Terms-in-Review

2019-2021

2019-2021 Term-In-Review

http://www.cadem.org | http://www.apicaucus.com | @apicaucus | cademparty.apicaucus@gmail.com

Elections & Campaigns 

  • Hosted and co-hosted campaign API mobilizations with CYD API Caucus, API Legislative Caucus, CDP Secretary Jenny Bach for 2019-2021 Democratic Party-endorsed candidates:
    • Henry Lo, Monterey Park City Council (walk)
    • Suely Saro, Long Beach City Council (walk)
    • Bobby Bilatout, Congressional District 22 (phone)
    • Thai Viet Pham, Santa Ana City Council (virtual meet & greet)
    • Congressman TJ Cox, CD 21 (multiple phonebanks)
    • Diedre Nguyen, AD 72 (phonebank)
    • Dave Min, SD 37 (phonebank)
    • Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, Georgia Senatorial Candidates (phonebank)
    • Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, President and Vice President (phonebanks)
  • August 2019 Executive Board Meeting Panel: Connecting with South Asian and Vietnamese Communities.
  • Helped outreach for September 2019 AAPI Democratic Presidential Forum
  • Co-hosted October 2019 Primary Election Debate Watch with Muslim Dems & Friends of Alameda County, Asian Pacific American Democratic Caucus of Alameda County, and Silicon Valley Asian Pacific American Democratic Club.
  • Co-hosted October 2019 Primary Election Debate Watch Party with Korean American Democratic Committee and Pilipino American Los Angeles Democrats.
  • Welcomed Presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders and Senator Amy Klobuchar to API Caucus 2019 convention meeting.
  • Welcomed Presidential candidate Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard at November 2019 Fall Endorsing Convention.
  • Main co-host and organizer for November 2019 Fall Endorsing Convention reception with Chicano Latino Caucus titled, “Immigrants Make Our Nation Stronger.”
  • Caucus Executive Board attended first ever Presidential Democratic Debate in Los Angeles with members of Democratic Party of Orange County.
  • Established relationships and promoted Presidential campaigns that had AAPI contingencies.
  • Published and tracked statewide list of official Democratic Party-endorsed API candidates for federal, state, and local offices with election results. 
  • Encouraged API candidates to seek official Democratic Party endorsements via the California Democratic Party (CDP) (federal and state elections) or County Democratic Parties (local and municipal elections).
  • Encouraged Caucus members and activists to file and run for Democratic County Central Committee elections, Democratic State Central Committee elections and Democratic National Convention Delegate elections.
  • Co-hosted in October 2020 “CA Leads the Way” with Filipino Americans for Biden Harris and Filipino American Democratic Caucus of CDP.
  • Co-hosted with CDP, “Truth Squad” to combat disinformation and voting within the API community in several API languages.
  • Promoted all AAPI constituency groups for Presidential candidate Joe Biden and Vice-Presidential candidate Kamala Harris.
  • Promoted calendar of weekend of API virtual phonebanks throughout the 2020 Presidential cycle.
  • Hosted with AAPIs for Biden phonebanks to the API community in Nevada and Arizona.
  • Ran and highlighted Convention Delegates and AAPI for Biden events and mobilizations through the California AAPI for Biden social media accounts.
  • Participated in stakeholder DNC AAPI Caucus and AAPIs for Biden meetings.
  • Hosted Prop. 16 panel discussion and participated in phonebanks.
  • Hosted with Silicon Valley Asian Pacific American Democratic Club, “Conversation with CA Democratic Leadership Candidates” for all candidates in 2021.

Outreach – Community & Voter Engagement 

  • Promoted and signed-up individuals to participate in CDP Training Extravaganza.
  • Helped form Complete Count Committees for the US Census in our local regions with an emphasis on the API community.
  • Helped encourage APIs to tell others to complete the US Census and take the US Census survey.
  • Promoted 2020 Citizens Redistricting Commission Application.
  • Hosted Trailblazer and Rising Star Awards at 2019 and 2021 Convention.
  • Authored and supported resolutions and legislation relevant to the ideals of the Caucus.
  • Hosted May 2020 Online Happy Hour with CA Dem Party Secretary Jenny Bach and API Caucus Northern Chair Shawn Kumagai.
  • Hosted May 2020 Bystander Intervention through Asian American Advancing Justice and Hollaback! training and created social media materials to address rising anti-API hate crime and violence.
  • Promoted and elevated the Stop AAPI Hate Campaign throughout 2020 and 2021.
  • Hosted 2020 Summer Executive Board “Looking Within: Addressing anti-blackness in the API Community” discussion.
  • Hosted discussion panel presentations (if time allows) at every Executive Board Meeting relevant to the issues in the host region.
  • Hosted a discussion wrap-up of elections at the end of 2020 highlighted API Party-endorsed candidates.
  • Celebrated API Heritage Month by highlighting significant API figures in the community via social media.
  • Promoted API affiliated community and voter engagement events.
  • Membership Committee called members to participate in Caucus meetings and campaign activities.
  • Promoted DEM2020 and DEM2021 Programs to help sustain CDP through grassroots action.
  • Promoted National Voter Registration Day and encouraged activists to help register voters.
  • Promoted Covered California / Affordable Care Act enrollment.
  • Informed membership of legislation that is Democratic Party endorsed or relevant to the API community.
  • Hosted March 2021 API Women Mayors discussion panel.

