Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Blog

  • Weekly Highlights, July 1, 2011

    Posted by Miya Saika Chen on July 1, 2011 at 6:47 PM EDT

    Welcome to this edition of the WHIAAPI Weekly Highlights! The nation’s Asian American population became the fastest growing race over the past decade, experiencing a 43 percent increase from 2000 to 2010, according to new figures from the 2010 Census Bureau. The White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders is working to understand what these changes mean for public policy, specifically for federal services and protections.

     

    PHOTO: Participants engage with White House officials at an Asian American and Pacific Islander Community Leaders Briefing at the U.S. Department of Treasury. Credit: Akil Vohra.

    On June 22, hundreds of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander leaders from across the country converged in Washington, DC, to meet with Administration officials and discuss issues important to the community, including the economy and the budget. Earlier this week, President Obama made clear that reducing our deficits has to be done in a fair and balanced way, and that means the Administration will stand strong with core priorities important to the AAPI and broader American community, like education, job creation and Medicare benefits for seniors.

    On June 28, Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan joined Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano at the first-ever Senate hearing on the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act, or DREAM Act, before the Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugee, and Border Security. Secretary Duncan told Congress that the Administration supports passage of the DREAM Act for two basic reasons: it’s crucial for meeting our national goals and future workforce needs, and also sends the right message about the value of hard work and our Nation’s basic sense of fairness.

    Upcoming Events and Announcements:

    In the first ever Twitter Town Hall at the White House, President Obama answers your questions on jobs and the economy submitted through Twitter. Ask your questions now, watch the event live, and learn more for your chance to join the live audience.

    Register now! On Friday, July 8, WHIAAPI will host a Sustainable Growth Summit at the North Seattle Community College to provide information on federal efforts to promote sustainable communities, encourage innovation, and support economic growth.  Come hear White House Cabinet Secretary Chris Lu and White House Senior Economist Ronnie Chatterji talk about the Administration’s plans to create jobs.  Attend workshops on financing and growing a green business, developing community health centers, greening your lifestyle, using local food to spur economic development, accessing higher education, contracting with the government, and the emerging industries of healthcare IT and clean energy technology.  

    Nominate a Champion of Change President Obama has challenged us all to help win the future by out-educating, out-innovating, and out-building our competitors in the 21st century. Know someone who is doing extraordinary things to make a difference in your community? Nominate them to be a Champion of Change. We’ll consider your nominations as we feature people who are bringing about change in their communities on the White House website to share their ideas on how to win the future. Check out this week’s series, which highlights fourteen individuals who are inspiring others to transform their communities through citizen leadership and social innovation.

    Other Agency Announcements:

    Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced new draft standards for collecting and reporting data on race, ethnicity, sex, primary language and disability status, and announced the administration’s plans to begin collecting health data on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) populations. Both efforts aim to help researchers, policy makers, health providers and advocates to identify and address health disparities afflicting these communities. In anticipation of these efforts, HHS, over the past year, has consulted with federal agencies, requested recommendations from the HHS Data Council, and held listening sessions with relevant community stakeholders. The public may submit comments for the draft minority data collection standards at www.regulations.gov under docket number HHS-OMH-2011-0013. Public comments will be accepted until August 1. 

    Everyday millions of people practice yoga to improve their health and overall well-being. The Million PALA Challenge (MPC) is a program offered by the President’s Challenge, the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition and developed in partnership with the First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Initiative. The MPC has set a goal to get 1 million Americans to earn the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA). Show your support for yoga and answer the challenge! Click on the link to register for the Million PALA Challenge and join the Yoga PALA Challenge team. http://www.presidentschallenge.org/yogapalachallenge/

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  • Sustainable Growth Summit - July 8th

    Posted by WHIAAPI on June 23, 2011 at 5:54 PM EDT

    On July 8, 2011, the Initiative will host a Sustainable Growth Summit at North Seattle Community College in Seattle, Washington, to raise awareness in the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community on federal opportunities for communities to drive sustainable growth.  The goal of the Summit is to engage the AAPI community on programs that help communities develop a clean energy economy, create green jobs, and foster a healthy environment.

    To attend the Summit, please REGISTER NOW to reserve your spot.  Pre-event registration is required for entrance.

