As I have commented many times in the past on 8asians, Asian-Americans are not very politically active or involved, so it’s nice to read “Asian-American Youth Venture Into Cal Politics” (sorry for the late post on this article..):
“In recent years, several Asian Americans have risen to prominent political positions, such as U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao and former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta. Californians have also elected
several Asian and Pacific Islanders to state legislative office, including Sen. Leland Yee, Assemblymen Mike Eng and Van Tran, and Assemblywoman Fiona Ma. But despite increasing leadership in this community, Asian Americans make up less than 10 percent of the California legislature even though they are 13 percent of the population….Overall civic participation in the Asian-American community, including voting, has been historically low. A study conducted by the Asian Pacific American Legal Center showed that, overall, 53 percent of registered voters went to the voting booth in the 2006 primary elections, while only 43 percent of registered Asian and Pacific Islanders voted.” (New America Media, Aug 07, 2007)”
The article goes on to describe organizations trying to inspire young Asian Americans to pursue public service, including the California state legislature. One organization is the Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus that organized “Internship Day at the Capitol.” This year’s event brought together about 50 young Asian Americans to meet legislators, students and staff members to get insight on working with state legislation. With more efforts like this, let’s hope that more Asian Americans across the nation get involved in public service and politics.
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Gary Locke was governor for WA state for a long long time. Highest position that Asian Americans had achieved for a while until those other positions mentioned. I believe the first state to also achieve the highest in state positions.
Most Asian Americans that have any public service type work usually move from public to private practice pretty quickly and don't stay.
Again, depends on the generation and geography. There are some young professionals where I am that are Asian American and taking more background type roles on nonprofit boards and commissions, instead of actual public service (like myself).
Gary Locke was governor for WA state for a long long time. Highest position that Asian Americans had achieved for a while until those other positions mentioned. I believe the first state to also achieve the highest in state positions.
Most Asian Americans that have any public service type work usually move from public to private practice pretty quickly and don't stay.
Again, depends on the generation and geography. There are some young professionals where I am that are Asian American and taking more background type roles on nonprofit boards and commissions, instead of actual public service (like myself).
Feb 16: Adam WarRock and Kirby Krackle: West Cost Tour Dates!!!
Feb 17: (Los Angeles, CA) All My Sons
Feb 18: (Stanford, CA) Stanford’s 16th Listen to the Silence Conference
Feb 25: (Los Angeles, CA) Past Present I Future Imperatives: Queer Space Time
Mar 3: (New York, NY) Vong Pak’s ‘Electric Shaman’ Concert
Apr 30: (Sacramento, CA) California Asian Pacific Islander Policy Summit 2012: iAdvocate