예정입니다.

로스앤젤레스 민족학교의 서류미비학생들의 모임인 AKASIA는 교육권을 지키기 위해 활동해 왔으며, 특히 AB540(캘리포니아 거주자 학비법)에 관련, 한인 학생들과 학부모 상담을 해 오고 있습니다.

‘이 장학금은 우리의 꿈을 구체적으로 성취할 수 있는 기회를 줍니다” AKASIA 회장인 제이미 김씨는 “때문에, 학업을 계속할 뿐 아니라 앞으로 내 능력을 다시 커뮤니티에 봉사하는데 쓰고자 하는 동기를 부여합니다.” 라고 덧붙입니다.

신청서 마감일: 2012년 5월 18일

신청서, 후원금 양식, 드림장학금에 대한 설명: http://bit.ly/nakasecdsf2012

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미주한인봉사교육단체협의회 (미교협)은 1994년에 사회 변화를 위한 전국적인 운동 창출이라는 큰 목표의 일환으로 코리안 아메리칸의 전국적인 진보적 목소리를 결집시키고 시민참여를 도모하기 위해 지역 커뮤니티 단체들에 의해 설립되었습니다. 미교협은 워싱턴 디씨와 로스앤젤레스에 사무실을 두고 있으며 가입단체로는 로스앤젤레스 민족학교와 시카고의 한인교육마당집이 있습니다.

보도의뢰서 | 미교협 ‘미국 시민권자가 됩시다’ 캠페인

nakasec — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 15:33:46 +0000

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보도의뢰서
2012년 3월 23일

Contact:
하모나 Morna Ha, mha@nakasec.org | 202-299-9540
윤희주 Hee Joo Yoon, yoonheejoo@krcla.org | 323-937-3718
오주영 Juyoung Oh, juyoung@chicagokrcc.org | 773-588-9158

미교협 ‘미국 시민권자가 됩시다’ 캠페인.
12개의 전국 풀뿌리 단체들이 결성한 “뉴 아메리칸을 위한 전국 파트너쉽”
시민권 신청과 자원봉사자 육성 활동을 펼치다

미주한인봉사교육단체협의회(이하 미교협)와 그 가입단체인 로스엔젤레스의 민족학교와 시카고의 한인교육문화마당집(이하 마당집)은 뉴아메리칸을 위한 전국 파트너쉽(National Partnership for New Americans – 이하 파트너쉽)의 전국적인 시민권 취득 캠페인 “Become a Citizen Now” 의 일환으로 3월 24일 시민권 신청 대행 및 검토, 법률상담 행사를 전개합니다.

로스엔젤레스의 민족학교는 시민권 신청서인 N-400작성을 포함하여 시민권 신청 절차 안내및 법률 자문을 제공하는 25명의 한인 자원봉사자와 함께 시민권 워크샵을 개최할 것입니다. 또한 시카고 마당집은 일리노이 이민난민 연합의 회원단체로 시카고 북부 지역에 위치한 트루만 칼리지에서 한인및 타민족 이민자를 모두 포함하는 시민권 워크샵을 개최합니다.

미교협의 사무국장인 하모나씨는 이번 행사의 의미를 다음과 같이 요약했습니다. “커뮤니티의 적극적 사회참여를 독려하기 위해 시민권 신청 캠페인은 중요한 매개체 역할을 할 것입니다. 이번 캠페인을 통해 복잡한 시민권 신청절차에 관한 안내및 구체적 도움을 드리고자 합니다. 미교협과 가입단체들은 이번 행사를 통해 한인동포들의 시민권 취득및 사회참여를 위해 주도적인 역할을 하고자 합니다.”

2010년 국토안보부의 인구 보고서에 따르면 17만명에 이르는 한인동포들이 시민권 취득 자격이 있으나 아직 신청하지 않은 상태라고 추정하고 있습니다.

“이 캠페인을 보다 효과적이고 성공적으로 이끌기 위해 우리는 자원봉사자들을 발굴하고 , 육성해야 합니다. 이곳 민족학교를 통해 알려질 성공사례가 전국에 있는 다른 이민자 커뮤니티에 전파되어, 한인동포사회의 적극적 참여를 유도하고 민주주의 발전에 공헌할 것입니다.” 라고 민족학교의 프로그램 디렉터 윤희주씨가 힘주어 말합니다.

향후 사회 참여의 원동력이 될 1,000명의 자원봉사자를 발굴, 육성하는 것도 이 캠페인의 목표로서, 전국적으로3,650명의 시민권 신청 대행, 13,000명의 시민권 취득 상담, 그리고 73,000명에게 시민권 취득 및 시민 참여의 중요성을 알리는 것을 금년 목표로 하고 있습니다

“미교협과 그 가입단체들를 통해 한인커뮤니티가 전국적인 협력체계를 결성하고 함께 활동해 나간다는 사실 자체가 고무적입니다.” 라고 마당집의 시민권 담당자 오주영씨가 말했습니다.

미교협과 그 가입단체들은 지난 2005년부터 다양한 시민권 서비스 업무 – 시민권 작성 도우미, 통/번역 도움, 공민/영어 강좌 등- 를 해 왔습니다. 이어 작년, 미교협은11개의 대표적인 풀뿌리 운동 단체와 이민자 권익옹호 단체들이 오픈소사이어티 재단과 함께 시민권 취득을 늘리고 보조하기 위해 결성한 ‘뉴아메리칸을 위한 파트너쉽’에 참여했습니다.

“이 파트너쉽를 통해 많은 동포분들에게 구체적인 도움을 드리고, 자원봉사자 모집과 활동을 통해 지역사회에 활기를 불어넣을 수 있다고 봅니다.” 라고 협력체의 공동회장이자 일리노이 이민난민자엽합의 수석전략국장인 조슈아 호이트씨가 강조합니다 “많은 이민자들이 시민권을 취득함으로써 이민커뮤니티의 시민참여를 장려하고, 더 나아가 커뮤니티의 필요를 충족시키기 위한 좋은 기회라고 믿습니다” 라고도 덧붙였습니다.

더 많은 정보를 원하신다면 아래의 웹사이트를 참고하시기 바랍니다.

The Partnership citizenship website (English): www.becomeacitizennow.org
The Partnership citizenship website (Spanish): www.hazteciudadanoahora.org/
NAKASEC citizenship website: http://nakasec.org/blog/2823

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미주한인봉사교육단체협의회 (미교협)은 1994년에 사회 변화를 위한 전국적인 운동 창출이라는 큰 목표의 일환으로 코리안 아메리칸의 전국적인 진보적 목소리를 결집시키고 시민 참여를 증진시키기 위해 지역 커뮤니티 단체들에 의해 설립되었습니다. 미교협은 워싱턴 디씨와 로스앤젤레스에 사무실을 두고 있으며 가입단체로는 로스앤젤레스 민족학교와 시카고 의 한인교육문화마당집이 있습니다.

뉴 아메리칸을 위한 전국 파트너쉽 (이하 파트너쉽) 은 이민자를 통합하고 커뮤니티를 활성화 시키며 나아가 민주주의의 발전을 추구합니다. 파트너십은 전국의 12개 대표적 이민자 권익 단체들이 다민족주의와 다인종주의를 표방하며 이민자 통합과 사회 변혁을 위해 이민자를 조직화기 위해 결성하였습니다. 파트너쉽은 시민권 취득과 올바른 시민 참여를 장려하기 위해 혁신적인 프로그램을 만들기 위해 노력합니다.