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** OCA NATIONAL CONVENTION EARLYBIRD REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
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Registration is open! Get tickets to OCA's 50th Anniversary Convention and save money with these early bird prices. You get access to our luncheons and dinner events which will include exclusive performances by AAPI artists and a seat at our Awards Gala!

FREE registration is open for all of our sessions and our new OCA Day on the Hill!
CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ([link removed])
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** DAY ON THE HILL
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JOIN US FOR A DAY ON THE HILL! We will be providing mandatory advocacy trainings so that you can engage with your members of Congress on AAPI related issues.

Participants must show up in-person in Washington, DC and check in at the OCA National Convention to receive their nametag and materials.


Space is limited so RSVP ASAP!
REGISTER HERE ([link removed])
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** OCA Creative Arts Scholarship
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In celebration of OCA’s 50th anniversary, up to four (4) individuals will be awarded a full-ride scholarship to the upcoming OCA National Convention taking place in Washington, D.C. on July 12 to 16, 2023. A full-ride includes convention registration, airfare, and lodging.

This scholarship is exclusive to those who’ve participated in OCA National’s youth programs between 2019 and 2023. Youth programs include the OCA National Internship Program, OCA National scholarships, APIA-U: Leadership, and APA Y-Advocate.

To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must submit an original piece of creative work, such as illustrations, paintings, poetry, essays, etc. that OCA may publish in the next issue of OCA’s in-house magazine, IMAGE.

OCA members will be voting to determine the winners of this scholarship.

The deadline to apply is April 30, 2023 at 11:59 PM PT.

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]?subject=OCA%20Creative%20Arts%20Scholarship)
APPLY HERE ([link removed])
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** Convention T-shirt Design Contest
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In celebration of OCA’s 50th anniversary, we will be holding a t-shirt contest for the #OCACON23. Get your creative cap on for a chance to have your design featured on shirts at our #OCA50Years Anniversary Convention which will take place in Washington, D.C. on July 12-16, 2023. The winner will be awarded one full registration convention ticket.

Disclaimer: The award is ONLY convention registration and does NOT cover airfare and lodging.

To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must submit an original piece of creative work. OCA members will be voting to determine the winners of this scholarship. Everyone is eligible and encouraged to apply!

The deadline to apply is April 14, 2023 at 11:59 PM PT.

If you have any questions please contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]?subject=OCA%20National%20Convention%20T-shirt%20Design%20Contest) .
APPLY HERE ([link removed])

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UPDATES
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AAD Q2 Career Foundations Program

Looking to take your career to the next level? The Asian American Dream's Q2 Career Foundations Program in May is the perfect opportunity to build and grow the foundations of your career. This program will consist of four virtual sessions (you must attend all four):
* Professional Development Workshop: May 11th, 2023, from 7-8pm ET
* The Classics Workshop: May 15th, 2023, from 7-8pm ET
* Cultural Training Workshop: May 23rd, 2023, from 7-8pm ET
* Industry Mentorship & Exposure Meet and Greet: May 31st, 2023, from 5-7pm ET

The deadline to register is Friday, April 28th at 11:59 PM ET.

** LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE ([link removed])
** ([link removed])
Presidents Circle Initiatve

** SUBMIT A PROPOSAL APPLICATION HERE ([link removed])
** ([link removed])
Intern Alumni Directory Form
We are requesting all OCA National internship program alumni to fill out the OCA Intern Alumni Directory Form to help us update our internal database so we can stay in touch with our intern alumni from the last 30+ years. If you are a former OCA National internship program participant, ** please complete this form ([link removed])
. Any questions can be directed to ** [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
.

** COMPLETE THE FORM HERE ([link removed])
** ([link removed])
AAPI Digital Access Survey
Internet access has become a civil rights issue - we want to advocate for digital equity by listening to our AAPI communities. Specifically, we want to understand where and how AAPIs have internet access.

The collected data will be used to bridge the digital divide among the AAPI community by informing legislators, policy makers, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and other stakeholders.

Help us create a disaggregated data set and challenge the model minority myth that most AAPIs have stable, high-speed internet and have technology devices!

Participants can enter a raffle to earn a $100 Amazon gift card after they take the survey.

** Here is the link to the survey – it is currently available in English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Nepali, Urdu, and Khmer. (Other languages are pending.) ([link removed])

Please take the survey first, and share it with your family, friends, colleagues, and peers – especially those with limited internet access.

The survey will be available through April 28th, 2023.

If you have any questions or concerns, please send an email to our ** Broadband Access and Digital Equity Fellow, Yen Jeong. (mailto:[email protected]?subject=AAPI%20Digital%20Access%20Survey)
** TAKE THE SURVEY ([link removed])
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News — In Remembrance of the Atlanta Spa Shootings
OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates Executive Director, Thu Nguyen remembers the Atlanta spa shooting.

