OCA - Orange County Chapter » 2008

OCA-OC Newsletter - Week of July 27th

July 28th, 2008 | Category: Chapter Newsletter

Hello Everyone,
I am sure you have noticed a change in the layout and I hope you all think it is better.

A lot of work is put into these newsleters so I would like to encourage everyone to pass this newsletter on to friends and family who are interested in our mission and also to encourage them to sign up for our newsletter which can easily be done with the sign up box on the left. The newsletter is free as we wish to inform the community of Asian American issues and events and to encourage everyone to get involved and participate.

We are in July now which is past the halfway point in the year. I want to just thank all of the officers and board members for all the time and work they have put into the organization. We have accomplished a lot so far this year and I hope to accomplish even more by the end of the year. I just want to note that all of us are here on a volunteer basis so I want to thank you all for sacrificing your time for our cause. Everyone has been doing such a great job and I don’t think that they have received enough recognition. So I just want to thank everyone for a great first half of the year.

With that said, I want to encourage all of you to make a donation to our organization by signing up for membership. Benefits for membership can be found here. The small membership donation helps us to run this organization and provide quality events for all of you. Around the half point of the year, the drive to promote membership tends to diminish so I want to refresh the idea and encourage increased participation in OCA. A sign up form can be found here or you can e-mail our membership chair, Alex at alexq@oca-oc.org for more information.

Yao Lee
OCA-OC Vice President
Note: If you or your organization would like an event posted on our newsletter, please contact me at yaolee@gmail.com. Also, if any of you have news that you think would be beneficial or interesting to OCA-OC members, feel free to email me that as well. All requests will be reviewed before being posted.

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As a kind reminder to our members, OCA-OC officers are here to help you so feel free to contact us anytime. I am easily accessible through e-mail at yaolee@gmail.com. As you can see, the newsletter is constantly changing and always a work in progress. I am open to hearing from you regarding any topic: from our website and newsletters to suggestions you may have for our organization to how you can get more involved with OCA-OC. We are always looking for energetic individuals to help achieve our mission in empowering the Asian American voice in the Orange County and national community. The information found on this newsletter can also be found on our website here.

OCA News

ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICANS SET TO JOIN OCA IN NATION’S CAPITAL TO CELEBRATE 35th ANNIVERSARY
OCA’s National Convention to be held in Washington, DC, from July 31 through August 3, 2008

WASHINGTON DC - OCA, a national Asian Pacific American organization with over 80 chapters and college affiliates around the country dedicated to advancing the political, social, and economic well-being of APAs, is proud to announce that its 2008 Annual National Convention will be taking place in Washington, DC, from Thursday, July 31 through Sunday, August 3. This year is OCA’s 35th anniversary.

“The theme of this year’s convention is Voices for Progress: Celebrating 35 Years of Leadership and Commitment. We will take this opportunity not only to look back on OCA’s achievements, but also to focus on our vision for OCA and its role in the APA community for the next 35 years,” said Ginny Gong, OCA National President, “We hope you will be able to join us for this remarkable and memorable event.”

This annual event draws over a thousand Asian Pacific Americans from around the country and is one of the largest gatherings of APAs in the US. This year the convention features three days of workshops; exhibits and a career fair; a community health fair; an authors’ forum; the OCA Gala Awards Banquet; and special programs for APIA youth and college student leaders, corporate employees, entrepreneurs, and seniors.

OCA will also honor members of the Asian Pacific American community, including this year’s OCA Pioneer Award recipients: Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Arthur Dong, “Father of American Tae Kwon Do” Grand Master Jhoon Rhee, OCA founder KL Wong, and actress Nancy Kwan (invited). OCA will also recognize the achievements of its own members with the Chapter of the Year Award and the Unsung Hero volunteer awards.

The workshops, exhibits, career fair, and community health fair are free and open to the public. College, youth and senior activities are free but are open to a limited number of registered participants. Interested parties should contact the OCA National Center at oca@ocanational.org This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or 202 223 5500. Tickets for all meals and special events, including the Gala Awards Banquet, are available for purchase online at www.ocanational.org. A full listing of all events is online. Early registration closes July 20, 2007. The conference will take place at the Hilton Washington in Washington, DC.