    Summit Workshops

    • Financing and Globalizing a Green Business
    • Clean Energy Technology
    • Government Contracting – Opportunities for Businesses (2 sessions)
    • Connecting Health to Environment
    • Healthcare IT – An Industry on the Rise
    • Economic Development through Local Food
    • Greening Your Lifestyle

     Featured Speakers

    • Chris Lu, Assistant to the President and Cabinet Secretary, White House
    • Hyeok Kim, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
    • Calvin Goings, Region XI Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration
    • Ronnie Chatterji, Senior Economist, White House Council of Economic Advisors

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  • Commemorating World Refugee Day

    Posted by Farooq Kathwari on June 20, 2011 at 1:51 PM EDT

    My journey to America began like those of many who seek refuge away from their home countries.  At the age of 21, I left the beautiful mountains of Kashmir, which had become a region of conflict, for the safety of the U.S.  I worked hard, going to night school at New York University and by day, working in a company that printed envelopes. A decade later, in July 1976, the bicentennial year of America's independence, I had the privilege of taking the oath of citizenship. For those of us who have lived as refugees in regions of conflict, been separated from loved ones, becoming a United States citizen is a momentous occasion. It is a moment of recognition, restored dignity and pride.

    Over the last 45 years, this country has afforded me many opportunities including the opportunity to give back. It has been my privilege to be the Chairman, President and CEO of Ethan Allen for more than two decades, and to have led the reinvention of this great American brand.  I am proud that we have made a contribution by our ability to maintain over 70% of our production in the United States in an industry where over 70% has left the country. We have over 4,500 dedicated professionals working at Ethan Allen who have made this happen.

    One of the wonderful things about America is its unique culture of giving back both in time and resources to humanitarian causes. In that regard I am privileged to be associated with several non-profit organizations both at the local and national levels, including Refugees International and the International Rescue Committee, both of which advocate for human rights and humanitarian aid for refugees and immigrants around the world.  I am also proud to serve on the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, helping to ensure these diverse communities have access to Federal programs and resources where they may be underserved.

    Today, as we commemorate World Refugee Day, let us remember that the American story was written in part by people who sought safety at its shores and that many of us are part of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community whom the President himself has recognized as among the hard-working and talented people who have helped to make America stronger.

    The strength of America is its diversity and the rights we all enjoy.  I fully believe that by working together, America will continue to inspire and to lead, as we continue to forge proudly into the 21st century.

    Farooq Kathwari serves on the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

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  • Ending the Stigma of HIV/AIDS in the Asian Pacific Islander Community

    Posted by Jury Candelario on June 10, 2011 at 12:09 PM EDT

    Ed. Note: Champions of Change is a weekly initiative to highlight Americans who are making an impact in their communities and helping our country rise to meet the many challenges of the 21st century.

    It is truly an honor to be amongst passionate long-time AIDS activists during the “Champions of Change” roundtable at the White House. In reflecting back on the unparalleled activism that the AIDS movement has sprung, I commemorate and thank pioneers from the community I represent, the Asian Pacific Islander (API) community, including Ignatius Bau, Dean Goishi, Paul Kawata and Sukee Terada Ports; and the countless lives we’ve lost including my fellow Los Angelenos—James Sakakura, Patrick Sullivan and Christine Wu.  

    Thirty years into the AIDS pandemic, apathy and complacency has seeped in how America views HIV/AIDS. Meanwhile, we continue to see alarming increases in new HIV infections particularly in communities of color and our youth population. And despite advances in AIDS treatment, we must be reminded that being on life-long medication is not necessarily the ideal quality of life and that many in third world countries still have high AIDS mortality rates.

    This is why at my agency, the Asian Pacific AIDS Intervention Team, we continue to seek innovative solutions and remain adaptable to resolve the complexities of HIV prevention, treatment, research, training and advocacy. 

    One strategy that we’ve always relied on is the importance of coalition building and teamwork. For instance, we work with national partners to raise awareness to end the HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination in the Asian Pacific Islander community through the Banyan Tree Project. We also work in coalition with local and state partners to address co-factors and co-morbidities related to being at risk for HIV/AIDS like substance abuse and mental health, and the high incidence rates of viral hepatitis and AIDS co-infection. Internally, APAIT approaches its service delivery through an inter-disciplinary team of clinicians, social workers, peer leaders and advocates, to ensure a seamless continuum of AIDS prevention and care using both scientific based and home grown interventions. This fall, APAIT Health Center is expanding to provide primary health care integrated to our existing behavioral health and prevention approach.

