Dear friends,

In my capacity as CEO Emeritus, I have the privilege of writing to you about OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates' outlook and plans for the future. I am truly excited for what lies ahead in the new year—and know our shared vision for a more impactful and inclusive OCA is within reach.

At the same time, I want to underscore a sense of urgency, because much of what we accomplish together in 2022 will be determined this week. Many of OCA's biggest advocacy and youth development programs are funded by individual donors—and we need your help to raise $150,000 before December 31st.

The impact of your contributions will be immediate. For more than 30 years, OCA has managed the oldest and largest internship program for AAPI students in Washington, D.C. We are proud to be one of only a handful of organizations to pay our interns, and donors have allowed OCA to send 500+ students to the nation's capital to promote stronger AAPI participation in government advocacy.

The work sustaining a pipeline of future AAPI leaders requires tremendous resources. In 2020, we allocated nearly $60,000 towards intern stipends alone, and increased individual stipends from $2,500 to $5,250 in 2021. Next year, our summer internship will also return to being in-person. In short, this means your support is more critical than ever.

Please consider making a tax-deductible gift this holiday season. With your support, we will continue to tirelessly advance the social, political, and economic well-being of our communities for generations to come.

Best,

Ken Lee
CEO Emeritus, OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates