An Invitation from AEA’s Board of Directors
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I warmly invite you to become a member of AAPI Equity Alliance (AEA). Since 1976, AEA has been the most influential and strongest collaborative voice for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities in Los Angeles County. Becoming a member will give you an opportunity to be part of the process that defines and prioritizes the direction of AEA to best serve our diverse ethnic enclaves.
Who we are?
Established in 1976, AEA is a coalition of over 40 agencies as well as individual supporters who advocate for the rights and services of the AAPI community in the greater Los Angeles region. AEA’s work is carried out through committees and task forces whose purpose is to initiate action of major policy and planning issues in many areas such as health, human service, education, and culture. It serves as a voice, convener and clearinghouse for the AAPI communities with an emphasis on the needs and rights of immigrants, low-income families, and other disadvantaged populations. AEA is a space for both older and emerging AAPI community organizations to influence governmental policies and facilitate collaborative work among the agencies.
What we have done?
- Coordinated outreach efforts to Southern California AAPIs to serve on the new California State Redistricting Commission. Almost 4% of respondents statewide, and 5 of the 14 commissioners were AAPIs
- Coordinated outreach efforts for AAPI communities to participate in the 2010 Census
- Conducted an assessment of the impact of immigrant integration among emerging AAPI communities in LA
- Hosted several signature events to build capacity among AAPI organizations to access philanthropic funds
- Cohosted countywide foreclosure fairs which served multiple AAPI languages
- Supported the working relationships of university faculty and students with community agencies through the Research Roundtable
- Set up meetings for membership to meet with city, county, state, and federal elected officials, and county staff to advocate for the needs of AAPI communities
- Testified at key hearings such as the redistricting for the 2012 County Board of Supervisors, LA City Council, and LAUSD
- Initiated or partnered with other groups to hold hearings such as The State of AANHPI Mental Health, Legislative Hearing on the Housing and Foreclosure Crisis, and the Place-Based Funding Hearing
- Played an instrumental role in the formation of the Asian Unit formed at DPSS and the Asian Pacific Counseling and Treatment Centers at County Mental Health
- Advocated successfully for Asian language interpreters for county healthcare facilities.
- Advocated for DCFS to include countywide programs for AAPIs in its 2012 RFP for “Safe Children and Strong Families”
- Started an AEA Environmental Justice Committee working on a San Gabriel Mountains National Recreation Area, and education on how rising ocean levels threaten the Pacific Islands
How does this benefit you?
You can expect your membership to include…
- Technical/logistical support for collaborative advocacy efforts
- Networking, collaboration, and partnership opportunities
- Access to elected officials’ offices and government agencies or departments
- Invitations to many community events such as receptions to meet key policymakers
- Free or discounted access to AEA signature events including: meetings with corporate sponsors and foundation program officers, capacity building trainings in social media, mixers with AAPI legislative aides
- Free access to AEA’s information database, listserv, and tech media so you can share information on your events, activities, and job offerings
- Free newsletters
- Letters of support for agencies and/or issues when appropriate
- Leadership roles in AEA committees
I hope you will choose to become a member either at the organizational or individual level today. Download our membership form, and mail it with your membership fee to:
AAPI Equity Alliance
905 E 8th St
Los Angeles, CA 90021
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. Thank you for your interest.
Regards,
Rachelle Arizmendi, President of AEA Board of Directors
Tracy Zhou, Treasurer of AEA Board of Directors
