AYPAL: Building API Community Power
In February, SEARAC held the fourth Leadership, Empowerment, and Advocacy Fellowship (LEAF) convening in Washington, DC. 35 community leaders dedicated to advocating for aging, education, health, and immigration policy change for Southeast Asian American (SEAA) communities across the country gathered to share ideas, processes, and plans. SEAA Collaborative partners from California came together to align the coalition’s vision and strategy by refining state advocacy priorities and opportunities with a special focus on the upcoming 50th anniversary of SEAA refugee resettlement in the United States. Throughout the convening, leaders held space to learn, deepen relationships, and to support each other in their advocacy efforts. We extend our gratitude and thank our sponsors: AARP, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and ECMC Foundation.
“It was really grounding and special to be in a dedicated space with fellow leaders whom I have learned from and who are doing the community work. It is important that we create spaces where we can talk about our SEAA community, issues impacting us, and our milestones. We must continue to be intentional about our identities and their unique importance. I plan to bring in our SEA program staff to this space and use this opportunity to build a bridge between local community work and national efforts for SEAA people. I am interested and excited about collaborating around the 50th anniversary of the SEAA community.”