    From a policy and advocacy perspective, I encourage the AIDS movement to re-engage and work collectively without leaving anyone behind. The movement was founded on rising up together and we must be vigilant not to leave communities like Asians, Pacific Islanders, Native Americans and the transgender communities. We are all equally impacted by this epidemic which is why it is imperative that the National HIV/AIDS Strategy address inclusion of these often marginalized communities. Our local, state and federal public health agencies must also recognize the importance of disaggregation and standardization of HIV data collection and surveillance for these communities instead of lumping them together as “Others.”

    On a personal note, I encourage parents and teenagers to have an open and honest dialogue about sexual health. This is one of the simplest ways we can prevent and de-stigmatize HIV. Finally, it is important to arm yourself with knowledge so get tested and know your HIV status.

    Jury Candelario is the Director of Asian Pacific AIDS Intervention Team (APAIT) in Los Angeles.

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  • WHIAAPI Weekly Highlights June 3, 2011

    Posted by Miya Saika Chen on June 3, 2011 at 4:01 PM EDT

    We’ve had an action-packed AAPI Heritage Month full of great discussions and dialogues.  WHIAAPI Director Kiran Ahuja blogged about the many strides our Federal agency colleagues have made on behalf of the AAPI community, our dynamic and tenacious staff and community partners, and under the leadership of our President.

    In one short month, we have engaged in a flurry of activity, bringing Federal agencies together with the AAPI community.  Administration leaders on the economy, immigration, healthcare, education and civil rights kicked off the month by briefing over 400 AAPI community members on these critical issues in Washington, DC. We then joined with the Council on Women and Girls and the Department of Labor to hold two nationwide conference calls on AAPI women and immigration.

    In response to the AAPI community’s rapid population growth between 2000 and 2010, we partnered with Census Bureau officials to hold an in-person briefing and webinar with a complete analysis of the rapid growth of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders throughout the country over the last decade.

    We worked with the National Healthy Nail Salon Alliance to hold the first Federal interagency roundtable at the Environmental Protection Agency focused on nail salon workers and the cosmetics industry, one of the fastest growing industries in the country and predominantly comprised of Asian immigrant women. Women workers and salon owners spoke directly about their daily experiences handling toxic chemicals to a room full of Federal officials and provided concrete recommendations on how to improve working conditions.

    We convened a gathering at the White House with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) AAPI youth and Federal agency representatives.  The National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance and the Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy, Queer Justice Fund brought 19 youth from diverse communities across the country to speak about their journeys, challenges and triumphs growing up in this country.  Federal officials from across the Administration listened and committed to incorporating the needs of this community into bullying prevention, comprehensive sex education, and HIV preventions programs.

    To read the blog in its entirety click here or visit www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/05/31/reflecting-month-may.

    White House Blogs: Throughout the month of May, WHIAAPI posted a new blog a day highlighting the work of the administration, its impact on the AAPI community, and the personal motivation behind these efforts by our Administration officials. Learn more about the people, policies and actions that have a direct impact on you. Here are the blogs and their authors that have been posted since the last update:

    Upcoming Events

    On June 7, 2011, WHIAAPI will host a conference call on Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community issues. For more information, contact Ryan.Edgar@ed.gov.

    On June 9, 2011 WHIAAPI Advisor Miya Saika Chen will speak at the JACL Collegiate Leadership Conference on AAPI advocacy and how to mobilize important issues back in their home campuses.

    Other Federal Agency Announcements

    On May 24, 2011 the Department of Energy signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the American Government Executives Network (AAGEN) and the Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) to partner on AAPI federal employment issues.

    On June 2, 2011, WHIAAPI Director Kiran Ahuja spoke at the REACH US Conference (Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health) in Carson, CA. REACH US grantees and community agencies and organizations to discuss health disparities and health equity to AAPI community.