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OCA Announces 2008 OCA/GM Unsung Heroes Awardees
Washington DC- OCA, a national organization with over 80 chapters and college affiliates across the country dedicated to ensuring social justice for Asian Pacific Americans, is proud to announce its 2007-2008 OCA/General Motors Unsung Heroes.

“We are honored to give the Unsung Heroes Award to ten OCA members whose tireless efforts, inspiring attitude, and generosity of spirit strengthen and build the APA community,” said Ginny Gong, OCA National President, “The Awards, created with generous support from General Motors Corporation, recognize our members for their hard work and dedication to OCA’s mission of advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans.

The awardees will be recognized at a presentation ceremony during the OCA Gala Awards Banquet. The Awards Banquet will be held on August 2, 2008, during OCA’s National Convention and 35th Anniversary Celebration in Washington, DC. All OCA members, except OCA Chapter Presidents, Executive Council members and National Staff, are eligible for this award.

“GM highly values volunteerism, and is committed to sponsoring organizations and programs that support the Asian American community. We are proud to sponsor the OCA/GM Unsung Heroes Award for the eighth year to bring recognition to deserving individuals working for the betterment of the Asian American community,” said Roderick Gillum, Vice President, GM Corporate Responsibility and Diversity

“The Unsung Heroes are the individuals who are diligently working behind the scenes, but who have inspiring stories that deserve to be shared,” said Michael Lin, OCA Executive Director, “OCA wishes to recognize them for the work they have done that has led to OCA and Asian Pacific Americans becoming a visible and integral part of their communities.”

The 2007-2008 Unsung Heroes Awardees are as follows:

Ken and Maricel B. Avelino (OCA-Greater Sacramento) are a powerful duo. Together, they produced OCA’s 2007 National Convention in Sacramento. Maricel’s theme for the convention “Light the Torch for the Next Generation” was prevalent throughout the event. The convention celebrated the APA community through an emphasis on unity and culture and was a huge success

Ann and Howard Chan ( OCA-Long Island) have been members of their OCA chapter for over 30 years, and recently became top fundraisers for the OCA-LI Gala. Ann has been Vice-President of Programming for the past five years, working hard nominating honorees for the annual galas, and programming meetings and events in the APA community.

Jerry S.Y. Cheng (OCA- New York) has served as President, Executive Vice-President and Treasurer of OCA- New York, and is currently a chapter board member. Jerry was very active in building up the Advisory Council and encouraging young professionals to sit on the advisory board. Jerry has also been able to successfully reach across lines, build coalitions with other organizations in the APA community, which has been a huge asset to the chapter

Phoenix Y. Cheng (OCA-Pittsburgh) has been an OCA member for over twenty years and has served as treasurer for much of that time. Phoenix helped reconstruct the chapter’s income statements, a daunting task that she accomplished diligently. As treasurer, she oversees many of OCA-Pittsburgh’s events and is also responsible for the General Fund, Youth Fund, Senior Fund, Cultural Fund, and United Way Fund. Her attention to detail and willingness to commit is unmatched.

Wallace S.J. Ching (OCA-Hawaii) has dedicated his life to public service. In 2006, when Wallace was president of OCA-Hawaii, the affordable housing that his father had dedicated much of his life to was being threatened with closure, and Wallace launched a strong campaign to keep it from being destroyed. He has made his life about giving back to the community in meaningful and concrete ways, strengthening both the OCA-Hawaii chapter and our community.

Mike Fong (OCA-Greater Los Angeles) is currently the community relations director for his chapter and has done a tremendous job fundraising for and organizing numerous events. Michael has gone full-force into the community to get people involved with and motivated about events, and was a member of several planning committees, organized raffle tickets, and helped to coordinate the silent auction for the OCA-GLA’s annual Image Awards.

Julie Hwang (OCA- Dallas/Fort Worth) has been an OCA member for six years and is currently a chapter board member and VP Secretary. She started her work with OCA as a facilitator for the youth leadership conference. She is now heavily involved in OCA events such as Feed the Homeless, PBS pledge drive, and the Junior Leadership Seminar. She is the editor and creator of the annual Lunar Program Book.

David Lai Len (OCA-New Jersey) is the chapter’s newsletter editor and has produced outstanding work, earning the chapter First Place in Chapter Excellence Award in Communication. He has also focused on raising awareness about human trafficking and for three consecutive years, he organized the OCA-New Jersey Human Trafficking Seminar. He also founded the Robert E. Wone Memorial Scholarship, which awards a scholarship to the winner of the OCA-New Jersey Asian American Essay Contest.

