BiMonthly 12 August 2010
B I M O N T H L Y
B A L I T A T I N T ?C
12 August 2010
SCHOOL starts soon! GOOD LUCK!
To alumni: Aren’t you glad you are working!?
Prejudice and stereotypes are present whenever we turn our heads, and oftentimes, misconceptions result. There are misunderstandings when no time is taken to find out about a particular culture, and there are misassumptions when one presupposes the culture of another individual. Likewise, prejudice exists when it comes to the celebration of many ethnic cultural holidays.
Here are some of many examples of the prevalence of Asian American discrimination that persist today:
a. Airports are filled with more security than ever before, and South Asians have become the target of “random” security investigations at airports. The assumption that South Asians are presumed terrorists is made by new face given to terrorists by society today—are they guilty until proven innocent?
b. Everyone gets school off for Christmas and other holidays, but for Diwali or Chinese New Year, school must be attended.
c. There has been much discrimination towards Asian Americans in the media today. One instance that really hit close to home was a string of comments towards South Asians made by the infamous Glenn Beck rant. (The links to this issue are provided below).
These issues are only a few of many that South Asians face in this country. Being conscious of all the discrimination out in the world is difficult to tackle, but we zone in on South Asian Discrimination in particular as one facet of AAPI discrimination. Awareness is key in this community, and this page will provide the links and sources needed for the student body when South Asian discrimination is at hand.
Issues & Areas of Focus
Some issues regarding South Asians discrimination that ECAASU National hopes to tackle this year include, but are not limited to:
Seeking an Apology from Glenn Beck—On December 9th, 2009, Glenn Beck, television host of the Glenn Beck Program on FOX NEWS Channel, implied that there are no quality medical schools in India; implied that medical care in India is a shoddy imitation of real health care; implied that the entire nation is an undeveloped backwater without even so much as indoor plumbing; and compared the Ganges River, a holy body of water for one of the world’s oldest and largest religions, to a disease.
Additional Resources
Glenn Beck Racist Rant—This video is the telecast that was broadcasted nation-wide; Glenn Beck spoke about health care, but took it a step further by looking down on India.
Transcript: This Is the Best America Has to Offer?—This article is the transcript of Glenn Beck’s telecast (the link for the video posted above).
AAPIUSA Responds to Glenn Beck’s Comments—American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) respond back to Glenn Beck’s comments, for their response, click the following link:
Online Petition for an apology from Glenn Beck—Our goal is to reach 2,000+ signatures so that more action and people can be contacted. Please sign the petition by clicking the link below if you believe in this issue.
South Asian Americans Leading together (SAALT)—SAALT is a national, non-profit staffed South Asian organization that advocates around issues affecting South Asian communities through a social justice framework.
SAALT’s ‘Be The Change’ Event—This event is based on Mahatma Gandhi’s inspirational quote, “You must be the
change you wish to see in the world,” and the event provides opportunities for South Asians to give back to their communities.
Want to Get Involved?
If are you interested in getting involved with South Asian Issues, please contact ECAASU National’s Advocacy Chair on South Asian Issues Henna Tailor at southasian.advocacy@ecaasu.org.
MENTORSHIPS
OCA Mentorship AAP Program Atlanta, GA (Link)
INTERNSHIPS, VOLUNTEERING, JOBS
The Asian American Federation, a non-profit leadership organization working with Asian American community groups, is seeking a highly motivated, energetic, organized individual for a unique opportunity in development. The Development Manager, reporting to the Donor Relations Director, will coordinate communications and development projects such as: researching/writing grant proposals and reports; and drafting quarterly newsletters, annual appeals, annual reports and website content. He/She will also assist in fundraising and donor cultivation by working on special events and database management. (Link)
2. IF YOU ARE IN NY, THE MINKWON CENTER IS SEARCHING FOR INTERNS!
The MinKwon Center for Community Action (formerly YKASEC) was established in 1984 to meet the needs and concerns of the Korean American community through our five program areas: Community Organizing and Advocacy, Social and Legal Services, Civic Participation, Youth Empowerment, and Culture. Since our founding, we have made a profound presence in the Korean American community through various grassroots organizing, education, and advocacy initiatives that address important community issues, including immigration policies at the national, state and city levels, voter rights, and culture awareness. The MinKwon Center places a special emphasis on meeting the needs of our marginalized community members, including youth, elderly, recent immigrants, low-income residents, and limited-English-proficient residents. More recently, it has expanded its program areas to work with the Chinese American community as well. (Link)
3. JOIN DVRP AND A/PI COMMUNITIES IN ASSISTING ASIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DEADLINE – August 15!
The Asian/ Pacific Islander Domestic Violence Resource Project (DVRP) is dedicated to addressing and preventing domestic violence within A/PI communities in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. DVRP believes in providing culturally and linguistically appropriate tools, resources, and support for women who are in or have been in abusive relationships. The Advocates Program is an essential part of our organization and relies on our Volunteer and Bilingual Advocates to provide one-on-one services to survivors of domestic violence. The Asian/Pacific Islander Domestic Violence Resource Project (DVRP) is currently seeking bilingual and bicultural individuals to join our Advocates Program. DVRP also seeks and welcome the support of non-bilingual individuals as Volunteer Advocates. (Link)
d. ASIAN PACIFIC AIDS INTERVENTION TEAM IS LOOKING FOR FULL TIME HEALTH EDUCATOR!
