Download a PDF of the blueprint here.

On May 8th, the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) released the “2012 Blueprint announced the release of the “NCAPA 2012 Policy Blueprint for Action: Our Communities. Our Priorities. Our Country.” The Blueprint serves as an entry point to learn more about six top priority issue areas facing Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders: Civil Rights, Education, Health, Housing and Economic Justice, Immigration and NHPI issues. Along with an introduction to these issues, there are also recommendations for stakeholders, policymakers and community leaders on how they can bring greater attention to and address the needs faced by AA and NHPI communities.

We encourage community-based organizations and leaders to share this Blueprint with others so that stakeholders, policymakers and allies can better understand the issues impacting AA and NHPI communities and ensure that AA and NHPI communities are continuously part of the policy discussion.

Help us spread the word about the blueprint!

• SAMPLE TWEET – “@NCAPAtweets unveils 2012 Blueprint for Action – learn abt 6 top priority issues impacting AA & NHPI communities! bit.ly/JMbfDU #AAPI”

NAKASEC staff has been pretty busy these last few weeks! I was in New York City, speaking on NAAEA’s panel about our affiliates’ youth organizing efforts around the DREAM Act and back in DC, Jane, our deputy director, was busy prepping for the immigration roundtable at the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) summit.

Below is a glimpse into both events from my perspective as a speaker at the NAAEA Summit, and as an attendee at the AANHPI Summit!

Education and Immigration breakout session (Photo Credit: NAKASEC)

On April 28^th, I hopped onto a bus to take the four-hour bus ride to New York City to take part in the National Asian American Education Advocates (NAAEA) Summit that was being hosted by the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF). NAAEA brought together over 50 Asian American youth and adult allies from around the country who come from a variety of fields ranging from social services to policy to organizing to discuss the many different issues impacting Asian American youth and share strategies on how to address them. Issues ranged from mental health to gang violence to anti-Asian bullying to the DREAM Act.

I was invited to speak during the ‘Education & Immigration’ breakout session, specifically talking about DREAM Act and NAKASEC’s youth organizing efforts. I gave overviews of our youth organizing groups, AKASIA and FYSH, at KRC and KRCC respectively and discussed how both youth groups use the DREAM Act as an organizing tool to provide direct services to other Korean American and Asian American undocumented youth and allies as well as a starting point for youth to become engaged in other social justice issues. I was joined by a youth leader from Desis Rising Up and Moving (DRUM) based in New York City and Tony Choi, an undocumented Korean American youth who interned for KRC last summer and now organizes in the NYC/NJ-area. The 15 breakout session participants engaged in dialogue around what we thought it would take to finally pass the federal DREAM Act as well as other strategies undocumented youth have pursued in this current political climate in attaining higher education.

At the end of the weekend, I was excited to have met fellow Asian American youth workers and learn about the new and different approaches they take in doing youth work. However I think the most fulfilling part was learning from the youth themselves and seeing the passion and drive they have in empowering their communities. It is through these youth that I continue to feel inspired and energized to do this work!

=====================

Immigration Roundtable (Photo Credit: NAKASEC)

On May 8th, 2012, the National Council on Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) hosted the 2012 Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI) summit in Washington, DC. Over 300 people from across the country descended on the nation’s capital to engage in discussion with policymakers, network with national and local community leaders and bring attention to our community’s issues.

NCAPA’s subcommittees each planned and facilitated roundtables on the following topics: immigration, education, civil rights, health and housing and economic justice.

As co-chairs of the immigration subcommittee, NAKASEC and AAJC coordinated the immigration roundtable, which was facilitated by Morna Ha, executive director of NAKASEC and featured panelists who spoke on the DREAM Act and enforcement and deportation policies. Speakers included:

• Caroline Fan, Associate Director of APALA
• Yuki Suren, a Mongolian undocumented youth from Seattle
• Angela Arboleda, Senior Policy Advisor on Hispanic and Asian Affairs, Office of Senator Harry Reid
• Allison Rose, Legislative Director, Office of Rep. Judy Chu
• Mia-Lia Kiernan, community organizer from One Love Movement
• Pang Houa Moua-Toy, Director of Communications at SEARAC, shared the work that SEARAC has done on a policy and advocacy perspective to keep families together.