Administration 

  • Hosted virtual official meetings for the first time in API Caucus history.
  • Updated By-Laws to include new positions and election process.
  • Held monthly Caucus Executive Board conference calls and transitioned to zoom to maintain communication, accountability, and conduct business among Caucus officers.
  • Hosted in-person Executive Board Member Retreats regionally pre-pandemic.
  • Created term action items and possible Caucus events/meeting discussion topics via action goals and activities document.
  • Created online membership fee waiver form which was used as an example for other caucuses.
  • Appointed standing committee co-chairs, interviewed members and initially brought on to committees to expand scope of work and to increase Caucus member participation.
  • Sent letters of support for candidates seeking clemency.
  • Sent letter of support for Governor Newsom to appoint an API to the position of Attorney General
  • Highest ever of increased lifetime and sustaining lifetime membership of individuals, elected officials and obtained at least 30 new members.
  • Transitioned Caucus website to new interface.
  • Sent out timely newsletters with relevant information.
  • Maintained a healthy CDP Caucus balance of at least $10,000.
  • Highest CDP Caucus balance term ending at least $16,000.

Communications 

  • Ensured CDP leadership, DNC leadership, DNC AAPI Caucus, API Legislative Caucus and CAPAC are kept abreast of important API issues by the CDP API Caucus.
  • Ensured APIs were represented at national and local debates by providing lists of individual leaders and members.
  • Made sure a diverse API community was represented in CDP committees, panels and events.
  • Actively engaged the media, including statements and press statements on significant issues affecting the API community, in addition to various on-camera or in-print interviews. 
  • Sent regular Caucus e-updates, mobilization alerts, and updates to keep Caucus members and DSCC delegates informed (Sign up at www.apicaucus.com).
  • Maintained Caucus website (www.apicaucus.com) with updates as an information hub for AAPI activists.
  • Hosted California statewide online directory of AAPI Democratic clubs and organizations (accessible on Caucus website (Please send updates to cademparty.apicaucus@gmail.com).
  • Created new caucus logo.
  • Created, maintained, and posted to the Caucus Facebook page discussion group (www.facebook.com/apicaucus) with  Caucus updates.
  • Created additional social media accounts: Instagram: @apicaucus and Twitter: @cdpapicaucus.

2019-2021 California Democratic Party Asian Pacific Islander Caucus Leadership Team

Hon. Melissa Ramoso, State Chair • Aref Aziz., State Secretary • Deepa Sharma, Esq., State Treasurer

Hon. Shawn Kumagai, Nor Cal Chair • Emily Ramos, Nor Cal Vice Chair • Alfred Twu, Nor Cal Secretary •

Harris Mojadedi, Nor Cal Outreach Chair Adam Ma, So Cal Chair • *VACANT* So Cal Vice Chair •,

Nate Epstein, Esq., So Cal Secretary • Matthew Yagyagan, So Cal Outreach Chair

2015-2017

2015-2017 Term-in-Review: Action & Activity Highlights

2015-2017 Term-in-Review:
Action & Activity Highlights

Click here to download the 2015-2017 CDP API Caucus Term-in-Review: Action & Activity Highlights.

