New APIAVote Ad Airing Nationally on NBC

Posted on 29th October 2011 in Uncategorized

[tubepress video="Yc2vszzwTfI"]

Watch APIAVote’s public service announcement on our YouTube channel and help spread the word by sharing the video with others through Facebook, Twitter and email.

In our latest ad, APIAVote asks you, “What do you want?” When you exercise your right to vote, you’re taking a stand for your values, your family and your community.

Thanks to our partners at Comcast, this PSA started airing nationwide on NBC on October 24, 2011. It will serve as a great reminder for voters to take action on Tuesday, November 8, 2011 and cast their ballot for many local elections.

The PSA was co-produced by the Center for Asian American Media and Director/ Producer, Anson Ho, of Arowana Films production.

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Glen Fukushima: The Power of Japanese Women

Posted on 16th August 2011 in Uncategorized

Japan’s historic victory in the Women’s World Cup in Frankfurt, Germany, on July 17 stunned the world.

The news brought to mind several aphorisms: “Expect the unexpected” (since almost everyone had predicted that the United States, ranked number one in the world, would win); “There’s always the first time” (since Japan’s record against the U.S. had been 0-21-3); “Don’t believe the experts” (since virtually all the experts had bet on a U.S. victory); “It’s never over until it’s over” (since the U.S. dominated almost the entire game); and “Never give up” (since the U.S. was the first to score and led in points up to the last few minutes of the game).

Japanese women convincingly demonstrated their power by winning in the global competition of soccer. Yet, in Japan itself, the opportunities for women to excel outside the home remain limited. True, there have been some advances since the passage of the Gender Equality Law in 1985.

Yet equality is the exception rather than the norm. In 2010, Japan ranked 94th out of 134 countries in the Global Gender Gap Index, which compares men and women’s wages and societal positions, compiled by the World Economic Forum in Geneva. Similarly, Japan ranked 57th in the United Nations’ Gender Empowerment Measure, which assesses women’s standing in the politics and economy of 109 countries.

Professors at Japan’s top universities and recruiters at Japan’s major companies admit that if students were hired based on their school grades, achievements, and job interviews, more than two-thirds of the offers would go to women. To ensure against such a result, many companies impose an artificial ceiling to limit women to 15 or 20 percent of entry-level professional positions.

This is one reason why, according to a study done in 2009 by Corporate Women Directors International, women occupied only 17 seats on the boards of directors of Japan’s top 100 companies, or a mere 1.4 percent of the 1,198 board positions-placing Japan near the bottom of 35 countries surveyed, including Jordan (2 percent), Oman (2.3 percent), and Kuwait (2.7 percent).

With an aging population, declining birth rate, and miniscule immigration, Japan can ill afford to underutilize the power of women. This is especially so given the increasing insularity, risk averseness, and lack of drive seen among younger men, who have been coddled and protected by their mothers and sheltered from the competition, both domestic and foreign, that their fathers’ generation experienced in the nation’s high-growth period from the 1950s through the 1980s.

According to a study on the Japanese economy released by Goldman Sachs, “Increased female participation [in the workforce] implies higher income and consumption growth which we estimate could lift GDP growth by 0.3 percent to 1.5 percent from 1.2 percent and boost per capita income by 5.8 percent over the next 20 years.”

Perhaps it is time for Japan’s leaders-nearly all men-to realize that the skill, strategy, energy, determination, resilience, teamwork, and results-focus evinced by the women in Japan’s victorious World Cup team is exactly what the nation needs to overcome the political, economic, and social miasma of the last two decades.

Glen S. Fukushima, a native of California, is Chairman & Director of Airbus Japan and former President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan. From 1985 to 1990, he was based in Washington, D.C. as Director for Japanese Affairs and, later, Deputy Assistant USTR for Japan and China at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

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Keesa Ocampo Joins San Mateo County Commission on the Status of Women

Posted on 26th July 2011 in Uncategorized

Keesa Ocampo, was sworn in May 18 as a member of the San Mateo County Commission on the Status of Women, which addresses issues on women and girls across 21 Bay Area cities.

The Commission on the Status of Women of San Mateo County is a nonpartisan appointed body that advises the County Board of Supervisors. It was established in 1982 to provide leadership in developing policies, programs, and legislation to address the needs of women and girls.

Ocampo is a San Mateo City resident whose organizing skills, broad network and philanthropic work has benefited the larger Bay Area community and countries across the globe. She is the government and community relations officer for Philippine international media conglomerate, ABS-CBN International.