About 25 people participated in the roundtable. Congressman Mike  Honda, CAPAC’s Immigration Taskforce Chair also provided welcoming remarks.

We look forward to sharing out our stories more in the coming months!

WHAT: NAKASEC is hosting a fundraiser to raise money for our 5th annual DREAM Scholarship Fund (DSF). Come meet NAKASEC staff and mingle with other like-minded, progressive individuals all the while supporting DSF! Light refreshments will be served. Suggested donation of $25.

WHEN: Thursday, June 7th, 2012 from 6pm – 8:30pm

WHERE: 2nd Floor Ballroom, 1628 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

QUESTIONS?: Contact Joyce Yin, program associate at jyin@nakasec.org or 202-299-9540.

ABOUT DSF: Our DREAM Scholarship Fund (DSF) was founded by Korean American youth who tirelessly campaigned for passage of the DREAM Act, legislation that would provide a pathway to legalization for eligible immigrant students in the United States who attend college. While we will continue working towards the immediate passage of the DREAM Act, we also started to look at other barriers to higher education. One such barrier is that financially needy students are less inclined to pursue higher education because of the costs. Thus, the DREAM Scholarship Fund was established and is operated under the beliefs that education is a human right and that education is key to America’s prosperity.

DSF is funded entirely by the organizing efforts of our affiliate youth groups, KRCC’s Fighting Youth Shouting out for Humanity (FYSH) and KRC’s Alliance of Korean American Students in Action (AKASIA), and from the generous support of community members like you!

Please RSVP using the form below!

To view more photos from today’s event, please visit NAKASEC’s flickr.

Today, the US Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the anti-immigrant law SB 1070 and are expected to make a decision sometime in June on whether or not to uphold certain provisions, including the controversial ’show me your papers’ provision that requires local law enforcement to question the immigration status of those whom they have a ‘reasonable suspicion’ are undocumented. Hundreds of individuals, including leaders from civil rights, progressive, faith-based and labor groups, from across the country gathered in front of the US Supreme Court to rally against hate and call on the Supreme Court to stand up for justice and strike down these discriminatory provisions that would in essence promote racial profiling.

NAKASEC mobilized advocates and community members representing a variety of different Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) organizations to show a strong presence on an issue that also heavily impacts AAPI’s and communities we work with and raise their voices as part of the day’s pivotal event. The final decision in June could have important ripple effects for the future of state immigrant bills. This effort was coordinated in part with the Fair Immigration Reform Movement (FIRM) and Reform Immigration FOR America (RI4A).

Morna Ha, executive director of NAKASEC made the following statement:

With one clear, unequivocal voice, civil rights, faith, and immigrant community members and leaders 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.

Resources:

• Explanation of the implications of the upcoming Supreme Court Case (original source by the National Immigration Law Center) – Download (Korean and English)

On April 25th, the US Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a landmark case challenging Arizona’s anti-immigrant law, SB 1070. Join us and other immigrant rights, labor and civil rights leaders and organizations who stand united in protecting immigrant families and standing against state-sponsored racial profiling.

What you can do:

• Sign up and join NAKASEC on April 25th for a rally in front of the US Supreme Court (rally starts at 11 am — a delegation of Asian Americans will gather in front of the Barnes & Noble at Union Station by 10:15 am and walk over to the Supreme Court together)
• Light a candle and join the vigil for justice and the American Dream

Resources:

• Explanation of the implications of the upcoming Supreme Court Case (original source by the National Immigration Law Center) – Download (Korean and English)

Contact Joyce Yin at 202-299-9540 (jyin@nakasec.org) for more information!