** Read more her ([link removed])
** e ([link removed])

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News — OCA Congratulates Glenn D. Magpantay on His Appointment
OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates congratulates Mr. Magpantay on his appointment to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.

** Read more her ([link removed])
** e ([link removed])

** ([link removed])

DAY x OCA IMAGE Magazine
The special Dear Asian Youth x OCA edition of IMAGE Magazine is now available to read online! Featuring over 40 works of art from Asian youths from around the globe, this collaboration marks just the start of an exciting partnership between DAY and OCA, including joint advocacy efforts, programming, and education.

Read this edition in full at
** ocanational.org/image. ([link removed])

** ([link removed])

Stream the 2022 OCA National Convention Online
Missed out on our 2022 National Convention? You're in luck! Our recordings of over 20 sessions are now available to stream online. Receive 24-hour streaming access for $29 or 1-year streaming access for $49.

Learn more at ** bit.ly/ocacon22 ([link removed])
.

POLICY CORNER
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2021 Annual Report

Despite the pandemic's severe impacts, OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates remained committed to our core policy priorities and programs in 2021.

** READ THE REPORT HERE ([link removed])
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** K-12 AANHPI Curriculum Project ([link removed])
* ** FOLLOW and SHARE our Instagram ([link removed])
where we post a majority of our content! @k12aanhpi_project
* VISIT our ** Linktree ([link removed])
and donate to our project, sign our petition, and visit our website to learn more about our project in-depth!

If you have any questions, please email ** OCA's (mailto:[email protected]?subject=K-12%20AANHPI%20Curriculum%20Project)
** Executive Director Thu Nguyen. (mailto:[email protected]?subject=K-12%20AANHPI%20Curriculum%20Project)
CHAPTER SPOTLIGHT

OCA-Greater Cleveland

The OCA Greater Cleveland Dragon Dance team along with Kwan Lion Dance and Pacific Paradise Entertainment represented the Cleveland Asian Festival in the 2023 Cleveland St. Patrick's Day parade to promote Cleveland's cultural diversity and our event on May 20 & 21, 2023.
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OCA-Wisconsin

OCA-WI members were featured in special community programming by the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre for their World Premiere performances of Lloyd Suh’s “The Heart Sellers” in Feb/March. This play gives voice to the Asian immigrant experience in the 1970’s with the landmark Hart-Celler Act. Adrian Chan was the guest speaker for the Rep’s Dinner Dialogue with community members, exploring the Asian immigrant experience with “how far do you go to achieve your dreams?” Celine Wong reflected on her immigrant story in an oral history recording “Accept Who You Are” as part of the Rep’s “Living History” series.

** Click here to read the article ([link removed])
Other March activities:
* Members joined AAPI phone banking for the April 4th election.
* Involvement in the AAPI Caucus Education Roundtable with fellow AAPI community members. Discussion: Did you know that Wisconsin Public Schools are not required to include Asian American history in their curriculum? Learn how we can take action to urge Wisconsin lawmakers to teach Asian American History in Wisconsin schools.
* Milwaukee PBS had invited AAPI friends to a virtual online chat and screening event on the film “Free Chol Soo Lee”. It depicts the rollercoaster life story of Chol Soo Lee, a Korean immigrant wrongfully convicted of murder. Sentenced to life for a 1973 San Francisco murder, Korean immigrant Chol Soo Lee was set free after a pan-Asian solidarity movement, which included Korean, Japanese, and Chinese Americans, helped to overturn his conviction. After 10 years of fighting for his life inside California state prisons, Lee found himself in a new fight to rise to the expectations of the people who believed in him. The discussion covered topics including racial injustice, impacts of incarceration, movement building, and centering Asian American stories.

OCA-Greater Tucson

On March 30th, OCA Greater Tucson presented AANHPI Arizona, history and the OCA curriculum library AANHPI modules at the Tucson Unified School District professional development day. This was a joint effort with Greater Phoenix to generate support for a bill to mandate AANHPI curricula in K-12. The bill died last month, so we will try again in 2025. We also presented cultural behaviors in some AANHPI students which allowed teachers to be strategic in their interactions with them. We answered questions on how best to develop trusting relationships with AANHPI students and parents. Double Tree—Reid Park, Tucson.
OCA-Georgia

OCA Advocate-Georgia celebrates our 40th Anniversary this year on May 6th at the Buckhead Club at 3344 Peachtree Rd, NE Suite 2600, Atlanta, Georgia. Our Keynote Speaker for the evening is the Honorable Judge Carla Wong McMillian. Please visit our Facebook page for further details to our auspicious event for sponsorship and tickets. ** [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
or President Brian Lin at ** [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Governor Brian Kemp presented a Proclamation commemorating our 40th Anniversary to the OCA Board members at the State Capital on March 15th, 2023.

