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APAPA

Advancing Asian Pacific Islander Communities Through Increased Leadership And Civic Engagement

Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs - APAPA - is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization founded in 2001 with 50 chapters across the country. APAPA chapters are volunteer driven and lead over 100+ community events each year. We are committed to advancing the next generation of leaders through the APAPA Internship Program which is growing through partnerships with 210+ hosting legislators and public officials nationwide from California to Washington DC. We appreciate your support!

APAPA National Unity Gala

The APAPA National Unity Gala on December 9, 2023 was held at the new Yin Ranch Cultural Pavilion! We celebrated outstanding Community Champions who advocate for diverse representation and unity. Over 650 attendees joined us with 100+ chapter leaders from across the country, and 150+ elected officials/appointees, including California Governor Gavin Newsom. See all the honorees and presenters here. Enjoy the great highlights!

Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association APAPA  interns at the capitol rotunda

APAPA NATIONAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

The APAPA National Internship Program places hundreds of college students across the country at local, state, and federal legislatures. The program has expanded to Fall, Winter, Summer, and Spring sessions.

APAPA Interns serve the greater community and work on capstone projects. They also gain strong leadership skills through professional development workshops to advance as future leaders in the areas of government, industry and community engagement. APAPA Interns register thousands of new voters, and contribute to research projects for diverse minority caucuses, including the CA AAPILC.

 

APAPA LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY

APAPA chapter leaders are committed to supporting our diverse communities in collaboration with community leaders and partners to promote inclusion and empowerment. We ensure our collective voices are heard on important issues such as voting rights, public safety, and education. Each year, we lead Legislative Advocacy Days from California to Washington, DC.

We strengthen community engagement, and support chapter leaders to become effective advocates in their community.

 

APAPA UNITY AGAINST HATE MOVEMENT

APAPA mobilized a nationwide “Unity Against Hate” movement which started in 2021 in response to the alarming rise in hate crimes against AAPIs taking place across the country. APAPA organized and led 20 rallies with 180 diverse organizations across the country with thousands of letters of of support, PSAs, and resolutions from elected officials. We continue to advocate for public safety issues and resources to combat hate crimes. Together, we are building a better world - one that is diverse, inclusive, and represents all voices and communities.

APAPA VOTER OUTREACH

The AAPI electorate has the power to shape and influence elections throughout the country.  We are the fastest growing community based on recent Census data, and projected to double to 12.2 million eligible voters in 2040.

Representation matters, and registering to vote is the first step in civic participation.  APAPA interns and chapter leaders focus on community outreach, and work closely with community partners, county registrars, and the Secretary of State to encourage more voter engagement in our diverse communities.

 

APAPA INCREASING dIVERSITY IN PUBLIC OFFICE

Asian Pacific Islander Americans are one of the fastest-growing populations in the United States, but we are underrepresented when important decisions are made that affect everyone’s lives. APAPA supports well-qualified AANHPI candidates for government and judicial appointments through our Government Appointments Committee. We also recognize outstanding trailblazers, and the positive contributions of legislators and public officials from all backgrounds.

 

APAPA CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

Our APAPA chapter leaders host 100+ events throughout the year to connect our communities with public officials and candidates at the city, county, state, and national level. We organize these events so that candidates and public officials will recognize and respect the AANHPI community as powerful voters and concerned citizens whose needs must be taken into account. We also want to increase access for voters to candidates and public officials so that they feel empowered and better understand candidates’ positions. APAPA is a nonpartisan organization, and we invite candidates from both sides of the aisle to participate in our town halls and community forums.