This Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, When We All Vote is proud to highlight some of our dedicated volunteers and partners who help ensure their communities are registered and ready to vote. With roots in over 20 countries, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are an incredibly diverse population and the fastest-growing voting bloc in the United States. We’re celebrating the rise in AAPI voting power and encourage you to get involved. Visit whenweallvote.org/takeaction to learn more.

Christine Chen is the co-founder and Executive Director of Asian Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote), a leading nonpartisan organization dedicated to engaging, educating, and empowering Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to amplify their voices and create significant impact. 

Q: How do you encourage open discussion about the importance of voting and civic engagement, especially when working within the AAPI community?

A: It starts with listening to and understanding the issues weighing heavily on the minds of friends, family members, and the local community. What causes anxiety, and what are the top concerns? By understanding their motivating issues, you can connect the dots between those matters and the stakes in the election. 

Often, it's about helping people realize the power of their vote in not just presidential and federal elections but also in crucial local and down-ballot races that directly shape their communities. Culturally competent communication is key, as well as meeting people where they are with relatable examples and trusted messengers from within their communities.

Q: Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month often opens discussions around the ongoing challenges the AAPI community has faced and continues to face today. How can we continue these conversations beyond May?

A: While AAPI Heritage Month provides an important spotlight, elevating AAPI voices and addressing our community's challenges must be sustained year-round. There are many ways to continue these conversations beyond May, including forging partnerships with local AAPI organizations and other allies who advocate for our communities. This advocacy can range from increasing language access and incorporating AAPI history into K-12 education curricula to supporting and amplifying the work of AAPI creators and artists who share our experiences.

More importantly, allies must be proactive in creating space and opportunities for members of the AAPI community to participate meaningfully in civic processes year-round, not as an afterthought. By consciously making room at the table for AAPI perspectives, allies ensure our voices directly shape how political power and influence are built and used.

When We All Vote
1025 Vermont Ave NW
Suite 1120
Washington, DC xxxxxx
United States  
[email protected] | 202-908-5226

If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please unsubscribe.

© 2024 Civic Nation, All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy

When We All Vote is a non-partisan initiative of Civic Nation, a 501(c3).