Download Flyer

Register today to attend!

NAKASEC is joining other members of the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) to host the 2012 AANHPI Summit: Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders! Join us for the release of NCAPA’s Policy Blueprint and Policy Roundtables to raise your issues, meet policy makers and connect with local and national community leaders!

Featured Roundtables -

• Immigration
• Education
• Civil Rights
• Health
• Housing and Economic Justice
• Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander issues

For more information, please contact Jane Yoo, NAKASEC, jyoo@nakasec.org (202-299-9540) or Jessica Chia, AAJC, jchia@advancingequality.org (202-296-2300).

Sample Facebook Posts

• Want to know more about how health, education, civil rights, housing and economic security and immigration impacts our communities? Join us for the 2012 Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Policy Summit sponsored by NCAPA and find out! http://bit.ly/ncapa2012 (Follow on Twitter – @NAKASEC, @NCAPAtweets #AANHPIsummit #APAHM)
• Be a part of active policy discussions on issues impacting our communities at the NCAPA Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Policy Summit on May 8! Register today! bit.ly/ncapa2012 (Follow on Twitter – @NAKASEC, @NCAPAtweets #AANHPIsummit #APAHM)

영문 자료를 보고싶으시면 여기 클릭 하세요. [영문자료 - English]
보도자료를 참고하세요.

AKASIA members. (Photo Credit: Korean Resource Center)

FYSH members. (Photo Credit: Korean American Resource & Cultural Center)

마감일: May 18, 2012
신청서 다운로드
드림 장학금 전단지

드림 장학금 소개
지난 9년간, 코리안 아메리칸 청소년들은 드림 법안의 통과를 위한 캠페인을 꾸준히 전개해 왔습니다. 드림 법안은 미국에서 자라나 대학에 재학하거나, 기타 자격요건에 부합하는 이민학생들에게 합법적 신분 취득의 기회를 제공하는 법안입니다. 이런 활동을 통해, 많은 학생들이 고등교육을 받는데 있어 또다른 큰 장애가 있다는 것을 알게 되었습니다. 재정보조가 필요한 학생들이 학비 때문에 고등교육를 포기하지 않도록 돕고자, 드림 장학금이 시작되었습니다. 교육은 인권의 문제이고 향후 미국의 번영을 결정하는 핵심요인이라는 신념 하에 운영되고 있습니다.

자격 요선

• 현재 미국에서 고등학한국계 /아시아 태평양계 미국인
• 재정보조가 필요한 학생
• 현재 미국에서 고등학교12학년에 재학 중이거나 학위를 목표로 대학교 1-3학년에 풀타임으로 재학 중인 학생. (유학생은 해당되지 않음)

신청서 질비 물록

• 에세이장학금 신청서 (소정양식)
• 에세이 2편
• 추천서 2장

**만약 장학금에 선정된다면 다음 서류들을 추가로 제출하셔야 합니다

• 가장 최근 성적표 복사본
• 재학중이거나 재학할 대학의 등록금 내용
• 만약 가능하다면, 공식 FAFSA 결고나 부모님의 세금보고 서류

신청 방법

2012신청서는 우편, 이메일 또는 본인이 직접 2012년 5월 18일 까지 제출 할 수 있으며, 우편으로 보낼 경우 2012년 5월18일 또는 그 이전 소인이 찍혀있어야 유효합니다. 본인 거주하고 있는 주에 있는 단체로 보내시면 됩니다.

http://bit.ly/nakasecdsf2012에서 신청서를 다운로드받아 작성하십시오.