Wade W. Loo (OCA-San Mateo) has been a long-time member who never fails to help with dinners, mixers, scholarship luncheons, and Achievement Awards Galas. He is also the driving force behind the chapter’s annual Gala and works tirelessly on numerous tasks. He has been an invaluable asset in putting on events and organizing and motivating strong teams to help with OCA-San Mateo functions

Xiaochun Luo (OCA-Westchester/Hudson Valley) is the executive Vice President of OCA-Westchester/Hudson Valley chapter. She has worked hard to forge a strong relationship with Families with Children from China and volunteers for their events. Xiaochun served as the OCA Dynamic Achiever Award gala chair and meticulously planned the event and was very successful at fundraising, registering over 1,000 people for their Lunar New Year event.

Founded in 1973 as the Organization of Chinese Americans, OCA is a national organization dedicated to the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans in the United States.

Additional News
Historic Presidential Town Hall Available to be Viewed on You Tube & APIAVote Web site
Due to popular demand, APIAVote uploaded via You Tube the Presidential Town Hall event that featured Presidential Candidates as well as several performances emceed by Tamlyn Tomita.

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders made history on May 17th at the first APIAVote Presidential Town Hall, where Senator Hillary Clinton attended via live satellite feed, and Senator Barack Obama attended via teleconference. The Town Hall drew approximately 1,800 attendees, and an additional 2,800 joined the Town Hall online, according to online streaming partners ImDiversity.com and Punjabi Community Hour.

“This dialogue that unites our national leaders to our issues is just the beginning,” APIAVote interim executive director Vida Benavides said. “We would like to continue the conversation with our national candidates in the years and elections to come, not only when candidates campaign, but more importantly, when they have been elected to office.”

“The questions we had for Senators Clinton, Obama, and McCain reflect the diverse needs and disparities among our communities, and we certainly hope that they realize the growing strength and ability of how we vote accordingly based on these issues,” APIAVote co-chair Noe Kalipi stated. “We also anticipate that they increase their efforts to reach out to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Our votes are 3 million strong and growing steadily, and we are a permanent and increasingly influential fixture in the American electoral process.”

The Democratic Presidential Candidates addressed policy questions posed to them by local and national members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, including Doua Thor (Southeast Asian Resource Action Center), Napali Woode (Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement), MaryAnne Foo (Orange County Asian Pacific Islander Alliance). Senator McCain did not participate due to scheduling conflicts, and was represented by California State Representative Van Tran.

Photos and videos of the Town Hall are available at www.apiavote.org and www.youtube.com/apiavotenational. Clips online feature all of the Town Hall content including the presidential candidate portion and performances by Beau Sia, Camille Velasco, and Kaba Modern Legacy.

APIAVote is a national nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that encourages and promotes civic participation of Asian Pacific Islander Americans in the electoral and public policy processes at the national, state and local levels. For more information about APIAVote, please visit www.apiavote.org.

Upcoming OCA-OC Events

OCA National Convention
July 31st - August 2nd, 2008
Hilton Washington
1919 Connecticut Ave NW (At T St)
Washington DC
Price: Varies

OCA’s 2008 National Convention and 35th Anniversary Celebration is just around the corner! Taking place in Washington, DC, this year’s Convention will feature many exciting new workshops and programs.

OCA INTERNSHIP ALUMNI SUMMIT - Saturday, August 2, 2.30pm - 4 pm
In celebration of OCA’s nearly 20 years of internship programming, OCA will host the first ever OCA Internship Alumni Summit during the 2008 Convention. The Summit will provide a forum for alumni to share their thoughts on the future of OCA’s programs, keeping internship alumni engaged, and developing regional programs and an alumni-based advisory council. Interested alums should contact George Wu at gwu@ocanational.org.

GALA AWARDS BANQUET - Saturday, August 2, 6 pm-10 pm
The OCA Gala Awards Banquet is your chance to dine and dance in style at the Convention. Join us at a special Gala Awards Banquet as we celebrate our 35th Anniversary and honor our volunteer members, scholarship awardees, and OCA Pioneer Award honorees. This year’s OCA Pioneer Awardees are Academy Award nominee Arthur Dong, actress Nancy Kwan, Father of American Taekwondo Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee, and OCA founder KL Wang.

