Eastern Iowa Chapter
Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association
Our Achievements
our chapter received proclamations from Iowa City and the Iowa House of Representatives!
API Heritage Month & API Anti-bullying Day Proclamation
As spring approaches, good news comes one after another. On Tuesday, May 7,2024, the Iowa City mayor Bruce Teague signed and issued the proclamation of Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May, and announced that May 18th will continue to be designated as Asian and Pacific Islander Anti-Bullying Day. Representatives of the Asia Pacific Alliance (APAPA) and youth representatives went to receive the declaration. According to statistics, 80% of Asian and Pacific American teenagers have been bullied to some extent.
May 18th is the day when Chinese-American young man Vincent Chin was killed in the anti-Asian trend. In 1982, during the anti-Japanese sentiment(Japan Bashing), the good sales of Japanese cars is one of the reasons. On May 18, 1982, on the eve of his wedding, Vincent was celebrating his bachelor party with his friends in a strip club. In the club, two white men Ronald Ebens and his step-son Ronald Nitz thought Vincent was a Japanese and began to beat him. They were expelled. Ebens and Nitz eventually found Chin in front of a Highland Park McDonald's. There, Nitz held Chin down while Ebens repeatedly bashed him with a baseball bat until Chin's head cracked open.
Hatred is the seed of the devil and can easily be exploited by those with ulterior motives. Thank you to the Iowa City Government for designating May 18th as our Anti-Bullying Day, which will help reduce or eliminate anti-Asian sentiments.
News Coverage
CBS2 Iowa: Locals in Iowa City celebrate the Chinese New Year at Lunar New Year Gala on Sunday
February 11, 2024
Daily Iowan Report - Lunar New Year Gala
Februrary 20, 2024
Iowa News Now: Helen Shen highlights Lunar New Year Gala
February 8, 2024
City Channel 4 Iowa City - 2024 Lunar New Year Gala Highlights
February 20, 2024
Our Events
Lunar New Year at Englert Theatre in Iowa City
The Eastern Iowa Chapter of APAPA welcomes you to celebrate this Lunar New Year at Englert Theater in Iowa City on February 11th from 4pm to 5:30pm. This year's celebration features cultural performances of different Asian countries including the famous lion dance, dragon performance, professional artists, and musicians. For tickets call (319) 688-2653 or click the “buy tickets” button below.
Don't miss out on this incredible event! Check out the featured coverage of the event in Iowa City's Newsletter and Website.
For tickets, click “Buy Tickets” below or call (319) 688-2653.
2023 World Culture Festival
On September 9th, 2023, APAPA with Better Together hosted the World Culture Festival featuring food from every continent and traditional Chinese performances. Set up in the downtown district, the event opened with an introduction from Mayor Bruce Teague about inclusion, caring for underserved communities, and access to resources for our immigrant community members.
The event kicked off with the mystical Chinese lion dance. We first shared about the history of this treasured tradition and provided cultural context for the different styles implemented by Vietnam, Korea, Malaysia, Japan, and China.
Performing the dance were Israel Hoffman, Michael Lee, Jerry Li, and Jack Sun. Local Iowans, both students and community members, were thrilled to see something so exotic in the heart of downtown. Many took pictures with the lions and enjoyed the view from their tables while eating lunch as the lions paraded past shops and restaurants.
The Chinese Dance Club also sent a few of their members Rebecca Guo, Emily Kalmanek, Lei Zhu, Jessica Zhao to perform the romantic song “Shenhua” with solos by Jessica Zhao and Lei Zhu. There were three Chinese Classic dances in total, each representing a different era in China. There was from Han Dynasty (almost 2000 years ago), Tang Dynasty (1600 years ago), and from present.
Children and parents had fun at this inaugural event taking home special crafts and warm memories regarding Asian culture.
APAPA also had crafts tables set up for traditional calligraphy created by Professor Emeritus Helen Shen, at the University of Iowa, traditional paper cuttings created by the Chinese artists as well as bracelets shaped like traditional Chinese coins and with characters expressing good fortune created by the Korean artists
Community Resources
Iowa Youth Congress
The Iowa Youth Congress is seeking up to 100 Iowa high school students from all backgrounds for a hands-on education in state government, democracy, advocacy, and civic engagement. IYC participants gain the knowledge, abilities, and direction to advocate and enact change in their communities and at the state level, while also learning public speaking, problem-solving, and political debate skills in a multicultural leadership setting. Applications close June 1.
What is Iowa Youth Congress (IYC)?
Iowa Youth Congress (IYC) brings students from around the state to discuss issues that affect youth. Youth of diverse backgrounds will learn about state and local government, advocacy, and civic engagement. Students gain valuable leadership skills such as public speaking, problem-solving, and debate. IYC is modeled after the Iowa House of Representatives and accepts up to 100 high school participants.
Students will be part of regions based on geographical location. Based on their interests and goals, each region will focus on civic engagement and advocacy in their community and around the state. The term is one year (August – April). Eligible students may reapply for additional terms.
Iowa Youth Advisory Council
The State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council consists of 21 youth from around the state who serve two-year terms advocating for youth issues with state policymakers. Members are selected to represent all Iowa youth and engage in topics important to young Iowans through advocacy, service, and public awareness. Applications close June 1.
SIYAC is group of 21 youth from across the state of Iowa. These youth are between 14-20 years old and must reside in the state of Iowa. SIYAC's main objective is to inform the Governor, general assembly, and other policy/decision makers on issues youth face within the state. Members conduct research, draft documents and resources, and advocate directly to those in power.
Established in 2001, SIYAC was formalized in Iowa Code in 2009 as an avenue for youth to inform state leaders and local communities on issues important to young people. Members serve two-year staggered terms that begin in July and meet in person quarterly and virtually biweekly to identify issues affecting youth, discuss community needs, conduct research, form partnerships to meet those needs, draft positions on youth issues, communicate those positions with legislators, and plan and conduct service activities. Eligible youth may reapply for additional terms.
In addition, SIYAC presents independent information and recommendations on youth issues to the Iowa General Assembly and Governor during the legislative session. SIYAC members conduct two service projects, one in their respective communities and one statewide.
Connect with us
Advancing Asian Pacific Islander Communities
Through Increased Leadership And Civic Engagement
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Our Chapter Board Members
Na (Nina) Li
President
Sprott Woods
Vice President
Helen Shen
Vice President
Rebecca Cuo
Vice President
Feiran Dong
Secretary
Yanwen Sun
Treasurer