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UPDATES
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Rise Above Stigma - A Virtual Book Talk with Author Michelle Yang
Join us Thursday, October 9th at 7:30 PM ET for a virtual conversation with author Michelle Yang to discuss her memoir ** “Phoenix Girl: How a Fat Asian with Bipolar Found Love,” ([link removed])
and themes of emigration, mental health, self-love, and healing.

This event is co-hosted by the National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association and OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates.
** REGISTER HERE ([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])
September Donors
Thank you to our August donors: 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.
PRESS RELEASE
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OCA Condemns USCIS Rule Limiting Voter Registration at Naturalization Ceremonies

OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates calls on USCIS to reverse its policy blocking nonpartisan groups from registering new citizens at naturalization ceremonies. ** Click here to read more. ([link removed])

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OCA Denounces Supreme Court Ruling Allowing Roving Immigration Patrols, USCIS Expansion of Armed Agents

OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates condemns the decision that allows the federal government to target immigrants and communities of color based on racial profiling. ** Click here to read more. ([link removed])

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OCA Condemns U.S. Department of Education for Ending Grant Funding for Minority-Serving Institutions
OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates strongly opposes the U.S. Department of Education’s decision to cut discretionary funding for Minority-Serving Institutions, including AANAPISIs, warning it will harm underserved students and undermine educational equity. ** Click here to read more. ([link removed])

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OCA Deeply Concerned by Disney’s ABC Censorship of Jimmy Kimmel
OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates condemns Disney’s ABC’s censorship of Jimmy Kimmel, warning that such actions undermine free speech and threaten democratic principles. ** Click here to read more. ([link removed])

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OCA Demands Congress Act Now to Keep Government Open and Protect Healthcare Coverage
OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates urges Congress to immediately resume government operations and extend ACA tax credits to protect millions of Americans, including hundreds of thousands of AANHPI families, from losing affordable healthcare. ** 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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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 EVENTS
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Advocacy Leadership Summit by OCA - Greater Phoenix Chapter
The Advocacy Leadership Summit 2025 is a three-day intensive event designed for college students, recent graduates, and community leaders to move from passion to impact. Through expert mentorship, strategic advocacy training, and powerful networking opportunities, participants will learn how to transform ideas into action, engage directly with policymakers, and build lasting partnerships.

Date: Saturday, November 15 - Monday, November 17
Location: Sema Foundation (325 N. Austin Dr #4 Chandler, AZ 85226)
** REGISTER HERE ([link removed])
OCA - San Mateo
OCA - San Mateo held its 37th Asian American Achievement Awards Dinner and Fundraising Gala on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Grand Palace Restaurant in South San Francisco. In attendance were Thu Nguyen, OCA National Executive Director, and Linda Ng, former OCA National President. The event welcomed over 200 attendees, including many local elected officials, who came to celebrate the 2025 honorees: Monica Yeung Arima, OCA life member and philanthropist; Randall Yip, founder of AsAmNews.com; Frank Jang, community photographer; and Mina Fedor along with her team at AAPI Youth Rising.

OCA - Wisconsin
For OCA - Wisconsin, September has been a month of bringing our community together through the activity of folding dumplings at two events. At one gathering, the OCA - WI Board invited new members to an evening of fellowship by folding and sharing dumplings. Intentionally casual, it was a warm and enjoyable way to welcome new members.

At a second dumpling event, OCA - WI’s volunteers taught attendees how to fold origami paper dumplings while sharing stories and favorite memories about dumplings. At this event, OCA - WI served as a community partner at the annual “China Lights” festival, which features lantern sculptures created by artisans from Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc. and is hosted by Milwaukee’s Boerner Botanical Garden. We had a wonderful time sharing warmth and friendship with one another and with the public!
AFFILIATE HIGHLIGHTS
OCA - San Mateo
On September 25th, Georgetown VSA hosted their "Cover Letter & Eat Better" event, providing students at Georgetown University with cover letter-writing tips while enjoying delicious dumplings. “The workshop was deeply helpful for me in developing my professional career," says one attendee. "The instructors were very supportive and helpful with improving my resumé and increasing my confidence in presenting myself for future applications and career fairs.”
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