Elections & Campaigns

  • Hosted/co-hosted campaign mobilizations for Democratic Party-endorsed candidates and the 2016 presidential campaign in and out of California, such as Maine, Nevada, and New Hampshire
  • Hosted/co-hosted presidential debate watch parties with other Democratic groups
  • Published statewide list of official Democratic Party-endorsed AAPI candidates for local offices
  • Encouraging AAPI candidates to seek official Democratic Party endorsements via the California Democratic Party (CDP) (federal and state elections) or County Democratic Parties (local and municipal elections)
  • Encouraging Caucus members and activists to file and run for Democratic County Central Committee elections and Democratic State Central Committee elections
  • Encouraging Caucus members and activists to file and run for delegate to the 2016 Democratic National Convention

Administration

  • Recognized Mr. Chris Masami Myers, CDP Executive Director, as the first AAPI to assume the CDP’s top staff role
  • Created and implemented standardized process and procedures for annual Caucus Trailblazer Awards and Rising Star Awards nominations that increases participation among Caucus members and Democratic activists
  • Holding monthly Caucus Board conference calls to maintain communication, accountability, and conduct business among Caucus officers
  • Appointing standing committee co-chairs to expand scope of work and to increase Caucus member participation

Outreach – Community & Voter Engagement

  • Hosted discussion panel presentation “Countering the Politics of Division: Fighting Islamophobia in California” with CDP Arab American Caucus at 2016 CDP Convention and CDP E-Board Meeting
  • Partnered with the LA County Democratic Party (LACDP) and the CA Faculty Association (CFA) in producing the “Countdown to 2016: A Summit for Democratic Activists and Club Members” at CSULA featuring panels and presentations with 350 activists and candidates in attendance
  • Working with America’s Opportunity Fund on campaign training in CA
  • Worked with API allied groups in So Cal on rapid response mobilization and rally for marriage equality against homophobic march
  • Working with Democratic orgs and allied groups registering new citizens to vote at naturalizations
  • Worked with the CDP Communications Team on in-language voter registration materials
  • Co-sponsored the annual “Karaoke Night at the Convention” at the 2015 and the 2016 CDP Convention with Hon. Fiona Ma, LACDP, various CDP Caucus, and other distinguished leaders
  • Hosted API Heritage Month events, including event at CDP HQ with CYD API Caucus
  • Promoting DEM2016 Program / DEM2018 Program to help sustain CDP through grassroots action
  • Promoted the White House Initiative on AAPI’s #ActToChange Bullying Prevention Campaign Live Event held in Los Angeles under President Obama
  • Promoted CDP Platform Committee’s statewide hearing process and testimony solicitation process
  • Promoted the 2016 CADNC Delegation Selection Hearing and solicited input for California’s Delegate Selection Plan
  • Promoted National Voter Registration Day and encouraging activists to help register voters
  • Promoted Covered California / Affordable Care Act enrollment

Communications

  • Actively engaging the media, including statements and press releases on significant issues affecting the AAPI community, in addition to various on-camera or in-print interviews in AAPI in-language media
  • Sending regular Caucus e-updates, mobilization alerts, and updates to keep Caucus members and DSCC delegates informed (Sign up at http://www.apicaucus.com)
  • Released statements or letters, such as:
    • Remembering Day of Remembrance
    • Commemorating Fred Korematsu Day
    • Denouncing racially-charged attack against Indian Americans in Kansas
    • Denouncing Roanoke Mayor David Bowers’s comments invoking the Japanese internment during World War II in his request to suspend Syrian refugee assistance
    • Denouncing racially-charged remarks by leaders of the “Grand Offensive Party” (GOP), such as Gov. Mike Huckabee’s comment and Gov. Jeb Bush’s comment
    • Denouncing Assembly Republicans for openly mocking GOP AAPI Assembly Member on the Assembly Floor
  • Call to action to Caucus members and AAPI Democratic activists on seeking justice for Ms. Sherry Chen in asking the Justice Department to investigate and determine whether race and national origin were factors in her case; this call is consistent with CDP Platform on Criminal Justice.
  • Worked with CDP Communications Team on presidential debate messaging via digital media, such as the GOPocalypse: exposing the GOP’s zombie ideas and the Voting Rights Act anniversary
  • Maintaining the first-ever California statewide online directory of AAPI Democratic clubs and organizations accessible on Caucus website (Please send updates to cademparty.apicaucus@gmail.com)
  • Working with CDP Communications Team on in-language translations for digital media outreach, voter outreach materials, and CDP Chinese-language website maintenance (which the CDP API Caucus translated, making CDP the first state political party in the nation to have such feature)
  • Created and maintaining Caucus Facebook page (www.facebook.com/apicaucus) with Caucus updates
  • Hosting Caucus website (www.apicaucus.com) with updates as an information hub for AAPI activists

2013-2015

2013-2015 Term-in-Review: Action & Activity Highlights

2013-2015 Term-in-Review:
Action & Activity Highlights

Click here to download the 2013-2015 CDP API Caucus Term-in-Review: Action & Activity Highlights.

Elections & Campaigns

  • Hosted/co-hosted campaign mobilizations with local API Democratic orgs for Party-endorsed candidates in federal, state, and local races, such as Ted Lieu for Congress, Mike Honda for Congress, Al Muratsuchi for Assembly, Sharon Quirk-Silva for Assembly, John Choi for Los Angeles City Council, David Lim for San Mateo City Council, Melissa Ramoso for Artesia City Council, Basim Elkarra for Twin Rivers School Board, David Ryu for Los Angeles City Council
  • Participated in CDP online phonebanking and campaign mobilizations for several Party-endorsed candidates in state and local races, such as David Alvarez for San Diego Mayor, Lorena Gonzalez for Assembly, Freddie Rodriguez for Assembly, Leticia Perez for State Senate, Norma Torres for State Senate, Susan Bonilla for State Senate, CADEM Statewide Days of Action, CAVote 2014 and Promote & Protect the Vote (P2TV) Projects
    • Made the second highest number of calls among all Caucuses in Spring 2013
    • Made the third highest number of calls among all Caucuses in Winter 2013/Spring 2014
  • Partnered with local County Parties and Democratic clubs/orgs on hosting online phonebanks for Party-endorsed candidates, such as Betty Yee for State Controller and David Ryu for Los Angeles City Council
  • Encouraged volunteer involvement with campaigns Party-endorsed API candidates, such as Ami Bera for Congress, Mike Honda for Congress, Ted Lieu for Congress, Mark Takano for Congress, CJ Jawahar for State Senate, Kansen Chu for Assembly, Evan Low for Assembly, Ken Park for Assembly
  • Published the first-ever official Democratic Party endorsement list featuring Party-endorsed API candidates for federal, state, and local races across the state (County Democratic Parties oversee endorsements in local races)
  • Hosted #APIDemSideChats forum at July 2014 CDP E-Board on the 2014 elections and API politics
  • Organized rapid response against Republican attack on API women via AB 2336 in 2004
  • Encouraged local API candidates to seek Democratic Party endorsement during the local election cycles
  • Continuing to work with allied API Democratic organizations or their leadership on campaign mobilizations, to address various important issues, or host API Democratic events, such as the CDP Filipino American Democratic Caucus, the CYD Asian Pacific Islander Caucus, the Korean American Democratic Committee (KADC), the Pilipino American Los Angeles Democrats (PALAD), the Bay Area Indian American Democratic Club, the Silicon Valley Asian Pacific American Democratic Club, the Sacramento Young Democratic API Club, the API Democrats of Sacramento, and KAYA-Filipino Americans for Progress

Administration

  • Revamped the Caucus bylaws to conform with CDP bylaws and to make sure the bylaws are easy to read
  • Holding monthly Caucus Board conference calls to increase communication and accountability
  • Appointing standing committee co-chairs to expand scope of work and to increase Caucus member participation (email cademparty.apicaucus@gmail.com)

Outreach – Community & Voter

  • Registering new citizens to vote at naturalization ceremonies
  • Created in-language voter registration materials with the CDP Communications Team; materials are part of CDP’s “booth boxes” available to Democratic clubs/organizations
  • Promoting CDP DEM2013, DEM2014, and DEM2016 Programs to help sustain CDP through grassroots action: http://www.cadem.org/dem2016
  • Partnered with CDP Filipino American Democratic Caucus on fundraising for typhoon disaster relief for the Philippines
  • Promoting earthquake relief for Nepal
  • Co-hosted/hosted several events/receptions with allied organizations, such as the CDP Filipino American Democratic Caucus, the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, the CYD Asian Pacific Islander Caucus, the Silicon Valley Asian Pacific American Democratic Club, the Korean American Democratic Committee, the Filipino American Los Angeles Democrats, and many elected officials and community leaders
  • Promoted Covered California / Affordable Care Act Rollout and Sign-Ups in 2013, 2014, and 2015
  • Promoted CDP DSCC / ADEM Elections and encouraged Caucus members to run for DSCC via ADEM

Communications

  • Created the first-ever statewide online directory of API Democratic clubs and organizations accessible on Caucus website (send updates to cademparty.apicaucus@gmail.com)
  • Actively engaging the media, including releasing statements and press releases on significant issues and events affecting API community, in addition to various campaign-related messaging media and appearances on API media
  • Sending regular Caucus newsletters, mobilization alerts, and updates to keep Caucus members and DSCC delegates informed
  • Increased Caucus electronic newsletter subscribers by 30% since last term (sign up at cademparty.apicaucus@gmail.com)
  • Translated and launched the California Democratic Party (CDP) Chinese-language website (www.cadem.org/chinese), making CDP the first state political party in the nation with such a feature; working with CDP staff to maintain website; exploring the possibility of translating the website into other languages with CDP staff
  • Created and maintained Caucus Facebook page with important Caucus updates – http://www.facebook.com/apicaucus
  • Hosting Caucus website with important information as an information hub – http://www.apicaucus.com

Contact

cademparty.apicaucus@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/apicaucus

2013-2014

2013-2014 Year-in-Review: Action & Activity Highlights

2013-2014 Year-in-Review: Action & Activity Highlights

As presented at the 2014 California Democrats State Convention Asian Pacific Islander Caucus Meeting, Friday, March 7, 2014.