“Sometimes, I look back at the many experiences my life has afforded me and challenged me with and I realize that I have never been more prepared to take on a responsibility. It is a great honor to be able to serve my own neighborhood and community,” said Ocampo.

Ocampo joins Christine Padilla, legislative aide to Rep. Anna Eshoo, as the two new FilAms on the board. Dr. Jei Africa, a manager with the San Mateo Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, is a current trustee. Community leader Alice Bulos retired in December and neighborhood activist Lina Susbilla was the first Filipina appointed to the commission.

Ocampo comes from a long line of public servants. Her great grandfather, Pablo de Leon Ocampo was elected as Resident Commissioner to the United States government in 1907 and immediately set sail for Washington where he served in Congress until 1909. Her family has served in the Philippine Congress, representing Manila since 1965.

Ocampo’s involvement in the community and philanthropy is rooted in the Asian American Pacific Islander community where she began as a stakeholder in organizations like the National Association for Asian-American Professionals, Asian Heritage Month Committee for the City of San Francisco, Asian Pacific Fund and San Francisco-Manila Sister City Committee.

Her wide span of networks and persistent work to build bridges resulted in co-founding the progressive organization Citizen Hope, formed with a commitment to engage in community and civic service projects. In 2009, fundraising for disaster relief in the Philippines, Samoa and Haiti – efforts that were recognized for vast coverage, speed and success – prompted her to found Bay Area Benefit, champions of “guerilla philanthropy.” Since then, she has led the formation of the API Circle, an alliance of San Francisco Bay Area Asian and Pacific Islander American leaders and organizations with the mission to create meaningful relationships and collaborative efforts that are cross-generational, ideologically neutral and diversely representative.

Ocampo is the recipient of a presidential citation for her humanitarian work from former Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

“I recognize the important role that so many strong men and women have played in my life. I was taught hard work, humility, simplicity, faith and integrity – the same guiding principles I go by, daily,” shares Ocampo. “And as long as there is more work to be done, more communities that need basic services and protection, and underrepresented women and girls who hope for a future where they can enjoy life, liberty and a pursuit of happiness, my commitment will remain steadfast.”

Source:  ABS-CBNI

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Storyteller Alton Chung to Perform Life is the Treasure: Okinawan Memories of WWII

Posted on 10th June 2011 in Uncategorized

On June 18, 2011 from 7p – 9p storyteller Alton Chung will perform Life is the Treasure: Okinawan Memories of WWII at the Buddhist Church of San Francisco at 1881 Pine St. in SF (at Octavia).

Life is the Treasure: Okinawan Memories of WWII is a collection of riveting historical stories of astounding integrity, courage and selflessness. Brought to vivid life by award-winning storyteller Alton Chung, these stories share the experiences of Nisei, Okinawans, and Hawaii Okinawans during WWII.

This event is part of the Nuchi du Takara exhibition and program series organized by the National Japanese American Historical Society in collaboration with curator Dr. Wesley Ueunten.

To purchase tickets please call the National Japanese American Historical Society (415)921-5007 or email njahs@njahs.org. Ticket Prices are: General Admission: $12.00NJAHS and BCSF member rate: $10.00. Senior and Youth Tickets: $5.00 You also get your tickets online at Brown Paper Tickets Online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/178719.

For more information, visit http://www.njahs.org.

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Matching Campaign to Aid Victims of Japan Earthquakes and Tsunamis

Posted on 16th March 2011 in Uncategorized

On March 11, 2011, the world watched helplessly as part of a nation was washed away. The devastating effects of the earthquake, subsequent tsunami and possible radiation leak disaster will forever be imprinted in our minds. As the people of Japan continue their search for survivors, we would like to convey hope and help them to rebuild their lives.

The Minami Tamaki LLP law firm and Inspirational Opportunities for Youth and Seniors (IOYS), a nonprofit foundation, will be working together to raise $50,000 in the next 30 days for victims of the Northern Japan earthquakes and tsunamis.

DONATE TODAY

100 percent of the proceeds raised will go towards citizen relief efforts in the most affected areas via the Northern Japan Earthquake Relief Fund established by the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California.

We are reaching out to you – our family, friends and colleagues. Minami Tamaki and IOYS ask that you help us raise $50,000 to help the citizens of Japan. Please reach into your pocket book and make a donation. No amount is too small.

To encourage your support through this campaign, Minami Tamaki and IOYS pledge to match 50 percent of your donation up to a combined $10,000. We believe our combined efforts will make a difference to those who desperately need our assistance and have lost so much.

Click here to donate online or write a check made payable to “JCCCNC” and send to:

Japan Relief Fund
c/o Minami Tamaki LLP
360 Post Street; 8th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94108

Donate before April 30, 2011, to ensure your donation qualifies for our match.

