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2021 was a year of visibility for our fast-growing Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, but we were also in the headlines for more heartbreaking reasons. Many AAPI-owned businesses were shuttered, existing health disparities (especially those felt by Pacific Islanders) only grew, and we quickly became the targets of harmful, racist rhetoric that fueled an alarming surge in hate crimes.
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Faced with unprecedented challenges, OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates did what we have done for decades: we mobilized to protect our communities.
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Partnering with countless allies, we fought to preserve our access at the ballot box, created resources to counter the rise in anti-Asian bullying and discrimination, and stood with our immigrant siblings. And we worked to ensure that the most vulnerable were not left behind by providing direct aid to financially-distressed AAPI students and their families, whether it be through free laptops or accessible transportation.
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Today is #GivingTuesday, a global celebration where people support the causes they believe in. As one of the nation’s oldest organizations dedicated to serving AAPI communities, we are proud to be driven by purpose and powered by thousands of grassroots supporters.
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Our work in 2022 will be critical, and we need your help more than ever. Our internship program, policy advocacy, and ability to distribute resources are dependent on the generosity of our supporters and members.
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Here's how your donations made a difference in 2020:
- We hosted 28 interns, giving students paid opportunities to work in the public sector, learn about issues affecting AAPIs, and pursue careers in advocacy and public service.
- We awarded $90,000 in scholarships to support young, aspiring AAPI leaders.
- We provided 100+ laptops to financially distressed AAPI students along with vouchers from Southwest Airlines to those who could not afford to fly home.
- 315 high school students and 440 college students took part in our virtual student leadership programs, while more than 1,000 people joined our professional development events.
- We engaged in policy advocacy to ensure that AAPIs could fully participate in our democracy, live without fear, and access critical resources.
We're thankful for every valued member, chapter leader, individual donor, and sponsor who continues to believe in our mission. With your support, OCA will continue to tirelessly advance the social, political, and economic well-being of our communities for generations to come.
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