Click here for a downloadable version.

Communications

Elections & Campaigns

  • Hosted/co-hosted campaign mobilizations with local API Democratic orgs for several Party-endorsed candidates in state and local races, such as John Choi for Los Angeles City Council, David Lim for San Mateo City Council, and Melissa Ramoso for Artesia City Council
  • Participated in CDP Online Phonebank campaign mobilization for several Party-endorsed candidates in state and local races, such as David Alvarez for San Diego Mayor, Lorena Gonzalez for Assembly, Freddie Rodriguez for Assembly, Leticia Perez for State Senate, Norma Torres for State Senate.
    • Made the second highest number of calls among all Caucuses in Spring 2013
    • Made the third highest number of calls among all Caucuses in Winter 2013/Spring 2014
  • Published the first-ever official Democratic Party endorsement list featuring Party-endorsed API candidates for local races across the state (County Democratic Parties oversee endorsements in local races)
  • Encouraged local API candidates to seek Democratic Party endorsement during the local election cycles
  • Continuing to work with allied API Democratic organizations or their leadership on campaign mobilizations or to address various important issues, such as the CDP Filipino American Democratic Caucus, the CYD Asian Pacific Islander Caucus, the Korean American Democratic Committee (KADC), the Pilipino American Los Angeles Democrats (PALAD), the Bay Area Indian American Democratic Club, the Silicon Valley Asian Pacific American Democratic Club, and KAYA-Filipino Americans for Progress

Outreach – Community & Voter

  • Registering new citizens to vote at naturalization ceremonies
  • Promoting CDP DEM2012, DEM2013, and DEM2014 Programs to help sustain CDP through grassroots action – www.cadem.org/dem2014
  • Partnered with CDP Filipino American Democratic Caucus on fundraising for typhoon disaster relief for the Philippines
  • Co-hosted/hosted several events/receptions with allied organizations, such as the CDP Filipino American Democratic Caucus, the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, the CYD Asian Pacific Islander Caucus, the Silicon Valley Asian Pacific American Democratic Club, and many elected officials and community leaders

Administration

  • Revamped the Caucus bylaws to conform with CDP bylaws and to make sure the bylaws are easy to read
  • Holding monthly Caucus Board conference calls to increase communication and accountability among board members
  • Appointing standing committee co-chairs to expand scope of work and to increase Caucus member participation (email cademparty.apicaucus@gmail.com)

2013-2014 Annual Report to the CDP

California Democratic Party
Asian Pacific Islander Caucus
2014 Annual Report to CDP:
Results of 2013-2014 Goals and Action Items

Click here for a downloadable version.

Submitted June 2014
Note: Each action category may include multiple goals.

Action Category: Advocacy

Goal: Explore ways to increase issue advocacy on API issues
– Action Taken: The Caucus created Legislative Action Committee via Caucus bylaws revision and appointed Committee Co-Chairs

Goal: Identify 3-5 pieces of legislation relevant to API community for CDP Legislation Committee endorsement/support consideration
– Action Taken: Discussed general topics to focus during the Caucus term, including immigration, education, healthcare, and housing affecting the API community. However, no specific bills have been identified.

Action Category: Campaigns
Support and mobilize for Party-endorsed API campaigns/events and targeted campaigns

Goal: Help at least 5 Democratic Party endorsed candidates (federal, state, or local) via campaign field mobilization or other campaign-related activities
– Action Taken: Co-hosted mobilizations for the following campaigns: David Lim for San Mateo City Council 2013 (won), John Choi for Los Angeles City Council 2013 (lost), Melissa Ramoso for Artesia City Council 2013 (lost), Ted Lieu for Congress 2014 (advance to general), Mike Honda for Congress 2014 (advance to general)
– Action Taken: Participated in CDP online phonebank mobilizations, including Leticia Perez for State Senate 2013, Norma Torres for State Senate 2013, Freddie Rodriguez for Assembly 2013, Lorena Gonzalez for Assembly 2013, and 2014 David Alvarez for San Diego Mayor