    Also on June 2, 2011, the Department of Education released final regulations requiring career college programs to better prepare students for “gainful employment” or risk losing access to Federal student aid. While many career college programs are helping to prepare America’s workforce for the jobs of the future, far too many students at these schools are taking on unsustainable debt in exchange for degrees and certificates that fail to help them get the jobs they need or were promised. These regulations are designed to ramp up over the next four years, giving colleges time to reform while protecting students and their families from exploitative programs.

    Translated Materials Available: You can download the following new Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) translated materials at www.medicare.gov/multilanguage.aspx and to order free copies, visit the CMS Product Ordering site at http://productordering.cms.hhs.gov

    • Fraud Brochure—“Fight Back!” 11481-C (Chinese), 11481-K (Korean), 11481-V (Vietnamese)
    • Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies Factsheet—11307-C (Chinese), 11307-K (Korean) and 11307-V (Vietnamese)

    New Food Icon: MyPlate: First Lady Michelle Obama, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Surgeon General Regina Benjamin unveiled the federal government’s new food icon, MyPlate, to serve as a reminder to help consumers make healthier food choices. The new MyPlate icon emphasizes the fruit, vegetable, grains, protein and dairy food groups and can be accessed at www.choosemyplate.gov.

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  • Reflecting on the Month of May

    Posted by Kiran Ahuja on May 31, 2011 at 12:49 PM EDT

    What an incredible month of celebration it has been. As Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month draws to a close, we are honored and humbled by the many great strides our Federal agency colleagues have made on behalf of the AAPI community, by our dynamic and tenacious staff and community partners, and by the principled and visionary leadership of our President.

    In one short month, we have engaged in a flurry of activity, bringing Federal agencies together with the AAPI community.  Administration leaders on the economy, immigration, healthcare, education and civil rights kicked off the month by briefing over 400 AAPI community members on these critical issues in Washington, DC. We then joined with the Council on Women and Girls and the Department of Labor to hold two nationwide conference calls on AAPI women and immigration.

    In response to the AAPI community’s rapid population growth between 2000 and 2010, we partnered with Census Bureau officials to hold an in-person briefing and webinar with a complete analysis of the rapid growth of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders throughout the country over the last decade.

    We worked with the National Healthy Nail Salon Alliance to hold the first Federal interagency roundtable at the Environmental Protection Agency focused on nail salon workers and the cosmetics industry, one of the fastest growing industries in the country and predominantly comprised of Asian immigrant women. Women workers and salon owners spoke directly about their daily experiences handling toxic chemicals to a room full of Federal officials and provided concrete recommendations on how to improve working conditions.

    We convened a gathering at the White House with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) AAPI youth and Federal agency representatives.  The National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance and the Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy, Queer Justice Fund brought 19 youth from diverse communities across the country to speak about their journeys, challenges and triumphs growing up in this country.  Federal officials from across the Administration listened and committed to incorporating the needs of this community into bullying prevention, comprehensive sex education, and HIV preventions programs.

    We also connected with AAPI communities in Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York and Seattle.  For example, we met with students, teachers and administrators of the Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) program at South Seattle Community College.  The AANAPISI team shared lessons on how we can more effectively reach AAPI students in community colleges especially since almost have of all AAPI students attend community colleges and struggle to balance financial burdens, family obligations and school responsibilities.  In fact, AANAPISIs are now included on the Department of Education’s website listing of postsecondary institutions enrolling populations with significant percentages of minority students.

    And we published blogs by Administration colleagues, highlighting the motivation behind their work and impact on the AAPI community.  From a personal story about a father inspiring his son to become a primary care doctor for poor communities and go on to become a Chief Medical Officer in the Health Resources and Services Administration; to a celebration of AAPI veterans and service members.  These blogs provide a glimpse of the individuals diligently working in the Federal government to improve the lives of all Americans.

    For the Initiative, AAPI Heritage Month is every month.  Though May gives us a special reason to celebrate and acknowledge both the AAPI communities’ contributions and challenges, these are issues and concerns we seek to address every day.  We know that our ability to do our job well rests on the great partnerships we have with community, philanthropic and business leaders and Federal agencies, but also on the dedicated staff who work tirelessly to live up to the guiding principle the President set when he signed the Executive Order establishing the White House Initiative on AAPIs that, no community should be invisible to its government.

    Kiran Ahuja is the Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

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