If you have any questions please contact LWon@MinamiTamaki.com. Please forward this to all your friends, family and colleagues. Together we can make a difference. Thank you.

INSPIRATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH AND SENIORS
AND MINAMI TAMAKI LLP

Minami Tamaki LLP is a law firm committed to the improvement of our communities, country and world by working with integrity for justice, equality and community every day.

Inspirational Opportunities for Youth and Seniors (IOYS) is a nonprofit foundation formed by Lynda Won-Chung, a Senior Counsel at Minami Tamaki, committed to providing small grants to non-profits servicing seniors and youth.

JCCCNC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in California that raised over $600,000 in 1995 towards citizen relief efforts following the Great Hanshin Awaji Earthquake that killed over 6,000 people and left over 300,000 people homeless. The donations received helped organize volunteer efforts to get food and water directly to the victims, citizen search efforts, clothing for those that lost their homes, essential supplies for women, children and especially seniors and we helped to feed and rebuild orphanages in Kobe.

 

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Donate to the Northern Japan Earthquake Relief Fund

Posted on 14th March 2011 in Uncategorized

The Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC) has established a fund to help the victims of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan on March 11, 2011.

Donate online via Causes

The largest earthquake to ever hit Japan registered at a 8.9-magnitude and struck at 2:46 pm in northern Japan near the Tohoku region killing hundreds and injuring many more. The death toll is expected to rise as recovery efforts continue.

100% of the donations will go directly towards citizen relief efforts in the most affected areas.

At this time the JCCCNC is only accepting cash donations. Please no relief goods or supplies.

In 1995, the JCCCNC raised over $600,000 towards citizen relief efforts for the Great Hanshin Awaji Earthquake that killed over 6,000 people and left over 300,000 people homeless.

The funds raised helped organize volunteer efforts to get food and water directly to the victims, citizen search efforts, clothing for the homeless, essential supplies for women, children and especially seniors and helped to feed and rebuild orphanages in Kobe, Japan.

The Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC) was established as a 501(c) (3) non-profit agency in California in 1973. The JCCCNC serves over 185,000 individuals a year and conducts numerous exchange programs between the United States and Japan. In spring of 2010 the JCCCNC lead a tour to Sendai, Japan.

Donations can also be sent to JCCCNC 1840 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94115 all donations will be acknowledged.

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We Cannot Afford to Lose on Goodwin Liu, Ed Chen Judicial Appointments

Posted on 20th September 2010 in Uncategorized

If you ever want to see an Asian American appointed to the Supreme Court, join us now to support Goodwin Liu and Judge Ed Chen.

President Obama’s appointments of Judge Ed Chen to the federal district court and of Goodwin Liu to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has been held hostage by Senate Republicans for reasons that can only be described as petty politics. While these appointments certainly should not be rubber-stamped by the Senate, the appointments should at least be presented for a vote by the full Senate.

“A determined Republican stall campaign in the Senate has sidetracked so many of the men and women nominated by President Barack Obama for judgeships that he has put fewer people on the bench than any president since Richard Nixon at a similar point in his first term 40 years ago,” reported the Washington Post.

If we cannot support the President’s appointments of extremely qualified Asian Americans to the lower courts against political obstruction, how can we ever expect him to appoint an Asian American to the highest court in the land?

Several activities and events are in high gear this week to stress the importance of ending the Senate gridlock and obstructionism of these nominations.

Tuesday, September 21: “STICK” Up for Goodwin! Movement Meeting

Join David Biderman, Joan Haratani, Dale Minami, Edwin Prather, Priya Sanger, Malcolm Yeung and others on Tuesday, September 21, 2010, at 12:00 noon, for a statewide coordinated event at the Law Offices of Edwin Prather, 461 Bush Street, Suite 350, San Francisco, to support the confirmation of Professor Goodwin Liu to the 9th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

In an effort to engage the grassroots, educate the mainstream about diversity on the bench, and change the media frame on Goodwin Liu’s nomination to the 9th Circuit, the Asian American Justice Center, National Asian Pacific American Bar Association and local Asian Pacific American (APA) bar organizations have launched a “Stick” Up for Goodwin! initiative and companion website (http://www.confirmnow.org).

The website provides the story behind the initiative, the lack of APAs in the federal judiciary, why Prof. Liu is important to the APA community, and other action items such as the nomination of Magistrate Judge Edward Chen for the District Court in the Northern District of California. The website also offers social media tools and traditional action alerts to help engage community members, such as uploading photos on how the stickers are used to increase visibility for the “Stick” Up for Goodwin! initiative and to build momentum toward confirming Goodwin Liu, as well as Ed Chen.