Goal: Attempt to contact at least 5,000 HH via walk or phones total
– Action Taken: Approximately 3550 HH contacted via walk or phones from Caucus campaign mobilizations and CDP online phonebanking

Goal: Attempt to engage 50-100 Caucus members or volunteers for campaigns
– Action Taken: 71 Caucus members volunteered for Caucus campaign mobilizations or CDP online phonebanks

Goal: Explore ways to help Party-endorsed API candidates, such as posting campaign information regarding endorsed candidates on CDP API Caucus website (www.apicaucus.com)
– Action Taken: Posted information on Democratic Party-endorsed API candidates for federal, state, and local offices on Caucus website and made information available via Caucus newsletter (2013 and 2014)

Goal: Engage at least 10 potential API Democratic candidates running for public office to seek the endorsement of the relevant Democratic Party body (i.e. CDP for federal and state races and County Parties for local races where the local jurisdiction is located)
– Action Taken: Engaged John Choi for Los Angeles City Council, David Ryu for Los Angeles City Council, David Lim for San Mateo City Council, Melissa Ramoso for Artesia City Council, Ali Taj for Artesia City Council, Rahmat Khan for Torrance City Council, Mike Fong for Los Angeles Community College Board, Ray Buenaventura for San Mateo County Superior Court Judge, Teresa Magno for Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge

Action Category: Coalition Partnering
Partner with CYD API Caucus on youth leadership development and further opportunities to work jointly with California Young Democrats, California College Democrats, and other relevant organizations

Goal: Work on at least one project with CYD, CCD, CAPAC, API Legislative Caucus, or other CDP Caucuses
– Action Taken: Partnered with CYD API Caucus on Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM) events in Sacramento; partnered with CDP Filipino American Caucus on many projects and meetings, such as joint Caucus Meetings at CDP E-Board Meetings, campaign mobilizations, and Asian Pacific American Heritage Month events

Goal: Explore the possibility of creating a statewide council of County Party-chartered API Democratic clubs/organizations under the CDP API Caucus umbrella to facilitate information-sharing on best practices for API outreach
– Action Taken: Adopted Caucus bylaws revision that allows the Caucus to create a statewide API Democratic organization network to share best practices

Goal: Create an contact database of all API Democratic clubs/organizations across the state before the 2014 CDP Convention; make the contact information available on Caucus website
– Action Taken: Compiled a statewide API Democratic club/organization directory and made available online at http://www.apicaucus.com/api-democratic-clubs-orgs

Action Category: Communications & Messaging
Increase earned media visibility in mainstream media and ethnic media alike to maximize Caucus visibility through statements, releases, and/or media events

Goal: Release 10-20 press releases or statements on relevant API topics or pressing political issues
– Action Taken: Sent 7 press releases/statements to the press

Goal: Increase ethnic / API media presence – generate at least 25-50 media hits
– Action Taken: Generated media hits in API ethnic media; however, the media hits are not compiled as of this report.

Goal: Appoint a communications/media relations point-person to work with the Chair on press-related activities
– Action Taken: Appointed Communications Committee Chair

Goal: Online Media: Update and maintain Caucus website: http://www.apicaucus.com and use the website as an interactive information hub for Caucus members, activists, and voters alike
– Action Taken: Included regular updates on Caucus website; see Caucus website at http://www.apicaucus.com
– Action Taken: Included DEM 2014 information on Caucus website
– Action Taken: Created and maintaining a Caucus Facebook page with regular updates
– Action Taken: Maintaining a monthly e-newsletter system. Twenty-two newsletters/blast emails have been sent in 2013-2014

Goal: Assist CDP with any translation needs in Asian languages as required
– Action Taken: Translated “Democrats Register to Vote Here” voter registration signs into Asian languages; subsequently, CDP has made Chinese-language and Vietnamese-language signs available for voter registration drives

Action Category: Membership

Goal: Appoint at least 3-5 committees to facilitate and expand Caucus activities, including those standing committees prescribed by Caucus bylaws
– Action Taken: Appointed co-chairs for Communications Committee, Legislative Action Committee, and Rules Committee

Goal: Convene at least one meeting for each committee, whether in-person, via conference call, or via electronic means, to set the priorities and goals for each committee
– Action Taken: Multiple conference calls or in-person meetings have been held for committees

Action Category: Development
Increase Caucus membership and membership participation via special events and other activities