We were also delighted to meet newly elected State House Representative Soo Hong.

Our notable Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning and Pitfalls education seminar was made possible by a grant from NAAAP’s Chopstix for Charity. It was well-attended on March 18, 2023 at the Public Safety Hall in Chamblee.

OCA-Greater Houston

March 9 Post-event Description:
Thank you to all who attended the Texas AAPI advocacy day at the state capitol on March 9, 2023. We held a press conference and visited offices to inform them of what legislation is important to our community. The Texas legislature meets twice a year for 140 days. These sessions result in the passage of important laws that significantly impact Asians and Pacific Islanders. We hope that you all continue to interact with our elected officials and develop long-term relationships with them!

Match 15 Post-event Description:
On March 15, 2023, OCA-GH and Community partners took on the 88th TX Legislature with a day full of art, community, and YOUth power.

EVENTS + OPPORTUNITIES
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Amazing: Asian American and Pacific Islanders Who Inspire Us All Book Signing with Maia & Alex Shibutani

Please join us in welcoming Olympic medalists Maia & Alex Shibutani as they sign their new picture book, " Amazing: Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Who Inspire us All".

This beautifully illustrated picture book highlights the achievements of many Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have made invaluable contributions to the world.

** Saturday, April 8th ([link removed])

Location: Barnes & Noble at Ala Moana – Honolulu, HI

In Store signing

Time: 2pm HST


** Saturday, April 15th ([link removed])

Location: Barnes & Noble at The Grove – Los Angeles, CA

In Store signing – Books and tickets for the event can be purchased ahead of time

Time: 2 – 4pm PST


** Tuesday, April 18th ([link removed])

Location: Yu and Me Books – Chinatown, NY

In Store signing

Time: 5:30 – 7pm EST
** ([link removed])
Association of Chinese Americans 2023 Immersive Summer Internship Program - OCA-Detroit

Have ideas for the future of Asian Pacific Americans (APA) in the United States? Curious about how a Non-profit organization operates on a day-to-day basis? Aspired to become a next-generation community leader? The ACA Immersive Internship Program is for you. Providing practical skills and applicable professional experience through our 10-week-long challenging but rewarding Summer Internship Program is our ultimate goal for the applicants of 2023. The qualified candidates will have the opportunity to apply their school-learned knowledge in real-life action, and gain hands-on experience in social work, events, and marketing campaigns. The APA community in the great metro Detroit area is crying for your input, and we are ready to mentor you and help you grow.
** APPLY NOW ([link removed])
** ([link removed])
May 6: 2023 ACA Community Fundraising Concert - OCA-Detroit

In celebration of its 50th anniversary, Association of Chinese Americans (ACA) - Detroit Chapter of OCA will hold a Community Fundraising Concert at Lamphere High School in Madison Heights, MI on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 7:00 PM. For more information, please visit ** acadetroit.org ([link removed])

** Click here to ([link removed])
** register ([link removed])
** (http://)

April 7: Coffee with Cops - OCA-Georgia
Coffee with Cops is an active partnership we enjoy with Georgia Advocates for Crime Prevention which enables open dialogues with local law enforcement agencies.

When: 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, Friday, April 7th, 2023
Where: Global Mall Food Court - 5675 Jimmy Carter Blvd, Norcross

** ([link removed])

April 13: Youth Advocacy Day - OCA-Greater Houston
OCA-Greater Houston and Grace Place (formally Montrose Grace Place) will be hosting a joint youth-led advocacy day on Thursday, April 13 in Austin, TX. We will be meeting with legislators and decision-makers on our youth priorities: civil rights, homelessness/poverty, public education, public health, and the justice system. Join us to meet your representatives and make your voice heard!

** Click here to ([link removed])
** join us ([link removed])

** ([link removed])

April 18: Situational Awareness Workshop - OCA-Greater Houston
This year join OCA-Greater Houston's free, 1.5-hour, interactive training to gain tools & knowledge on how to intervene and become a confident and effective bystander against racism and discrimination. Our next workshop will be on April 18.

** Register for this workshop here ([link removed])

** ([link removed])

June 25: 2023 ACA x CGAM Golf Outing - OCA-Detroit
Association of Chinese Americans (ACA) - Detroit Chapter of OCA along with Chinese Golf Association of Michigan presents 2023 Spring Golf Outing. This fundraising event will be held on Sunday, June 25 at Mystic Creek Golf Course. For more information, please visit ** acadetroit.org ([link removed])

** Click here to ([link removed])
** r ([link removed])
** egister ([link removed])

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OCA National Center
Embracing the hopes and aspirations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

900 19th St. NW, 6th Floor
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