Historic National Debrief

On Dec. 11 and 12, NAKASEC and its affiliates took part in the first national Asian Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote) debrief on the 2004 Election. APIAVote is a national coalition of nonpartisan nonprofit organizations that encourages civic participation and promotes a better understanding of public policy and the electoral process among the APIA community.

Over 40 APIA organizations attended this event to share their challenges and successes on the different civic engagement and voter empowerment efforts they conducted during the election year.

NAKASEC and affiliates presented on some of the efforts that were carried out in the Korean American community. Regional debriefs highlighted the efforts by YKASEC-Empowering the Korean American Community in New York, KRCC in Chicago, and KRC in Los Angeles. NAKASEC also presented on the APIA Constituency Panel, which explored the special needs and concerns in working with various segments of the APIA electorate.

Gift Of Suspension

With the holidays around the corner, around 200 YKASEC members participated in the Stop Suspending Immigrants’ License rally in front of Governor George Pataki’s office in Manhattan. Organized by the New York Coalition for Immigrants’ Rights to Driver’s Licenses, rally members stood in freezing temperatures and requested that the governor call off the Department of Motor Vehicle’s decision to verify social security numbers of drivers. Earlier, YKASEC distributed Christmas card-like flyers to community members and collected petition letters, which were presented to the governor in a gift box.

Yu Soung Mun and Ji Hyun Chae participate in the Stop Suspending Immigrants’ License rally.

Tea Together

KRC held its annual One Day Teahouse Fundraising event to mark its 21st anniversary with community members, allies and supporters. This fundraising event provides a space for community members to interact with staff, board members and volunteers, and to reflect on achievements of the year. This year, seniors who were involved in the State Budget Cut issues, students from the DREAM Act campaign, and concerned community members who participated in the Fish Contamination project attended. Around 250 people showed their support and got a taste of traditional Korean teas. KRC would like to thank all those who made this year’s fundraiser a success.

Reflections

KRCC closed out 2004 with its annual end of the year gathering with staff, volunteers, board members and supporters. Since its inception, KRCC has grown in leaps and bounds and this particular evening was a chance to evaluate its work. This event brought everyone together to reflect on the work they had done on Korean American Vote 2004, the Building Sisterhood program, Summer Youth Empowerment Program and the DREAM Act Campaign, all of which advanced immigrant rights. KRCC board, staff, volunteers and participants hope to continue this line of work in 2005 and beyond as KRCC heads into its 10th year.

Community members converse with KRC staff over Korean traditional tea.

We Card

NAKASEC, as part of the Immigrant Organizing Committee’s Fair Immigration Reform Movement, conducted a holiday card drive. Cards were sent to elected officials reminding them that unless the nation’s immigration system is reformed, families will continue to be separated. This is particularly relevant during the holiday season — a time when families and friends come together. Working with affiliates in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago, Korean Americans sent 500 holiday cards to their elected officials.