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2024 NATIONAL CONVENTION
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OCA National Convention 2024
Only a few days left until our National Convention in Philadelphia, PA!

Important note: Full-package registration is closed but free registration is still available for anyone interested! ** Here is the breakout session RSVP page. ([link removed])

Safe travels and we hope to see everyone very soon!

Be sure to download the Whova app to:
👉 Navigate the event agenda and logistics, even without Wi-Fi or data
👉 Communicate with other attendees via the Community Board or direct messaging
👉 Access the most updated schedule
👉 Participate in interactive activities, and much more!

Invitation code for Whova app is: ocaconphilly

** CONVENTION WEBSITE ([link removed])
UPDATES
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2024 OCA-UPS Gold Mountain Scholarship Recipients
OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates, in partnership with the UPS Foundation, proudly announces the 2024 recipients of the OCA-UPS Gold Mountain Scholarships, supporting first-generation AANHPI college students with financial aid to pursue higher education.

** CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ([link removed])
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President's Circle Initiative
💫 Still curious to learn more on how you can get involved in PCI and what the benefits are in becoming a donor? The contribution required to become a PCI member is $1,000, and this can be an individual commitment or it can be shared among a group of friends/colleagues! To submit donor pledges, click ** HERE ([link removed])
. More information on PCI can be found ** HERE ([link removed].)
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** CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ([link removed].)
PRESS RELEASE
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OCA Commemorates the Anniversary of Vincent Chin’s Death
OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates honors the anniversary of Vincent Chin’s death, a catalyst for AAPI activism and a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle against anti-Asian racism and the need for continued vigilance and action. ** Click here to read more. ([link removed])

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OCA Denounces Biden Administration’s New Immigration Restrictions
OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates opposes the Biden Administration's executive order targeting asylum seekers and migrants at the Southern border, and urges for compassionate and secure approaches that uphold the fundamental right to seek asylum. ** Click here to read more. ([link removed])

EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
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Taking Root Documentary

Join us for the screening of Taking Root Documentary on July 11th, 3:30-5:30pm at FACTs Charter School, Philadelphia. This documentary on Southeast Asian refugee resettlement will be followed by a panel with SEA Freedom Network, VietLead, and Asian Americans United.

Learn about local Asian American organizing and support the SEARR campaign.
** RSVP FROM HERE ([link removed])
** (mailto:[email protected])

** (mailto:[email protected])

Nominate for OCA Executive Committee Positions

Here's an election you can get excited about!

Nominate your favorite Board Member, or self-nominate for one of 11 OCA Executive Committee positions.

Application package is available, nominations are open until July, and elections will be held in November 2024.

Email ** [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
with interest or questions.
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Fuel the Next 50

After introducing potential donors to your work, they may find giving appreciated stock attractive. Stock giving means their contribution will go even further to support your chapter’s initiatives, all while saving on taxes. ** Learn how to give stock today! ([link removed])
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Help us update our OCA Intern Alumni Directory
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 35 years. ** Fill out the form ([link removed])
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CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS
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OCA - St. Louis Chapter
OCA St. Louis Chapter’s annual gala this year featured an Asian night market theme, bringing connection, fun, and community to a special night.

We were extremely honored to have Michelle K. Hanabusa, Founder & Creative Director of L.A. streetwear brand UPRISERS and co-founder of #HateIsAVirus, join us as the keynote speaker. Michelle inspired us with her lasting message of advocacy and celebration for the Asian American community, as well as emphasizing unity across immigrant communities as a whole. Read below to learn more about the motivation behind her 1924 project.

Thank you to our sponsors, volunteers, OCA members, and OCA Board. We could not have done this without each one of you, and we are so grateful for your support!

OCA - San Mateo Chapter
OCA - San Mateo and the Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation held a storytelling workshop and tour on 6/22/2024. Fifteen participants from ages 15 to 67 learned about the history of Angel Island and storytelling skills from Ed Tepporn, executive director. Immigrants from Asian countries were detained there from 1910-1940. It was a very scenic half hour ferry ride from the San Francisco Ferry Building. If you are in San Francisco, do take some time to visit this historic museum highlighting the immigration experiences of our ancestors coming to America and see the poetic writing carved on the walls. See the Lego model.

On June 29, 2024 a group of us from OCA - San Diego and OCA - San Mateo, hosted by Linda Ng, National President, visited the historic town of Locke, California. Founded in 1915, Locke is the only rural Chinese town left in the United States. During its heyday from the 1920-40s, Locke was an autonomous island of Chinese culture and business with a population of 600. Located about 30 miles south of Sacramento, Locke is the legacy of extraordinary efforts made by the Chinese in developing agriculture in California. The Locke Foundation provides docent tours of this National Historic Landmark. Fascinating history, worth a visit!
On June 25, 2024, Aimee Yan, President of OCA - San Mateo spoke at the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors meeting at the request of Unitedly, a new nonprofit serving Chinese and AAPI American immigrants and families living in the county to request funding allocation. Though the county's Asian population has grown to over 30%, and the need for culturally appropriate services are in demand, Unitedly was not funded. OCA - San Mateo was there to express that the Asian community feels invisible and neglected, and to remind the Board of Supervisors not to forget about the Half Moon Bay shootings and recent domestic violence headlines involving Asian families.
CHAPTER EVENTS
Presidential Town Hall Watch Party by OCA - Greater Cleveland Chapter

OCA Greater Cleveland will host a local watch party for the 2024 AANHPI Presidential Town Hall on Saturday, July 13, 2024, from 2-5 p.m. at Li Wah Chinese Restaurant in Asia Plaza at 2999 Payne Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio.
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OCA National Center
Embracing the hopes and aspirations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

900 19th St. NW, 6th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20006

Copyright © 2024 OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates, All rights reserved.

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