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2025 OCA NATIONAL CONVENTION
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Convention Swag Back by Popular Demand!

The convention swag order has been extended until September 16 for OCA chapter members only. Tote bags are now $15 each. This is the last chance to order 2025 convention swag!
** SWAG ORDER FORM ([link removed])
UPDATES
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2025 OCA Summer Internship Program Recap
August 8th marked the end of the 10-week OCA Summer Internship program in Washington D.C. Over the summer, the interns engaged in weekly “Sama Sama” sessions to discuss AANHPI issues, heard from guest speakers in the field of politics and advocacy, and participated in workshops aimed at leadership and professional development and personal enrichment. In June, they partook in OCA’s APIA-U: Leadership training, where they refined their advocacy and leadership skills alongside other AAPI interns in D.C..
In July, our interns met with their respective members of Congress to advocate for three pieces of legislation related to AANHPI mental health, AANHPI curriculum in schools, and birthright citizenship. Their advocacy efforts resulted in Representative Lateefah Simon’s co-sponsorship of a bill aimed at breaking down stigma around mental health in our AANHPI communities. Our interns wrapped up their summer in Seattle, Washington for OCA’s National Convention, where they supported event logistics, networked with OCA chapter members and leaders, and learned from AANHPI changemakers.

This summer, they learned about and contributed to OCA’s mission, supported the incredible work of a congressional office and the numerous non-profits they were placed at, and cultivated meaningful connections with each other and other AANHPI leaders.

Click the button below to watch the 2025 OCA Summer Internship Program recap video created by OCA’s summer Communications Intern Isabella Vaka!
** INTERNSHIP RECAP VIDEO ([link removed])
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#SpeakUp for Higher Education
Higher education changes lives—and it's time to share how. ** AAPI Data ([link removed])
, ** Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education (APAHE) ([link removed])
and ** OCA ([link removed])
are building a movement to #SpeakUp for higher education and protect the institutions where we learn, grow, and thrive. Share your story with us today at ** aapidata.com/speakupsurvey ([link removed])
and be a part of this movement.
** SHARE YOUR STORY HERE ([link removed])
August Donors
Thank you to our August donors: Connie So, Amy Wipfler, Bruce Huang, Vinay Murthy, Armida Barretto, Brandi Alexander, Hoang-Viet Tran, Cora Chan, Linda Kan, Dean Hirabayashi, Thomas Wu, Siddarth Sharma, Nicholas Huynh, Kaying Yang, Vida Lin, Brian Kieatiwong, David N Fong, Catherine Lee, Roland Hwang, Janice So, Miriam Yeung, Andrew Lee, Janice Zahn, Paul and Wendy Leung, Ed Pien and Danielle Schor, Cindy Ryu, Maxine M Chan, Astria Wong, Rebecca Chan, Paul Herstein, Woon-Wah Siu, and Stan Lou for your generous contributions towards the President's Circle Initiative! Your contributions directly support local OCA chapter programs and projects that impact AANHPI communities around the country.
NCAPA PARTNER BRIEFING
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Statement from Tin Thanh Nguyen, Attorney for Two Southeast Asian Immigrants Deported to Eswatini Written by Flores Strategic Communications and Shared by SEARAC
As Kilmar Abrego Garcia faces possible removal to Uganda, two Southeast Asian men secretly deported to Eswatini remain detained without charges, legal counsel, or a clear explanation. ** Click here to read more. ([link removed])
EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
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NCAPA Story Collection
We are looking for AANHPI perspectives on how recent executive orders have impacted different members of the community. We are looking to collect stories from community members and organizations on how they currently rely on federal programs, such as health care, social security, and language access or adversely impacted by policy changes to immigration, education, equity and inclusion, and beyond. We would be grateful for your perspective on these federal changes if you have them and also if you could support us in sharing our storybank with your partners, members, and community.
** SHARE YOUR STORY TODAY ([link removed])
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Share Your OCA Origin Story!
For 50 years, OCA has been a powerful voice for our communities, growing and evolving—from the Organization of Chinese Americans to OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates. But our true strength comes from you—our members, volunteers, and supporters who have shaped this journey.

We want to celebrate your experiences, your impact, and the stories that connect us. Whether you've been with OCA for decades or just joined, your voice matters. Take a moment to share your story and be part of the legacy we continue to build together!These testimonials will play a vital role in our storytelling efforts, helping us highlight the impact of OCA through our members' voices.

Your story could be featured in IMAGE Magazine, on our social media, or in our monthly newsletter!
** SHARE YOUR OCA STORY TODAY ([link removed])
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U.S. Writers Aid Initiative Grant Opportunities
** The U.S. Writers Aid Initiative (USWAI) ([link removed])
is intended to assist fiction and nonfiction authors, poets, playwrights, translators, and journalists in addressing short-term financial emergencies. To be eligible, applicants must be professional writers based in the United States, and be able to demonstrate that this one-time grant will be meaningful in helping address a short-term emergency situation. The fund is limited, and not every application can be supported. Grant decisions are made on a quarterly basis by a volunteer committee of literary peers in consultation with PEN America staff.

Writers currently enrolled in degree-granting programs are also not eligible. Writers do not have to be Members of PEN America to receive a grant, but all recipients of emergency funding will be given a complimentary one-year PEN America membership.

Questions may be addressed to ** [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
** WEBSITE LINK ([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

OCA - New England Chapter
On August 24–25, OCA - New England Chapter hosted its first Regional Leadership Summit (RLS), the second-ever summit following last year’s launch in Las Vegas with the local chapter. The summit featured a series of workshops and an AAPI officials and candidates panel aimed at strengthening advocacy skills. It concluded with a visit to the Massachusetts State House, where participants met with legislators to discuss local bills and request their support. This milestone event represents a significant step forward in advancing AANHPI leadership and civic engagement in the New England region.
CHAPTER EVENTS
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OCA Night Market Gala by OCA - St. Louis Chapter
OCA - St. Louis Chapter is thrilled to announce that the rescheduled OCA Night Market Gala will be on Friday, September 26, 2025, from 7-10pm at Forest Park Probstein Golf Course!
The chapter postponed the original gala due to the tornado that hit St. Louis in May. This rescheduled event will be an evening focused on our strengths within the AANHPI community and ways to help uplift and support the broader St. Louis community.

If you have any questions or cannot make the new date, please reach out to ** [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
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** BUY YOUR TICKET HERE ([link removed])
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OCA Annual Potluck Picnic by OCA - New Jersey Chapter
Come Join OCA families for a day of fun – a great way to stay connected and meet other families in the area. All families are welcome!

Location: VAN SAUN COUNTY PARK – PAVILION C *
Parking Info: Area P1, P2 and P3 (adjacent to the Bergen County Zoo and Carousel)
Address: 216 FOREST AVENUE, PARAMUS, NJ 07652
Date: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2025
Time: 11:00am – 4:00 pm
(rain or shine – we have a covered pavilion)
Note: Bring a dish to share with 8 People

The event is open to all current OCA Members at no cost, $10 for non-members. Registration includes admission to The Zoo, Train Ride and Carousel. Registration is Required for All.

Deadline to Register: September 20
RSVP’s received after this date may not be applicable to the above amenities.

e–mail questions to: ** [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
or text to 201 723-7422.
** RSVP HERE ([link removed])
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** Facebook ([link removed])
** OCA National Website ([link removed])
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 © 2025 OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates, All rights reserved.

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