For more information, visit the website.

Convention flyer can be found here.

FULL SCHEDULE of Convention Events

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OCA-OC presents
Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China’s First Emperor
at Bowers Museum

September 5, 2008
4pm, 5pm, 6pm
Bowers Museum
2002 N Main Street, Santa Ana CA

The Bowers Museum offers free admissions on Friday nights for up to 100 visitors per hour at 4, 5, and 6pm. For a limited time only, Bowers Museum presents the largest exhibit of Emperor Qin’s Terracotta Army ever seen outside of China. This Terracotta army of soldiers, servants, musicians, acrobats, and animals silently remained underground for two thousand years. Until, in 1974, Chinese farmers digging a well made the startling discovery of a terracotta head.

Now is your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see one of the 20th century’s greatest archaeological finds, often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the Ancient World.

Members and those interested: Please join us for casual dinner afterwards at the GREEN PARROT CAFÉ at 7:30pm directly across from the museum. Please RSVP for dinner by 9/1/08.

Green Parrot Cafe: 2035 N Main St, Santa Ana CA

For additional information, please contact Betty Chu at BettyC@oca-oc.org

Upcoming Community Events

FCC Orange County Olympics Madness
Date: August 9th, 2008
Time: 1PM to 4PM Location: Cal State Fullerton Titan Student Union
800 N State College Blvd
Fullerton, CA 92834

Get your Olympics spirit revved up with an afternoon of Beijing fun at “The Pub” in the basement of Cal State Fullerton’s Titan Student Union. We will be showing the Olympics opening ceremony on a big screen with other Olympic events on small TVs all around the room. Kids can learn all about the “Friendlies,” play games, and win medals.

In addition to the fun planned by FCC in the Pub itself, parents can take kids to bowl, play ping pong, and other games offerred for a fee in facilities located adjacent to the Pub.

Parking is free at Cal State Fullerton on Saturdays. The best place to park is north of the Titan Student Union (TSU) in the parking structure off State College north of Dorothy Lane.

For more information, contact Debbie Kister at http://www.fwcc.org/

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Save the Date! “Summer Relief” Mixer
Date: August 16th, 2008
Time: 6PM to 10PM Location: Morono Kiang Gallery
218 West 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013

OCA-GLA in association
Co-host with APEX, Chinatown Service Center, Families with Children from China, Garcia Calderon Ruiz LLP, Little Tokyo Service Center, Morono Kiang Gallery, Search to Involve Pilipino Americans and The Taiwanese American Professionals.
Community Sponsors: APABA, CAUSE, The Chinese Historical Society of Southern California and Friends

OCA-GLA is excited to be hosting Summer Relief, a community mixer to benefit the victims of the cyclone in Myanmar and earthquakes in China. This will be a perfect time of year to celebrate the summer, network with the community and contribute to a great cause.

Sponsorship opportunities available. Contact Clara Chiu at OCA-GLA for more information.

Minimum Suggested Donation $15 to the American Red Cross

Artwork from Li Yan one of the leading artists from the Beijing art scene.
Musical Performances by Projekt Newspeak and a DJ.
Delicious drinks will be provided by Hypnotiq, PAMA and The Coca Cola Company.
Street parking is available and paid parking on 3rd Street between Hill and Broadway.

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Annual Pacific Southwest 12th Annual Awards Dinner
PSW’s Heroes of Redress: 20 Years of a Living Legacy
Date: September 13th, 2008
Location: Grand Events Center
4101 E Willow St
Long Beach, CA 90815

The dinner will include a live band, silent auction and awards for those outstanding Pacific Southwest members who made such a large impact during Redress.

The annual dinner is the districts’ largest fundraiser, funding district youth programs, such as Project: Community!—a high school youth advocacy program, and Campus Leadership—a collegiate leadership training. Aside from these programs, the annual dinner will help support district initiatives on public policies and advocacy work as well.

For more information, please contact the district office at 213-626-4471 or email at psw@jacl.org.

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NAAAP National Convention
August 21-24th, 2008
Location: Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is proud to be the host of the 22nd Annual National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) Convention & Diversity Career Fair, which boasts the theme, “Leadership: Rising and Shining Stars.”

The NAAAP National Convention will include a two-day diversity career fair, more than 20 workshops focused on leadership, management, entrepreneurship, diversity and community service, over 45 national and local workshop speakers, inspiring keynote speakers, Friday and Saturday dinner galas, valuable networking, and exciting entertainment.

