** High Priority ** Hi all, I think that this is such an incredibly important issue. Given the fact that SAPAC is hosting "Forum for a New America" this September, I believe that we need to be a presence at this meeting that will address the issue of Asians Americans becoming engaged in the political arena. I know it will cut into work/school hours, but NOW IS THE TIME TO ENSURE OUR VOICE IS HEARD. Let me know if you are interested, maybe we can have a meet-up point for SAPAC folks. Also, please forward this widely!!! See you there! Aparna
Sent: Tuesday, April 27, 2004 1:19 PM To: Acon-Chicago Subject: Community Strategy Session 4/29 @4pm Importance: High Community Strategy Session: Affirmative Action Program and Building Our Political Voice for the Future There have now been two editorials saying that it is okay to cut Asian Americans out of the affirmative action program. They may be able to afford ignoring the greater ramifications of this for the community, but we cannot. We've reached a critical moment. The contractors may feel that this is best they can get, and we cannot ask them to jeopardize their livelihoods. However, from the feedback that I have been getting, the community does not think this campaign is over, and sees it as the beginning of a dangerous trend. People have long ago bought into the "model minority" myth, unconvinced that we face discrimination, and should be a part of this program. Were we being sacrificed, because they did not think anyone would be standing up for us, least of all us? What kind of lessons learned will leave for the community and our children if this is not the moment that Asian Americans start organizing and pushing back, rather than doing nothing? Last month, the Asian American Institute and community members requested a meeting with the Mayor to discuss three major concerns: 1. Inclusion Asian Americans in the City's construction affirmative action program. 2. Resources for organizations that serve Asian Americans in poverty and in need. 3. Support for qualified Asian Americans to elected office. AAI is organizing a meeting to discuss these same issues, and strategize about how to move ahead on them THIS THURSDAY. If you are interested in being a part of this discussion, please RSVP to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED] LOCATION: Japanese American Service Committee 4427 N. Clark Street (Clark & Montrose) Thursday, April 29th @4pm Sincerely, Tuyet Ms. Tuyet Le Executive Director Asian American Institute 4753 N. Broadway, Ste. 904 Chicago, Illinois 60640 T: 773.271.0899 F: 773.271.1982 E: [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.aaichicago.org ------------------------------------------------ visit http://www.geocities.com/sapacchicago email [EMAIL PROTECTED] with "unsubscribe sapac" in msg body to unsubscribe
