CA Commission on Asian Pacific Islander American Affairs Hearing

Term: 

Spring 2015

Description: 

The CA Commission on Asian Pacific Islander American Affairs Hearing was held on April 27, 2015 at UC Riverside, California. The mission of the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs is to elevate the political, economic, and social issues of Asians and Pacific Islanders by contributing to and strengthening how state government addresses the needs, issues, and concerns of the diverse and complex Asian and Pacific Islander American communities. Commissioners of the California Commission on APIA Affairs invited panelists to the hearing to discuss the challenges that Asian and Pacific Islander undocumented immigrants face.

Learning Outcomes: 

SWiBAT identify new bills that will affect undocumented students. 

SWiBAT gain new networks from interacting with panelists and commissioners. 

SWiBAT improve public speaking skills by appropriately preparing for the presentation. 

Assessment Rubric: 

	Advanced	Competent		Basic	Poor
SLO #1 New Bills	Have done research on new bills that affect undocumented students and could effectively advocate for multiple bills		Have done research on new bills that affect undocumented students and could effectively advocate for one specific bill	Have done research on new bills that affect undocumented students but do not know the details	Was not aware of new bills that affect undocumented students
SLO #2 Networking	Introduced themselves to commissioners and panelists, exchanged contact information, and  discussed bills they supported		Introduced themselves to commissioners and panelists and exchanged contact information	Introduced themselves to commissioners and panelists	Did not make the effort to introduce themselves
SLO #3 Public Speaking	Prepared for the presentation and confident in their presentation		Prepared for the presentation and somewhat confident in their presentation	Somewhat prepared for the presentation	Did not prepare for the presentation

Evidence: 

I had been invited by Jacqueline Wu from the Orange County Asian Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA) to speak about the needs of undocumented Asian American Pacific Islander students. We met at the Community Gathering Event that the Asian Pacific American Center (APARC) and the Asian American Studies (ASAM) had put on. She knew about my work as a Graduate Assistant at the Titan Dreamers Resource Center providing support to undocumented students. When I was offered the opportunity to advocate for undocumented AAPI students I did not hesitate. I knew that sharing my experiences would be helpful. I started researching AB 1366, which would require the California Community Colleges and the California State University, and encourage the University of California, to create Dream Resource Centers on each campus to assist certain students. It would help streamline the access to financial aid and other opportunities for undocumented students. I researched SB 247, which would authorize the governing board of each school district or county office of education to establish Dream Centers in high school to provide information about support services available to undocumented students as they pursue higher education. I also researched the Health for All Bill (AB 4), which would provide health care coverage for all Californians. I felt that I needed to advocate for this bill as well because our students are not just affected by what goes on on-campus, they are also affected by what happens to them and their families off-campus. Health care is a huge need for our undocumented students and their families. I would give myself an “Advanced” for researching new bills.


I would give myself a “Competent” for networking at this event. I was able to go and introduce myself to both commissioners and panelists. I was able obtain contact information from a few of them. I was able to connect with Commissioner EunSook Lee and MaiKa Yang. I also exchange contact information with representatives from the Korean Resource Center and Asian Americans Advancing Justice. It was great to speak to them and find out projects they are working on and possible collaboration we could plan to further advocate for the undocumented AAPI immigrant communities. 

Although I had researched the bills I presented on carefully and practiced my testimony, I still felt very nervous when I began speaking in front of the Commission. I stumbled on a few words in the beginning. However, I kept my composure, and I was actually confident in my answers when the commissioners asked specific questions regarding the bills and experiences of undocumented AAPI students. I was able to also highlight the need to streamline some of the current laws, especially the three year in CA high school requirement to be classified as an AB 540 student. I was able to highlight the struggles of undocumented students who don’t qualify for AB 540 and who have to pay out-of-state tuition. I felt that it was important that they are not forgotten. I would give myself a “Competent” rating for public speaking. 

Here are some pictures from the hearing:

Reflection: 

I really felt good advocating for undocumented AAPI students. I feel that as a community, our narratives or voices are not always heard. This was really a chance for me to voice some of the needs and concerns of our students. It also helped put in perspective why I want to be in this profession and that is to serve marginalized, underrepresented and underserved students. It also reminded me the power in saying “YES” to these opportunities and challenging ourselves to reach higher. Serving our students doesn’t only involve things that happen on-campus. Their lives are more complex and serving them holistically means that we must look at what affects them off-campus as well. It means being cognizant of the needs of their families and their communities. It really was a privilege to be given a chance to do this.