SPEAKERS AND WORKSHOPS

Year after year, NAAAP has been graced with many high profile individuals who have donated their time and energy to speak and inspire our community. Confirmed speakers this year include:

Mike Honda, United States Congressman
John Chiang, California State Controller
Scott Oki, philanthropist, former Senior Vice President, Microsoft
Kelly Hu, Actress
Coco Lee, Singer
Members of the band Linkin Park
J.D. Hokoyama and LEAP (Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics)
Workshop and Panel Topics will include:

Leadership for the 21st Century
How ERGs and BRGs are Good for the Bottom Line
Non-Profits: How to Really Get Involved
Asian Americans Breaking into the Entertainment Industry
How to Work with the Media
Open Space Technology
Going for the Gold: Asian Americans in Sports
Negotiations with a Killer Attitude
Conflict and Dispute Resolution
Financing Your Small Business
CAREER FAIR

This year’s diversity career fair will take place in the California Showroom of the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles on August 22 and 23 from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Exhibitors include:

ARAMARK
Dell
Microsoft
Raytheon
Safeco Insurance
Sodexo
Wachovia Bank
Coors Brewing Company
McDonald’s
State Farm Insurance Company
The Coca Cola Company
Sun Microsystems
UPS
and many more!
Admission to the career fair is free. Simply register http://www.naaap.org/careers, attend the fair and land your dream career!
Please visit our convention website for additional information and registration!

For volunteer opportunities for the day of the event, please fill out this form and email Billy Wang at billyhnl@hotmail.com.
Volunteer positions needed:
Registraton: help assist checking in convention attendees
Career Fair - assist corporate recruiters with specific needs and/or tasks.
Speakers/workshops: help Speakers Coordinator with specific tasks and also handle technical problems and maintain the stationary camera during taping of the session.
Host/Hostess: meet and greet attendees and assist with directions in the convention area or ballroom.
Runners/’as needed’: ready to help at a moments notice to assist when called upon.
*Golf Tournament: help check-in golfers, drive golf cart to deliver drinks to golfers and assist with award ceremonies.

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OCA-GLA 17th Annual Image Awards
October 3rd, 2008
Omni Hotel, Lost Angeles

Additional information to come in the near future…
Check for updates here.

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Irvine Global Village Festival
Date: October 4rd, 2008
Time: 10AM - 6PM
Location: Bill Barber Park
4 Civic Center Plaza
Irvine, CA 92606
Price: Free

Make plans to travel the world at the City of Irvine’s Annual Global Village Festival on Saturday, October 4, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Bill Barber Park. Boasting artistic cultural performances on three stages, the Festival’s live entertainment is a mosaic of music and dance representing more than 50 cultures from Europe, Asia, Africa, and North and South America. Immerse yourself in cultural displays, world religion and demonstrations, indulge in international cuisine, explore our world marketplace and keep the little ones in motion with hands-on art projects, games and activities in a giant, interactive Kids Village.

Festival admission and parking are free. Food court tasting tickets are available for purchase at the event. Bill Barber Park is located adjacent to the Irvine Civic Center on Harvard between Barranca and Alton.

Additional information can be found at their website: http://www.irvinefestival.org
For question, email festival@ci.irvine.ca.us.

Scholarship Opportunities
The Southern California Institute of Technology is offering two scholarship programs for qualified low-income individuals to get an education at no cost to them. The two curriculums offered through the scholarships are: Accounting Specialist, and Business Administration. It is a 7-month program and our Job Placement Department help to place students with companies local to the Orange/Los Angeles/Riverside Counties. Students may also continue their education to achieve a Bachelor of Science Degree (All programs). SCIT is fully accredited and has been in business in the city of Anaheim for over 21 years. Please contact Trinh Dang, admissions counselor for Vietnamese students at SCIT by phone at (714) 300-0300 ext 216. More information can be found on their website: www.scit-scu.edu/
Additional Opportunities
2009-2010 OCA Executive Council Nominations
OCA’s Nominations Committee is currently accepting nominations for those interested in running for a 2009-2010 Executive Council position in the October 2008 election. The eligibility requirements, official duties, and term conditions of the Executive Council members are available from our Bylaws which will be provided upon request from any of the OCA-OC officers/board of directors. No nominations will be accepted after September 1, 2008.