Goal: Host 3 Caucus special events (i.e., receptions) to increase membership
– Action Taken: Hosted Asian Pacific American Heritage Month events in Sacramento and Los Angeles; hosted annual Trailblazer Awards in 2013 during the CDP Convention, honoring Rep. Mike Honda, Assembly Speaker Emeritus John A. Perez, and Asm. Rob Bonta; hosted annual Trailblazer Awards in 2014 during the CDP Convention honoring Rep. Ami Bera, Attorney General Kamala Harris, State Controller John Chiang, and Former Secretary of State/Former U.S. Ambassador March Fong Eu; co-hosted karaoke night with the Los Angeles County Democratic Party and Hon. Fiona Ma at the 2014 CDP Convention; co-hosted Philippines typhoon relief event with the CDP Filipino American Caucus; co-hosted API local elected officials meet & greet with the CDP Filipino American Caucus at the 2014 CDP Convention

Action Category: Outreach

Goal: Events: Host more Caucus events involving all API ethnic specific Democratic groups and allied organizations
– Action Taken: See above
– Action Taken: Helped promote CoveredCA roll-out and sign-up via online means and at meetings and events

Goal: Co-host at least 2-5 events with local API Democratic clubs
– Action Taken: Partnered with CYD API Caucus on 2013 and 2014 Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM) events in Sacramento; co-hosted 2013 APAHM event with the Silicon Valley APA Democratic Club; co-hosted 2014 APAHM event with the Korean American Democratic Committee and the Pilipino American Los Angeles Democrats

Goal: Voter: Work with County Parties and Democratic clubs on voter registration efforts, beginning with registering new citizens to vote at naturalization ceremonies
– Action Taken: Worked with the Los Angeles County Democratic Party on new citizen voter registration drives

Goal: Help register at least 1,000 new Democratic voters in 2013-2014
– Action Taken: Worked with other groups on voter registration, but results were not quantified as of this report

Items to Improve in 2014-2015:

Action Category: Advocacy

Goal: Work with at least 2 API Democratic Clubs to advocate on behalf of CDP-endorsed or API Caucus-supported bills pertinent to the API community, such as sending 1 letter per bill to each Democratic legislator

Action Category: Campaigns

Goal: Recruitment: Recruit APIs to run for Central Committees and local offices; encourage local candidates to seek County Party endorsements

Goal: Training: Host workshops/trainings on grassroots outreach, campaign preparation, and how to run for public office/Central Committee

Action Category: Coalition Partnering

Goal: Host at least 1 conference call with all API Democratic clubs/organizations across the state

Action Category: Membership

Goal: Committees: Populate Caucus committees to increase membership participation and expand Caucus activities

Goal: Development: Increase Caucus membership via special events and other activities

Goal: Recruit at least 50 new members by CDP Convention

Action Category: Development: Expand Caucus membership diversity in demographics and geography

Two-year goal: Work with local API activists to create at least 1 new API Democratic club in regions with significant API population but without API Democratic presence, such as the Central Coast/Central Valley, the Los Angeles San Gabriel Valley area, the Los Angeles South Bay area, and the Inland Empire area.

2013-2015 California Democratic Party Asian Pacific Islander Caucus Leadership Team
Clark Lee, State Chair • Panney Wei, State Secretary • Maritessa Bravo Ares, State Treasurer
Arif Azez, Nor Cal Chair • Mike Fong, So Cal Chair • Lindsey Nitta, Nor Cal Vice Chair • Melissa Ramoso, So Cal Vice Chair
Nadia Hussain, Nor Cal Secretary • Michael Cheng, So Cal Secretary • Deepa Sharma, Nor Cal Outreach Chair • Jacqueline Wu, So Cal Outreach Chair
Appointed Chairs: Tommy Tseng, Communications Co-Chair • Brandon Li & Hon. Henry Lo, Legislative Action Co-Chairs • Olivia Lee, Rules Co-Chair

http://www.apicaucus.com • http://www.facebook.com/apicaucus • cademparty.apicaucus@gmail.com

2011-2013

2011-2013 Term-in-Review: Accomplishment Highlights

2011-2013 Term-in-Review:
Accomplishment Highlights

Click here to download the 2011-2013 CDP API Caucus Goals & Action Items.

Click here to download the 2011-2013 CDP API Caucus Term-in-Review: Accomplishment Highlights.