Asian Pacific American Resource Center Community Gathering Event

Term:

Spring 2015

Description:

The Asian Pacific American Resource Center (APARC) and Asian American Studies (ASAM) Community Gathering event took place on April 15, 2015 in the Garden Café at Cal State Fullerton. The event brought together students, faculty, and staff to network, build relationships and celebrate the Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month. It was the first time the gathering was held.

Learning Outcomes:

SWiBAT collaborate with the Asian Pacific American Resource Center and Asian American Studies department.

SWiBAT gain new networks from interacting with attendees.

SWiBAT improve public speaking skills by being a Master of Ceremony for the event.

Assessment Rubric:

	Advanced	Competent		Basic	Poor
SLO #1 Collaboration	Helped plan the event, went to all of the meetings, and cultivated a sense of teamwork		Helped plan the event and went to some of the meetings	Helped plan the event	Did not help plan the event
SLO #2 Networking	Introduced themselves to attendees, exchanged contact information, and discussed plans for more collaboration		Introduced themselves to attendees and exchanged contact information	Introduced themselves to attendees	Did not make the effort to introduce themselves
SLO #3 Public Speaking	Prepared for the presentation, confident in their presentation, and enjoyed themselves		Prepared for the event and somewhat confident in their role	Somewhat prepared for the event	Did not prepare for the event

Evidence:

I was approached by Kayla Dean, the Graduate Assistant of Asian Pacific American Resource Center (APARC), who asked if I would like to collaborate with her for this event. I’ve collaborated with her in the past presenting on undocumented Asian American Pacific Islander students. It was a great opportunity to collaborate again. She included me in some of the planning. I helped her pick the food, looked at the venue to organize placement of tables and logistics. I went to some of the meetings but not all of them, but I was also kept in the loop through email communications with the contact person for Asian American Studies, Dr. Jen Yee. I would give myself a “Competent” on collaboration. I really helped anyway I can as co-MC of the event. Before the event started I helped Kayla set up and worked with the facilities coordinator to make the space ready. We took turns welcoming and introducing people. We really had fun facilitating the ice breaker to get students to speak to faculty and staff. It really was a huge success. 

When we had breaks in between, I made sure to speak to the guests and speak to community members. I was able to introduce myself to Jacqueline Wu from the Orange County Asian Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA). After exchanging contact information, we talked about possible future collaboration. One of the things we discussed was organizing the AAPI community to vote for 2016. I talked to her about collaborating to increase awareness of the needs of undocumented AAPI immigrants. I also introduced myself to faculty from ASAM and talked about the work that the Titan Dreamers Resource Center has been doing in incorporating the AAPI experience in our programs. This was important in building relationships with ASAM faculty and making our Center and services known. It really was a great opportunity for us to get to know each other. I would give myself “Advanced” in networking. 

I really enjoyed being a co-MC for the Community Gathering. I felt relaxed speaking to the audience with a mic and facilitating the ice breaker. I even made a few jokes to lighten the mood and get people to talk to each other. I saw that Kayla and I were very effective in getting the students to speak to faculty and staff, which encouraged us even more. I think the fact that it was a relaxed setting probably helped me feel at ease and comfortable. I would rate myself “Advanced” for public speaking. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and it was evident that the attendees did too. 

Here are some pictures from the event:

Reflection: 

From this event I learned that I am capable of being a good public speaker. I think the trick is getting myself in a comfortable place and being confident in what I know and contribute. I learned that sometimes putting yourself out there brings opportunities to do great things. Because I introduced myself to Jacqueline Wu, I given the opportunity to testify in front of the CA Commission on Asian Pacific Islander American Affairs and advocate for undocumented AAPI students. I can feel that I am much more comfortable in the program and confident in my skills and knowledge as well. I have changed from last semester. Pushing myself to take on opportunities like this has helped me come out of my shell even more. I am actually excited about collaborating and the possibilities of coming up with richer programs that will better serve all our students. 