A similar gathering takes place on the same day in Los Angeles: Tuesday, September 21, 2010, at noon, at Jenner & Block LLP, 633 West 5th Street, Suite 3500, Los Angeles (lunch and refreshments provided). RSVP to the LA event by emailing contactapaba@gmail.com.

Friday, September 24: Press Conference with Asian American Electeds on Judge Ed Chen’s Appointment

Chinese for Affirmative Action plans on holding a press conference at 10:30 a.m. to discuss Judge Ed Chen’s appointment to the federal district court and what steps members of the community can take to end the roadblock on the Senate vote on his appointment. More details will be published here when available.

Wednesday, September 29: Alliance for Justice Brown Bag Lunch Briefing on Judicial Nominations During the Obama Administration

This brown bag lunch briefing by Alliance for Justice will include information on what you can do to help ensure the swift confirmation of Goodwin Liu and Judge Edward Chen to the federal bench.  The gathering is on Sept. 29, 1:00p.m. – 2:30p.m., at Howard Rice, Three Embarcadero Center, Seventh Floor, San Francisco.

Nan Aron, Alliance for Justice president, will be the guest speaker. Light refreshments will be provided.

Senate Republicans recently prevented twenty-two out of twenty-six of President Obama’s judicial nominees from receiving an up-or-down vote on the Senate floor — despite the fact that the majority of those nominees have been waiting for several months and in two cases, a full year.  Two of those nominees, Goodwin Liu and Edward Chen, must now be renominated and reapproved by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

During this brown bag lunch you will learn more about the status of judicial nominations during the Obama Administration, the lack of diversity on the federal bench (especially for Asian American judges), and what you can do to help ensure Goodwin Liu and Edward Chen receive a vote on the floor of the Senate.

RSVP here

Finally, if you haven’t already done so, please sign a letter supporting Judge Chen on FairJudges.net and join other supporters of Goodwin Liu at ConfirmNow.org.

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Asian Law Caucus and Affiliated Groups Launch New Branding

Posted on 25th June 2010 in Uncategorized

The Asian Law Caucus and three affiliated Asian American civil rights organizations yesterday announced the adoption of “Asian American Center for Advancing Justice” as the new name for the affiliation of the four groups.

The organizations announced the new brand at the second annual Advancing Justice Conference, a three-day event focusing on issues of special interest to the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. The four affiliating organizations—the Asian American Institute (AAI), Asian American Justice Center (AAJC), Asian Law Caucus (ALC) and Asian Pacific American Legal Center (APALC)—jointly host the conference, which has brought together hundreds of participants from across the country.

“This represents a tremendous opportunity not only for the Asian Law Caucus and our sister organizations, but for the larger Asian American community,” said Titi Liu, executive director of ALC, the nation’s oldest Asian American civil rights organization. “Through Asian American Center for Advancing Justice, we will have a larger platform from which to speak about issues that affect our community.”

Asian American Center for Advancing Justice will address many of the issues that are currently the focus of headlines across the country, including immigration, LGBT, civil rights and worker’s rights.

“We are very excited to be part of this partnership of equals at a time when Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have a greater presence—both in numbers and in prominence—than ever before,” said Stewart Kwoh, president and executive director of APALC, the nation’s largest organization addressing the civil rights and legal services of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

The four groups will adopt their shared identity in stages over the coming years, explained AAI Executive Director Tuyet Le. “By affiliating gradually, we will maintain our identity and presence in our local communities. AAI is the leading pan-Asian organization in the Midwest, and we will continue to speak to local issues. Asian American Center for Advancing Justice gives us a voice to speak to national ones as well.”

Each organization will continue to be based in its home city: AAJC in Washington, D.C., APALC in Los Angeles, AAI in Chicago and ALC in San Francisco. AAJC will continue to serve as the lead on federal policy as well as other areas in which it has expertise. However, all member organizations do some work at the national level. On a given issue or area, any one of the member organizations may be the national lead for Asian American Center for Advancing Justice.

“As independent organizations coordinating around a set of shared vision and values, we will work to promote a fair and equitable society for all; strengthen civil and human rights; and empower the Asian American, Pacific Islander and other marginalized communities’” said Karen K. Narasaki, president and executive director of AAJC, one of the premier national Asian American civil and human rights organizations. “In formalizing relationships that have existed for many years, we are expanding our reach and effectiveness and speaking with one unified and powerful voice.”

For more information on Asian American Center for Advancing Justice, please visit www.advancingjustice.org.

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