더 자세한 자료를 받고 신청서를 받기 위해서는

일리노이 거주
Korean American Resource & Cultural Center
2701-A W. Peterson Ave.
Chicago, IL 60659
Contact: Youngsun Song 송영선
youngsun@chicagokrcc.org
Fax: 773-588-9159

캘리포니아 거주
Korean Resource Center
900 S. Crenshaw Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90019
Contact: Jani Kim제니 김
jani@krcla.org
Fax: 323-937-3526

나머지 모든 주
NAKASEC
1628 16^th Street NW, Suite 306
Washington, DC 20009
Contact: Joyce Yin 조이스 인
jyin@nakasec.org

단체소개
미주한인봉사교육단체협의회(이하 미교협)는 진보적인 코리안 아메리칸의 목소리를 대변하고 지역 사회의 시민 참여 증진을 토대로 전국적인 사회운동에 참여하기 위해 1994년 설립된 단체 입니다. 미교협은 로스 엔젤레스에 전국 사무실을 두고 있고 2008년 문을 연 워싱턴 디씨 지부가 있습니다. 미교협의 가입단체로는 로스엔젤레스 민족학교와 시카고의 한인교육문화마당집이 있습니다.

후원하기 위해서는

캘리포니아나 일리노이 주가 아닌 모든 주의 드림장학금 (NAKASEC)

 

캘리포니아 주 (KRC)

 

일리노이 주 (KRCC)

 

AKASIA members (Photo Credit: Korean Resource Center)

FYSH members (Photo Credit: Korean American Resource & Cultural Center)

Application deadline: May 18, 2012
Download application: Application Form
Download info flyer: DSF info flyer

About
For years, Korean American youth tirelessly campaigned for the passage of the DREAM Act – tailored legislation that would provide a path to legalization for eligible immigrant students who grew up in the United States if they attend college. While we will continue working towards the immediate passage of the DREAM Act, we also started to look at other barriers to higher education. One such barrier is that financially needy students are less inclined to pursue higher education because of the costs. Thus, the DREAM Scholarship Fund was established and is operated under the beliefs that education is a human right and that education is key to America’s prosperity.

Eligibility

• Korean American and/or Asian American & Pacific Islander
• Demonstrate financial need
• Currently a senior at a U.S. high school or will be entering or currently a U.S.-accredited college or university full-time

Application Requirements

• A completed application form
• 2 essays
• 2 letters of recommendation

How to apply

Applications may be submitted by email [preferred], mail, fax or delivered in person and postmarked by May 18th, 2012 to be considered. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

For more information and to submit your applications -

If you live in Illinois…
Korean American Resource & Cultural Center
2701-A W. Peterson Ave.
Chicago, IL 60659
Contact: Youngsun Song
youngsun@chicagokrcc.org
Fax: 773-588-9159

If you live in California…
Korean Resource Center
900 S. Crenshaw Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90019
Contact: Jani Kim
jani@krcla.org
Fax: 323-937-3526

All other states…
NAKASEC
1628 16th Street NW, Suite 306
Washington, DC 20009
Contact: Joyce Yin
jyin@nakasec.org

Who we are
The National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC), Korean American Resource & Cultural Center (KRCC) and the Korean Resource Center (KRC) are a network of community-based organizations advancing progressive civil rights and immigrant rights issues and promote the full participation of  Korean Americans in American society.

To donate

For all other states (NAKASEC)

 

For California (KRC)

 

For Illinois (KRCC)

 

NAKASEC joined other national and local organizations in responding to remarks made by Councilmember Marion Barry regarding Asian Businesses. Click here to download a PDF version of the letter. NAKASEC stands by the notion that development of the District of Columbia’s economy and neighborhoods is in the interest of all communities, regardless of national origin or ethnic background and encourage meaningful engagement with our communities to improve the well-being of all individuals in the District.

#####

Organizations Condemn Councilmember Marion Barry’s Statements Regarding Asian Businesses

April 5, 2011

As members of local and national organizations committed to advancing and protecting the rights of individuals of Asian and Pacific Islander descent in the United States, the undersigned organizations condemn District of Columbia Councilmember Marion Barry’s recent remarks regarding Asian-owned businesses at a campaign event in Washington, DC. On April 3, at his Ward 8 primary election victory party, Councilmember Barry made the following statement, “We got to do something about these Asians coming in and opening up businesses and dirty shops … They ought to go. I’m going to say that right now.” Given Councilmember Barry’s previous commitment to civil rights, we are particularly disappointed by these comments. While Councilmember Barry has recently indicated that he was “sorry for offending the Asian community,” we call upon him to provide a sincere apology and ensure meaningful engagement with our communities to improve the well-being of all individuals in the District.