National Conference on Campus Sexual Assault & Violence

Term:

Spring 2015

Description:

The 2015 National Conference on Campus Sexual Assault and Violence was held on February 24-25, 2015 in Berkeley, California. The conference brought together scholars, trainers, activists, survivors, elected officials, and university professionals who are committed to addressing the issue of sexual assault and violence from diverse viewpoints. Attending the conference, I wanted to learn about current efforts and policies to help educate and prevent the occurrence of sexual assault: how to respond to reports; and care for survivors.

Learning Outcomes:

SWiBAT identify one new concept or idea they learned and can apply in their work by attending conference workshops.

SWiBAT gain new networks from interacting with attendees.

SWiBAT gain a better understanding of rape culture by participating in workshop discussions.

Assessment Rubric:

	Advanced	Competent		Basic	Poor
SLO #1 New Concept	Attended various sessions at the conference and gained new information that can be applied to professional work		Attended two sessions at the conference and gained new information but could not understand how to apply to professional work	Attended one session at the conference but did not gain any new information		Did not attend any sessions at the conference
SLO #2 Networking	Attended more than two social events where I was able to connect with at least one new network		Attended at least two social events and initiated conversation with others but made no new networks	Attended one social event but was not able to gain any networks		Did not attend any social events
SLO #3 Discussion	Participated in all of the discussions and activities and remained engaged the whole time		Participated in most of the discussions and activities	Occasionally participated in discussions and activities		Did not participate in discussions

Evidence:

At the National Conference on Campus Sexual Assault and Violence, I marked down the workshops and presentations that I was unfamiliar with and really interested in learning more about. The keynote presentation titled “Risky Business” was an interactive theater presentation that shows the complexity of assault education and compliance through a very dramatic scene. Before this presentation, I didn’t expect to be triggered by the conference. However, the presentation was so real to me that it triggered an emotional response from me. It really impacted how I interacted with the other attendees and with the workshops. I thought that the activity of having to unpack with strangers after the presentation really put me in an uncomfortable and exposed feeling that didn’t sit well with me.  It really set the mood for the two days I was there. I didn’t feel like networking at all. So, I didn’t attend the mixer event the second day. I would rate myself as “Poor.”

Although I didn’t feel like meeting new people, I really wanted to learn something new. One of the workshops that I really enjoyed was on sexual violence and the LGBTQIA communities. I learned that about 10% of hate crimes gay men and lesbians include sexual assault and even when LGBTQIA survivors do report the crimes, they are often victimized again by stigma and microaggressions perpetrated by people who are supposed to help them. Learning that just by using inclusive language often make LGBTQIA survivors feel more supported, I am more intentional in using inclusive language that would help our LGBTQIA students feel more welcomed and supported. I also intend to incorporate experiences LGBTQIA survivors when I create a presentation for Fall 2015 about intimate partner violence in immigrant communities. I would rate myself “Advanced” for learning a new concept and integrating it to my work.

I remained engaged in all of the workshops I attended.  I participated in most of the discussions facilitated by the organizers.  I really enjoyed the workshop on rape culture on college campuses and the roles of the media and pop culture. We were able to get into small groups and examine movies, music and social media and the impact they have in shaping our attitudes about rape and survivors. I got a chance to see popular media in a different light. Songs and movies that seem harmless, like Baby It’s Cold Outside and 500 Days of Summer, perpetuate the notion that when a person says “NO,” you could just keep on insisting until they say “YES.”  It was eye opening how rape culture is normalized in the media.  It was great I was able to ask questions and hear from younger people talk about new movies or songs I haven’t heard of and seeing them deconstruct them and synthesize the information in their own experiences. It really gives me hope. I would rate myself “Competent” for discussions.

Here are some pictures from the conference:

Reflection:

Although I was triggered by the keynote presentation, I didn’t let it keep me from participating and learning valuable information about sexual assault and violence on college campuses. I also gave myself permission to take time for myself to deal with my emotions on my own terms.  At that moment I needed space for myself and refused to continue unpacking the presentation. I had to take care of myself.  I’m glad that I did. I think sometimes I try to suppress my emotions and distance myself from particular subjects.  I cannot expect myself to always appear to be “put together.”  The conference also allowed me to get to know my cohort mates better.  Rachael, Mai Moua, Johanna and I really hit it off.  We were able to discuss the workshops and what we have learned. I also appreciate that the conference consistently highlighted that gender violence is not just a “women’s issue” and encouraged the engagement and education of men in all levels of higher education to become allies in prevention efforts.