Asian Pacific American Get out to Vote

In this modern world, diversity is looked at as beauty and a key element of bridging the gaps to create unity. Asian Pacific Americans are still counted as 搈odel minority’ in USA. But the Asian Pacific Americans are very diverse with their language, culture, heritage and general needs. Traditional thinking is Asian Pacific American are reluctant to report their concerns and ashamed to seek help when needed. Thus, the overall ideas about Asian Pacific Americans are, they are doing well in their own areas or they do not want to voice out their ideas. Janelle Wong, a political scientist and director of Asian-American Studies at the University of Maryland oppose to this view. His findings are, ”They understand what power lies with government in terms of people’s everyday lives,” he also mentioned, ”They’re not afraid of the social safety net,”
As a person, everyone possesses the right to express his or her own opinion. Casting vote is a way to make a statement. Asian Pacific Americans need to come forward to practice the civic engagement process of get out and vote. Vote is not about choosing a Political leader only, but helps to shape up the policies on employment, education, immigration/citizenship, and civic participations to better each community. Asian Pacific Americans need to empower themselves by practicing the right to vote to bring a change for them and for their future generations. Each Individual is a change agent. An improved future can be directed only with combined voice. Knowing and understanding individual strengths will contribute to the combined effort. To make a path of continuous growth of young leadership and place them to lead the community, nation and the world; we all need to make an effort to bring Asian Pacific Americans on the front line.
Many social organizations are dedicating their efforts to highlight this issue and bring awareness. OCA – Greater Phoenix Chapter initiated a series of events to promote and ensure the voter registration awareness. One of their upcoming events is free movie screening on 21 September 2014 at Arizona Historical Society, Tempe, AZ. Freedom Summer a heart touching movie a part of our history will be screened followed by QA.
Freedom Summer: This is the compelling story?
In the hot and deadly summer of 1964, the nation could not turn away from Mississippi. Over ten memorable weeks known as Freedom Summer, more than 700 student volunteers joined with organizers and local African Americans in a historic effort to shatter the foundations of white supremacy in one of the nation抯 most segregated states. Working together, they canvassed for voter registration, created Freedom Schools and established the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party with the goal of challenging the segregationist state Democratic Party at the national convention in Atlantic City. Freedom Summer was marked by sustained and deadly violence, including the notorious murders of three civil rights workers, countless beatings, the burning of 35 churches and the bombing of 70 homes and community centers.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Stanley Nelson (Freedom Riders, The Murder of Emmett Till), Freedom Summer highlights an overlooked but essential element of the civil rights movement: the patient and long-term efforts by outside activists and local citizens in Mississippi to organize communities and register black voters – even in the face of intimidation, physical violence and death.

About OCA

OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates is a national membership driven organization dedicated to advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans, touching tens of thousands of individuals each year through its extensive network of over 100 chapters, affiliates, and partners from around the country. In addition, the organization strives to foster development, leadership, and engagement through its various programs.
OCA is engaged in organizing its over 100 chapters and affiliates across the nation to develop both leadership and community involvement. OCA chapters and our affiliates are establishing strong local programs in all parts of the country.
OCA’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. gives the OCA National Center an effective vantage point for monitoring legislation and policy issues affecting Asian Pacific Americans. In addition, OCA is able to build national support and to work in coalition with other national groups around issues affecting Asian Pacific Americans.

”Come forward to and practice your civic right to vote. Empower yourself and ensure a better forthcoming USA for future generations”.
By ?Farhana Shifa Ahmed