Councilmember Barry’s statement is of serious concern because it undermines the notion that developing the District of Columbia’s economy and neighborhoods is in the interest of all communities, regardless of national origin or ethnic background. Numerous institutions, from small businesses to non-profit organizations, as well as individuals, provide vital services and job opportunities, contribute their tax dollars, and engage in civic and political life within the city. Within the District of Columbia, according to 2007 data, Asians own 5.9% of businesses, joining other communities in strengthening the economy. Rather than acknowledging and appreciating the contributions that Asian businesses, alongside other racial and ethnic communities, have made to the city, Councilmember Barry’s remarks appear to fan the flames of racial divisions and imply that Asian Americans are not invested in developing a robust economy that benefits all residents.

Our organizations are also extremely concerned that remarks such as these can perpetuate stereotypes of Asians taking jobs away from other Americans, which can fuel racism and animosity towards community members. In fact, individuals of Asian descent are frequently blamed for the economic woes that this country has faced when perceptions are fostered that our community is thriving in this economy at the expense of other minority communities with whom we work and live alongside.

In light of these concerns, we call upon Councilmember Barry to provide a meaningful apology and officially retract his statement; refrain from engaging in harmful rhetoric regarding Asian and other immigrant communities; and develop meaningful relationships with our communities in the District of Columbia to understand the contributions and challenges of community members. Our organizations also view this as a prime opportunity to work with Mayor Vincent Gray and Councilmembers on the “One City, One Future” initiative. We look forward to proactively identifying next steps that we can take together to continue to create more diverse and growing economy for all residents.

Local Endorsing Organizations
Asian American LEAD (AALEAD)
Asian Pacific American Bar Association of the Greater Washington DC Area
Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance – DC Chapter (APALA-DC)
Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center (APALRC)
Dana Tai Soon Burgess & Co
DC Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Caucus
KhushDC
Korean American Drycleaners Association
Korean American Grocers Association of Greater Washington DC (KAGRO-DC)
Many Languages One Voice
National Organization of Vietnamese American Leaders of Greater Washington DC
Network of South Asian Professionals (NetSAP DC)
South Asian American Bar Association – DC (SABA-DC)
Washington Area Liquor Retailers Association (WALRA)

National Endorsing Organizations
APIAVote
Asian American Action Fund
Asian American Justice Center, Member of Asian American Center for Advancing Justice
Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS)
Asian Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF)
Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA)
Council of Korean Americans
Japanese American Citizens League (JACL)
National Korean American Service and Education Consortium (NAKASEC)
National Asian Pacific American Center on Aging (NAPCA)
National Asian Pacific American Families Against Substance Abuse (NAPAFASA)
National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF)
National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development (National CAPACD)
OCA
Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF)
South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT)
Southeast Asia Action Resource Center (SEARAC)

For further information or inquiries, contact Sapna Pandya, Executive Director of Many Languages One Voice at sapna.pandya@dclanguageaccess.org or 202-621-0001.

Well, in order for you to get to know us better, we are rolling out our #meetNAKASEC Fridays where we will profile one person within our network.

Today, we’re featuring Hyun Kyu (aka Kevin) Lee, KRC’s Immigrant Rights Project intern! We hope you enjoy!

======================================

Q: What’s your name?
A: My Korean name is Hyun Kyu Lee and my American name is Kevin. Interestingly, I noticed throughout growing up in the states that Hyun is a pretty hard name to pronounce in English, I have been called anything ranging from Juan to Hi-Un.

