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2026 NATIONAL CONVENTION
DO NOT MISS THE EARLY BIRD DEAL!
🚨 The EARLY BIRD deal ends on May 17! Register for this year's OCA National Convention now to secure discounted prices. Gain exclusive access to convention events, including luncheons, dinner receptions, and a seat at the Awards Gala!
🎟️ Get your tickets at ** ocanationalconvention.org/full-registration ([link removed])

OCA members are eligible for our 5+1 deal. Buy five tickets, get one free! For more information, please contact Socheata Sun at ** [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
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** REGISTER TODAY ([link removed])
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🤝 Be a Part of the OCA National Convention Volunteer Team!
Eager to support Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities? Interested in being at the center of an extraordinary event?
We invite you to volunteer with us! Experience isn’t necessary – we’ve got all the training covered.

Connect with others, contribute to meaningful causes, and help us make this convention one for the books!
** SIGN UP TODAY ([link removed])
UPDATES
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Newtown Action Alliance #EndGunViolence Lunch & Lobby Virtual Event
Join us Monday's 12-1:30 p.m. EST for a briefing on the latest updates in the gun violence prevention movement followed by calls to Congress. We will provide everything you need in our toolkit and no prior experience is necessary.

You can choose to attend one or more of the following sessions (Time shows in Eastern Time):
* Apr 13, 2026 12:00 PM
* Apr 20, 2026 12:00 PM
* Apr 27, 2026 12:00 PM

** REGISTER TODAY ([link removed])
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Joe and Loanne Chiu Scholarship
We are now accepting applications for the Joe and Loanne Chiu Scholarship, which awards $5,000 to one current high school senior who will be a first-generation college student entering their first yera of undergrad in Fall 2026. Scholarship recipients will be required to complete one report per year during their undergraduate studies providing updates on their academic progress. Reports will be submitted via a form provided by OCA.

The deadline to apply is May 22, 2026.
** LEARN MORE & APPLY ([link removed])

2026 JACL/OCA Leadership Summit

Last month, OCA partnered with JACL to host the annual JACL/OCA Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. A cohort of 21 dedicated participants convened for a weekend of leadership development, advocacy training, and direct engagement with congressional offices. Throughout their visits, participants advocated for key legislation, including the Neighbors Not Enemies Act, the Vote Without Fear Act, and the Southeast Asian Deportation Relief Act (SEADRA), while also urging Senators to oppose the SAVE Act.

We extend our sincere appreciation to State Farm for their continued support in empowering the next generation of AAPI leaders.
OCA Supports Birthright Citizenship
On April 1, 2026, OCA, along with several other organizations, organized a rally outside of the Supreme Court of the United States in support of birthright citizenship. That day was the start of oral arguments for Trump v. Barbara, the case that will determine the fate of birthright citizenship—a right enshrined in the 14th Amendment.
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March Donors
Thank you to our March donors, Andrew Lee and Amy Nga Trang, 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 RELEASES
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OCA Calls for Protection of Voting Rights Following Executive Order Targeting Mail-In Voting
The executive order targets mail-in voting and threatens voter access, undermines democratic participation, and risks disenfranchising marginalized communities ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. ** Click here to read more. ([link removed])



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Voting Rights Groups Challenge Executive Order on Mail-In Ballots as Illegal Interference in Elections
President Trump’s unlawful executive order would take control of mail-in ballots from the states and create an unvalidated, error-prone system that would risk disenfranchising eligible voters

The president does not have constitutional authority to regulate elections. President Trump’s prior executive order on voting failed in court for the same reason.
** Click here to read more. ([link removed])



EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
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Seeking Participants for Research by Floris Yeung
Floris Yeung, a a 4th-year Clinical Psychology doctoral student at the Wright Institute, Berkeley, CA, is seeking participants for a study on language brokering among Asian-identified emerging adults.

This quantitative study seeks to explore the relationship between language brokering experiences and adjustment among Asian-identified emerging adults from immigrant families. Findings from this study aim to inform culturally responsive approaches to supporting Asian-identified emerging adults who serve as language brokers.

Participation involves completing a brief, anonymous online survey (about 10-15 minutes) and provides an opportunity to enter a raffle for one of the four $50 Amazon gift cards.

To participate in the study, please click the link ** HERE ([link removed])
or scan the QR code to access the survey.

Eligibility Requirements:
* Between the ages of 18 and 29
* Self-identify as having any Asian heritage or ethnic identification of Asian
* Come from an immigrant family, which includes individuals who were born outside of the U.S. (first generation), individuals who immigrated to the U.S. as children (1.5 generation), and individuals who were born in the U.S. with at least one foreign-born parent (second generation)
* Have lived in the United States for at least one year
* Have experience interpreting or translating between English and another language for others
* Are fluent in English

If you have any questions or need more information, please feel free to contact me at ** [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
. Your support in sharing this study would be greatly appreciated!
** PARTICIPATE IN THE STUDY ([link removed])
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Asian Study Participants Survey
PhD student Emily Thoman at Brandeis University is conducting a study on how Asian identity informs and impacts policy and political choices. If you are based in the Greater Boston Area, Houston Metropolitan Area, San Francisco Bay Area, or Minnesota Twin Cities Metropolitan Area, she is looking for more participants. She is particularly looking for more responses from males and individuals of South and Southeast Asian descent. $30 gift card to a store of your choosing as compensation for your time!
Please fill out a quick pre-screening survey (less than 5 minutes) ** HERE ([link removed])
. Emily will reach out to schedule a follow-up interview (1-1.5 hours). Please email Emily with any questions at ** [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
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** TAKE THE SURVEY ([link removed])
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Asian American Cohort Study
UCSF has launched ASPIRE an Asian American Cohort national study, hoping to learn more about possible causes of cancer in Asian Americans.
They are seeking to enroll people who are:
* Asian or Asian American (including non-U.S. citizens and/or multiracial)
* Age 40-75 years old
* Currently living in the US or US territories
* Not diagnosed with cancer

** CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ([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 HIGHLIGHTS
OCA - Greater Seattle Chapter
This week, Historic South Downtown, CID supporters, and OCA -Greater Seattle Treasurer Amy Chen Lozano joined Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson for the signing of House Bill 1408 — a milestone moment for the Chinatown–International District and other historic neighborhoods across our state.

HB 1408 directs a portion of state sales and use taxes generated by large open-air stadiums to local preservation and community development authorities. For the CID, this means access to a share of the revenue generated by the two stadiums that have long shaped — and strained — the neighborhood’s landscape.

For decades, the CID has endured repeated disruptions: a freeway cutting through its core, major sports stadiums to the west, light rail construction to the north, and some of the city’s highest concentrations of homeless encampments. Just three years ago, it was named one of the most endangered neighborhoods in the country.

Throughout the HB 1408 process, OCA - GS Treasurer Amy Chen Lozano worked closely with Historic South Downtown to advise decision-makers and strengthen outreach within the CID. Her leadership kept our board informed and helped mobilize community support to move this bill forward.

With the passage of HB 1408, we are hopeful for a new chapter — one where fresh investment can uplift small businesses, expand affordable housing, bolster social services, support arts and culture, and help the CID thrive as a vibrant, welcoming neighborhood for all.
OCA - Las Vegas Chapter
OCA - Las Vegas members and mentorship program mentees organized and donated over 8,000 items for a local community food drive geared towards addressing food insecurity throughout the Las Vegas valley. This community project is recognized as part of the America 250 Nevada Gives project.
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** 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
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Copyright © 2026 OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates, All rights reserved.

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