If you are interested, please contact one of the following members of the Nominations Committee:
Virginia Ng ( New Jersey), Chairperson, virginialou@yahoo.com
Joyce Eng (Greater Sacramento), jeng916@sbcglobal.net
Jhemon Lee (Orange County/Inland Empire), jhemon@post.harvard.edu (Our very own Board member)
Winnie Tang ( South Florida), winnievhtang@aol.com
David Yao (Greater Washington, DC), davidyao@patriot.net

This is your opportunity to help guide and shape OCA as we enter our next 35 years of leadership and commitment. We hope you will consider running for an office on the OCA Executive Council!

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OCA E-Newsletter July 2008 | The Convention Issue

July 17th, 2008 | Category: Chapter Newsletter

OCA 2008 NATIONAL CONVENTION IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!

The Convention will take place Thursday, July 31 through Sunday, July 2 in Washington, DC! Hundreds of OCA members and friends will come to our nation’s capital for three days of information, education, and celebration.
Whether you join us for workshops featuring APA experts and entertainers, submit your resume at the Career Fair, or dance the night away at the Gala Awards Banquet, we hope that we will see you this month in Washington!
But hurry! Early registration ends this Sunday! Click here and REGISTER ONLINE TODAY!

WHO ARE OUR VOICES FOR PROGRESS?

This year’s Convention theme is Voices for Progress: Celebrating 35 Years of Leadership and Commitment, recognizing the role of OCA members and supporters in advancing the well-being of APAs. Our Voices for Progress are involved in every aspect of our community, giving their leadership and commitment in ways large and small, on the national stage and in everyday life.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER JENNIE CHIN HANSEN
Jennie Chin Hansen is the first Asian Pacific American president of the AARP. Elected in 2008, Hansen spent nearly 25 years as the executive director of a family of non-profit organizations providing primary and long-term community-based care in San Francisco. Jennie Chin Hansen will be the keynote speaker at our Chapter Awards Luncheon on Friday, August 1, 2008.

Read Jennie Chin Hansen’s full bio here

SMITHSONIAN ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN PROGRAM VOICE FOR PROGRESS
In just 10 short years, the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program has had significant impact on how the Smithsonian, the world’s largest museum complex, is evolving to better reflect the diversity of our nation. Since 1992, the Program has provided vision, leadership, and support for APA activities at the Smithsonian, while serving as the Smithsonian’s liaison to APA communities.
Join us Friday, August 1, at a Night of Recognition for the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program!
More information about the Night of Recognition at the Smithsonian
Read about the Night of Recognition for the APA Program, in Asian Fortune
Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program website

UNSUNG HEROES OCA’S OWN VOICES FOR PROGRESS
The OCA/General Motors Unsung Hero award is given each year to 10 OCA members whose tireless efforts and inspiring leadership help strengthen and build the OCA and APA communities. The OCA/General Motors Unsung Heroes are volunteers who exemplify the spirit of Voices for Progress.
Join us at the OCA Gala Awards Banquet on Saturday, August 2, as we honor these Voices for Progress!

OCA-OC Newsletter - Week of July 13th

July 14th, 2008 | Category: Chapter Newsletter

Hello Everyone,
There are not many new updates this week, but I just want to remind everyone of the upcoming events. We have the OCA National Convention coming up at the end of the month. I know it is out in Washington, DC but for those of you who are able to make it, I think it will be a very educational and fun experience. I have heard many good things about the event and this year will be my first time attending it so I am really looking forward to it. Also, we have the Bowsers Museum event in September. For those who have never seen the Terra Cotta Warriors, this is an event you definitely will not want to miss. Finally, we are participating in HKASC’s mixer on July 24th which will showcase OCA-OC so that’s would be a good event to attend. Finally, I want to note the NAAAP Convention event that’s taking place toward the end of August. It is being organized by one of our very one board members, Jhemon Lee who has been a vital role to OCA-OC’s operations. The event will take place in Los Angeles and will span across the entire weekend with workshops, events, banquets, and a career fair so there’s definitely something for everyone. I strongly encourage everyone to attend if you have no prior engagements. It takes places every year but hardly in a location as close as Los Angeles so don’t miss this opportunity to check it out.

