"We went from being an unrealistic hope to a big influence" ~ Monica Dalton, Spring 2001
Establishment
The first Asian Political Association was founded at the height of
the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960's. It is credited for helping found the Ethnic Studies department on the UC Berkeley campus and promulgating use of the term "Asian American" to replace the previously used term "Oriental."
Richard Aoki (pictured with Charles Brown and Manuel Delgado, right), founder of the Asian American Political Alliance in the 1960s.
In April of 2001 Chris Fong refounded APA
using the vigor of this past group, but also with a vision of students promoting Asian American political
activism throughout UC Berkeley and the community in light of the indifference held
by many. As such, very few other clubs at UC Berkeley provide the same
amount of leadership opportunities, intense political involvement, unbiased openness to various political issues, and dedicated members all in one organizational setting.
Committees
Issues Committee: Holds informative and active events dealing with both the domestic and foreign political arena. Topics are usually focused on the Asian community but are encouraged to encompass a general audience.
• Past events include: North Korean Nuclear Crisis Forum w/ UCB Political Science Professors Ling Chi-Wang and Darren Zook
Protest and letter-writing petition against Tsunami Song
Outreach Committee: Works with political leaders through networking events or in the campaign process. Also in charge of internship opportunities for members.
• Past events include: Dinner with Asian figures in media
Precinct walking and phone banking for political candidates
Social/PR Committee: Encourages interaction and facilitates discussion between club members through social events and in charge of public relations for APA.
• Past events include: APA Bowling Night
End of Year Banquet
APA Journal Editors: In charge of publishing and distributing
the APA Journal throughout the campus and community at large.