This person will be implementing the Popular Opinion Leader intervention to adult API MSM (age 25+) as part of the new CDC contract. The job announcement is posted on the website and may be accessed by clicking the link below. (Link) (website)
e. The NYC Board of Elections needs poll workers for the Primary in September and the election day in November.
If you want to apply for a stand-by poll worker position, please read the following instructions:
a.Job Title:
Inspector/Poll Clerk
Generally responsible for the operations in the ED, including opening the polls, serving voters and closing the polls including accuracy of canvass. Inspectors must stay for completion of canvas and tally. Ensures that Affidavit Ballot Envelopes are completed correctly and signs each one. Operates the party lever on the voting machine for Primaries and Officer’s Control Handle for all elections. Reminds voter the curtain remains closed and how the voter handle works. Collects a completed voter card from each voter.
b. Job Title:
Interpreter
Apply [Chinese Interpreter]
Apply [Korean Interpreter]
Apply [Spanish Interpreter]
The Interpreter assists non-English speaking voters by translating voting information given by the Inspector and answers voter questions. The Interpreter may also assist non-English and limited-English speaking voters in voting booths.
Permanent U.S. resident, New York City Resident, 18 years of age, fluent in English and Interpreter’s language.
c. Job Title:
Information Clerk
Uses the Street Finder and Poll Site List to direct voters to their correct ED/AD and poll site – one or more at sites with 4 or more EDs. Is seated at a table at or near the main entrance to the poll site. Must be available throughout the day.
Permanent U.S. resident, New York City resident, and 18 years of age. Fluent in English.
d. Job Title:
Door Clerk
Ensures that the alternate entrance is accessible throughout the day. Monitors the entrance to prevent unauthorized individuals from entering. Checks to see that a ramp with handrails and/or platform are in place if required. Assists but does not provide physical help to disabled voters entering the site. Checks the access posters and directional arrows “Vote Here/Vota Aqui” signs are hung properly.
Permanent U.S. resident, New York City resident, and 18 years of age
For further information on how to be a poll worker, please call the EDO office at (212) 487-5305 or call the Board of Elections Phone Bank at 1-866-vote-nyc
SERCAAL
October 22nd-23rd
(Link)
APALA/NJ Golf Classic & Dinner Thursday, August 12, 2010 at the Wild Turkey Golf Club in Hamburg, NJ (Link)
Conference on Asian Pacific American Leadership (CAPAL) Professional Mixer August 30 (RSVP Link)
Join SAALT for a 10 Year Anniversary “Jazz and Justice” Fundraiser on September 2nd in Washington DC! (Link)
NAAAP National Convention August 12 – 15 (Link)
OCA National Bone Marrow Registration Drive (Link)
POLITICS & LAW
Asian Americans to take City Hall, Even US Senate? (Link)
Asian Americans Intervene in Georgia Voting Rights Lawsuit (Link)
Beige: America’s future (Link)
Boston Required To Translate Ballots Into Chinese And Vietnamese (Link)
Gay Chinese-American Mayor Applauds Prop. 8 Ruling (Link)
JACL, OCA, and APIAVote Visit Gulf Coast Communities Affected by Oil Spill (Link)
Joannie Chang, civil rights lawyer, dies at 41 (Link)
Meet Hansen Clarke: The Dems’ Rising Star From Detroit (Link)
Now That it Made History With Elena Kagan, the Senate Should Do Our Lower Courts Justice (Link)
Peaceful co-existence: Despite conflicts at Ground Zero and elsewhere, Anniston Muslims find cordial reception and respect (Link)
Political Insider: Mister, can you spare your vote? (Link)
Pro & Con: Should Georgia adopt an Arizona-style immigration law? (Link)
Obama Remake of Courts Bogged Down by Republicans (Link)
Rash of immigrant hatred Recent letters, bias attacks, laws incite fear even in legal residents (Link)
Snapshots of a Nation (Link)
Tax man should give parents a break (Link)
The courage of equality: Dismantling Prop 8 California’s same sex marriage law (Link)
EDUCATION & CULTURE
Asian Americans increasingly defying the STEM stereotype (Link)
Chinese pioneers in Austin History Center exhibit (Link)
Hepatitis B testing important for at-risk groups (Link)
Mayor Recognizes Student Excellence in the Arts (Link)
Thousands cheer biggest ever India Day Parade in Edison (Link)
The Truth About ‘Model Minorities’ (Link)
Asian American Writers’ Workshop (Link)
Asian culture and community events in the Dallas area (Link)
Graphic Novels (Link)
Miss Asian America Pageant comes to SF (Link)
Monthly Sulu Series to end in NYC (Link)
New People Announces J-Pop Summit Expansion (Link)
Rebel ‘With’ a Cause: Catching Up with Margaret Cho (Link)
RECOMMENDED LINKS
www.america.gov
Do you want your information or suggest any news, events, opportunities that would be beneficial to Asian American awareness?
Email me contact information, website, and a few lines detailing your news at communications@ecaasu.org.
Sincerely,
