The Asian Pacific-Islander (APIA) Caucus of the College Democrats of America (CDA) is the outreach branch and constituency group for APIA students in CDA. We strive to ensure that APIA students are involved with the political process at all levels of government. Our caucus is committed to serving the needs and interests of the the APIA community by providing the resources and information for you to become more knowledgable and active in your community, through local projects, campaigns, and much more. The Road to 2012 has already begun, and we look to our caucus members to take an active role in reelecting President Obama. Be sure to stay involved in your local chapter and take part in the work of the APIA Caucus of the College Democrats of America.
Chair
Manisha Goud
GoudM@collegedems.com
Get Involved
Join our Facebook page: CDA APIA Caucus
Follow us on Twitter: @cdaAPIAcaucus
APIA Caucus Newsletter
APIA Student Profile (Klein Lieu)
CDA APIA Caucus Student Profile Questionnaire
Home Chapter: Cal Berkeley Democrats; Tech Director for the California College Democrats
What drove you to become involved in politics?
Before coming to UC Berkeley, my roots were growing up in a Chinese and Vietnamese immigrant family living in an underprivileged part of Oakland. Not only is there a reality that I grew up with that I can never forget, there is a reality that I could not escape had it not been for the social programs that activists and politicians of the past pushed for in government. I am involved in politics to not only ensure that these social programs do not get cut, but to insist that politicians are accountable to these communities that need the most help.
Why is it important for the APIA community to be involved in the political process?
I believe as members of the APIA community, we should acknowledge the historical barriers that have disenfranchised, disempowered, and continue to weigh us down from fully participating in politics as one solidified community. APIA members should be involved in politics to acknowledge the historical underrepresentation we have had, and to realize that we have an unprecedented chance in shaping a more positive trajectory for ourselves and our communities.
APIA Officeholder you admire:
I admire Jean Quan, not only for being the first Asian American woman elected to my hometown, but for reminding me the power that grassroots energy can have on me. In her mayoral campaign, I was witness to a fierce APIA politician: an APIA woman who grew up in Oakland, went to UC Berkeley, and ultimately returned to do positive change in her city. Essentially, I was confronted with the inspiration that if she could do that, why couldn’t I?
(4) The American Job Acts and You: How does the Jobs Act support the APIA community?
President Obama’s proposed American Jobs Act, legislation that purports to strengthen the economic recovery through promoting job access, will fundamentally improve job opportunities for all Americans, including the APIA community. Foremost, this act would promote the hiring of the 235,000 long-term unemployed APIAs by giving employers a tax credit for hiring them. For AAPI youth specifically, whose unemployment rate is above 13.8%, President Obama’s plan will stimulate job creation and provide training for youth under the age of 25.
Ultimately, the American Jobs Act would not only benefit small businesses and the long-term unemployed, youth, low-income students, and teachers would also be affected. For more information on how the American Jobs Act would benefit the APIA community, you can read the President’s fact sheet here.