Also, I just want to mention that there have been layout changes to the newsletter and I would appreciate any input on the new look and how you think it can be improved or what you like about it. Our board runs on positive reinforcement so any comments, good or bad are welcome and encouraged.
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As a kind reminder to our members, OCA-OC officers are here to help you so feel free to contact us anytime. I am easily accessible through e-mail at yaolee@gmail.com. As you can see, the newsletter is constantly changing and always a work in progress. I am open to hearing from you regarding any topic: from our website and newsletters to suggestions you may have for our organization to how you can get more involved with OCA-OC. We are always looking for energetic individuals to help achieve our mission in empowering the Asian American voice in the Orange County and national community. The information found on this newsletter can also be found on our website here.

OCA News

ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICANS SET TO JOIN OCA IN NATION’S CAPITAL TO CELEBRATE 35th ANNIVERSARY
OCA’s National Convention to be held in Washington, DC, from July 31 through August 3, 2008

WASHINGTON DC - OCA, a national Asian Pacific American organization with over 80 chapters and college affiliates around the country dedicated to advancing the political, social, and economic well-being of APAs, is proud to announce that its 2008 Annual National Convention will be taking place in Washington, DC, from Thursday, July 31 through Sunday, August 3. This year is OCA’s 35th anniversary.

“The theme of this year’s convention is Voices for Progress: Celebrating 35 Years of Leadership and Commitment. We will take this opportunity not only to look back on OCA’s achievements, but also to focus on our vision for OCA and its role in the APA community for the next 35 years,” said Ginny Gong, OCA National President, “We hope you will be able to join us for this remarkable and memorable event.”

This annual event draws over a thousand Asian Pacific Americans from around the country and is one of the largest gatherings of APAs in the US. This year the convention features three days of workshops; exhibits and a career fair; a community health fair; an authors’ forum; the OCA Gala Awards Banquet; and special programs for APIA youth and college student leaders, corporate employees, entrepreneurs, and seniors.

OCA will also honor members of the Asian Pacific American community, including this year’s OCA Pioneer Award recipients: Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Arthur Dong, “Father of American Tae Kwon Do” Grand Master Jhoon Rhee, OCA founder KL Wong, and actress Nancy Kwan (invited). OCA will also recognize the achievements of its own members with the Chapter of the Year Award and the Unsung Hero volunteer awards.

The workshops, exhibits, career fair, and community health fair are free and open to the public. College, youth and senior activities are free but are open to a limited number of registered participants. Interested parties should contact the OCA National Center at oca@ocanational.org This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or 202 223 5500. Tickets for all meals and special events, including the Gala Awards Banquet, are available for purchase online at www.ocanational.org. A full listing of all events is online. Early registration closes July 20, 2007. The conference will take place at the Hilton Washington in Washington, DC.

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OCA RECEIVES NEW INTERNSHIP FUNDING FROM THE COMCAST FOUNDATION
WASHINGTON DC - OCA, a national organization with over 80 chapters and college affiliates across the country dedicated to ensuring social justice for Asian Pacific Americans, is proud to announce that the Comcast Foundation has provided funding for the OCA Summer Internship Program in 2008.

“The OCA Internship program is one of OCA’s signature programs. Every year, we bring about 30 college students to Washington, DC, to work at the highest levels of the public sector. Our interns have gone on to become leaders in business, government, and their communities,” said Ginny Gong, OCA National President, “Nurturing youth leadership is one of OCA’s major program areas, and we are excited to be working with Comcast to continue this very successful program.”

Comcast will fund seven highly motivated and accomplished college students to participate in the OCA Internship Program, including a special Intern Day hosted by Comcast. The interns will be placed at such agencies as: Department of Justice, Department of Energy, Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Interns have also been placed at Congressional offices and at partner organizations from the NAACP, NEA to APIA Vote. In addition, interns participate in weekly brown-bag lunches and OCA’s annual National Convention.

“We are proud to support this unique internship program for Asian Pacific American community members,” said Susan Gonzales, Vice President of the Comcast Foundation. “The OCA intern program provides outstanding training and education necessary to support the growth of our future leaders.”

“The OCA Internship program is one of the largest and longest-running programs of its kind,” said Michael Lin, OCA Executive Director, “We are dedicated to continuing to reach out to the next generation of leaders and providing opportunities for them to gain experience in Washington, DC. Comcast’s support of the program will certainly help us bring this program to the next level.”
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