Communications

  • Translated the California Democratic Party (CDP) website into Chinese, making CDP the first state party to feature a Chinese-language section on its website
  • Hosting Caucus website with important information as an information hub – www.apicaucus.com
  • Actively engaged the media as a Caucus for the first time in recent years, including releasing statements and press releases on significant issues and events affecting API community, in addition to various campaign-related messaging media appearances on presidential, legislative, and local races
  • Working closely with the CDP Communications Dept. and Obama for America-California (OFA-CA) communications team on targeted messaging projects
  • Nearly doubled Caucus electronic newsletter subscribers since last term (sign up at cademparty.apicaucus@gmail.com)

Elections & Campaigns

  • Hosted/co-hosted campaign mobilizations for many pivotal Party-endorsed candidates in federal, state, and local races; most importantly, worked with Obama for America to mobilize API Democratic activists for key battleground states
  • Hosted presidential debate watch parties in 2012 featuring several special guests, including Congressional APA Caucus Chair & Obama for America National Co-Chair Rep. Judy Chu
  • Worked with allied API Democratic and labor groups, such as the California API Legislative Caucus, the CDP Filipino American Caucus, the Korean American Democratic Committee (KADC), the Pilipino American Los Angeles Democrats (PALAD), the Asian Pacific Islander Democrats of Orange County (APIDOC), KAYA-Filipino Americans for Progress, and the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA)
  • Co-hosted campaign trainings for legislative and local candidates
  • Encouraged local API candidates to seek Democratic Party endorsement

Outreach – Community & Voter

  • Engaged in voting rights and language access advocacy on behalf of the API community and the first-generation immigrant community, such as working with election officials to successfully resolve new citizen voter registration issues and advocating for language access and accuracy in translation issues at county and city levels
  • Mobilized for CDP “Operation Game Changer” in Los Angeles County to sign up occasional Democrats as permanent vote-by-mail (PVBM) voters and for CDP “It Gets Bluer” Program in the Inland Empire to increase Democratic voter registration in traditionally red counties
  • Registered new citizens to vote at naturalization ceremonies
  • Promoting CDP DEM2012, DEM2013, and DEM2014 Programs to help sustain CDP through grassroots action – www.cadem.org/dem2014
  • Hosted/hosting receptions in Anaheim, Burlingame, San Diego, and Sacramento with various co-hosts, such as the CDP Filipino American Caucus; CYD API Caucus; Filipinos for Obama; KADC; Silicon Valley Asian Pacific American Democratic Club; and many elected officials, candidates, and community leaders

Membership

  • Streamlined membership sign-up opportunities, including online sign-ups on Caucus website
  • Adjusted membership fee structure to allow for a lower rate for seniors and students and to accommodate CDP administrative procedural changes on membership fees

Administration

  • Held monthly Caucus Board conference calls to increase communication and accountability among board members
2009-2011

2009-2011 Term-in-Review: Accomplishment Highlights

2009-2011 Term-in-Review:
Accomplishment Highlights

Click here to download the 2011-2013 CDP API Caucus Term-in-Review: Accomplishment Highlights.

Communications

  • Created the first Caucus website: http://www.apicaucus.com
  • Created the Caucus Facebook page
  • Created the regular Caucus online newsletter
  • Featured in state and local media

Outreach

  • Hosted receptions in San Jose, Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco
  • Established the CDP API Caucus “Trailblazer Award”
  • Registered new citizens to vote at naturalization ceremonies
  • Assisted in natural disaster relief in Asia, Southeast Asia, South Pacific

Membership

  • Streamlined membership sign-up opportunities, including online sign-ups on Caucus website
  • Increased Caucus membership by 152% since 2009

Elections & Campaigns

  • Mobilized for key API Democratic campaigns
  • Co-hosted API for Jerry Brown reception at 2010 CDP Convention
  • Co-hosted press conference/rally for API for Jerry Brown
  • Supported API for Boxer
  • Advocated for API workers’ rights
  • Encouraged local API candidates to seek County Party endorsement
  • Encouraged API Democrats to run for County Central Committees and DSCC

Trainings & Workshops

  • Co-hosted the API Democratic Summit with API Legislative Caucus
  • Assisted in sponsoring the Assembly Candidate Training with Assembly Democratic Caucus

Administration

  • Instituted monthly Caucus Board conference calls to increase communication and accountability among board members
  • Revised Caucus bylaws for consistency, rid redundancy, and fix grammatical errors
  • Increased treasury revenue

2009-2011 California Democratic Party Asian Pacific Islander Caucus Leadership Team

Statewide: Mike Fong, State Chair ● Panney Wei, State Secretary ● Dr. Jennifer Ong, State Treasurer ● Colbert Tse, Communications Chair
Northern California: Jenn Pae, Chair ● Hon. Harpreet Sandhu, Vice Chair ● Shilen Patel, Secretary ● Stephanie Ong, Outreach Chair
Southern California: Clark Lee, Chair ● Linh Ho, Vice Chair ● Ricky Choi, Outreach Chair