Q: Where are you from?
A: I was born in Incheon, Korea a city near the western shores of Korea, and is close to Seoul. Its known for the Incheon International Airport, and for being the home of “salty boys” as other regions call those that are from Incheon.

Q: How did you get involved with KRC, KRCC and/or NAKASEC?
A: After I graduated from high school in 2008, I attempted to apply to various community colleges, and the college that I decided on did not accept AB540 forms and didn’t even know about the law. My father had heard of the KRC a while back but because I was too shy to call, my mother called KRC. Eventually, with the help of KRC, after contending with the school several times, I was able to get into my community college as their first AB540 student. However, even after transferring to UCLA , I avoided most group or organizational activities. It was not until the KRC Workshop in April 2011 that I got to see the faces of AKASIA volunteers that contributed their time and effort that gave me the push to be more involved with AKASIA and KRC.

Q: What was one of the first actions or campaigns you remember being involved in?
A: I think the very first action I remember being involved in was the clothing sale for the Dream Scholarship Fund. The fact that just a handful of youth could muster up a fundraiser of such scope was just amazing, and going around all over Koreatown from churches to markets and out in the streets with signs to promote the fundraiser was a completely new and an eye opening experience.

Q: Why do you do the work that you do with KRC, KRCC and/or NAKASEC?
A: When I was interviewed for the Immigrant Rights Project Intern position, I was told by Jani Kim, the Immigrant Rights Project Coordinator, that in order to help others you have to help yourself. I think I do the work of helping out with AB540 consultation log and other immigrant-related things, because in the process, there is so much opportunity to learn and improve myself as well as help with problems that many undocumented people in our community face.

Q: Tell us of a memorable moment with KRC, KRCC and/or NAKASEC
A: The most memorable moment with KRC would be the New Years Day hike up the Griffith Park. At first, having to wake up so early, and having to hike made it seem like there was nothing really special going on. However, after seeing all the people that have gathered, and listening to the Korean instruments played by the young kids, I knew that this moment was going to be special. Waiting in darkness and cold to get a glimpse at the sun was ecstatic, because it sort of reflected my own reality of remaining in the shadows as an undocumented student who was never involved. However, seeing the sunrise with people affiliated with KRC and many others from the community, I learned that there is warmth to be found among others and being involved with the community. Also, this moment was especially eventful as it was actually the first sunrise that I got to see with my family since we came to the states 12-13 years ago with all the hopes, dreams, and passions that my parents carried with them.

Q: What hope do you see for the Korean American community?
A: I know that there has been a lot of progress for the Korean American community, but I also know that important changes in the future will not come without effort. I hope to see that small and accumulative contributions from many individuals from our community will turn into big accomplishments for the Korean American community in the future.

Q: If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional, with whom would it be and why?
A: I would like to trade places Ash Ketchum, the main character from the cartoon series, ‘Pokemon.’ Although Ash faces a lot of challenges throughout his life, he never gives up on his passion, hope and desire to become the Pokemon master, his ultimate goal. There are moments where it seems as if all hope is lost and defeat seems inevitable but in the end, Ash holds dear to the Pokemon that he believes in and carries through. Maybe it’s not that I would actually like to become a cartoon character, but that I would like to see my passions carried out just like Ash.

Q: What is your comfort food and why?
A: My comfort food is probably either kimchi jigae or pho. The reason is because my mother and I always ate either of these two during rainy days, so whenever it rains I remember those precious moments, which makes me feel comforted on the inside.

Meet other folks at KRC, KRCC and NAKASEC!

• Kat Choi
• Tony Choi
• Chan Kho Kim
• Jani Kim
• Joyce Kim
• Shawn Kim
• Yongho Kim
• Zu Kim
• Cliff Lee
• Dayne Lee
• George Lieu
• Carla Navoa
• Olivia Jee-Un Park
• Doorae Shin
• David K. Song
• Eun Ha Yi
• Hee Joo Yoon