Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) are the fastest growing minority population today. Recently, the growing number of AAPI elected officials in the State Capitol has begun to reflect this population increase. Socioeconomic class and cultural diversity within the AAPI population pose significant dilemmas for policymakers. The faculty members of the University of California AAPI Policy Multi-Campus Research Program (UC AAPI Policy MRP) conduct applied research on policy issues related to AAPIs in California and are experts in providing knowledge about the complex nature of AAPI communities. The UC AAPI Policy MRP will connect the applied research and expertise of the UC AAPI Policy MRP to the members of the Asian Pacific Islander (API) Joint Legislative Caucus, the supporter of the Policy Initiative, which is a bi-partisan group of legislators representing and advocating for the interests of diverse AAPI communities throughout California. It also seeks to increase AAPI participation and representation in all levels of government.
Latest News:
Farewell Message from Paul Ong:
It is with much sadness that I am stepping down as the MRP's director. The last four years have been challenging, frustrating and rewarding. With very limited funding from the University, the MRP has accomplished much, as clearly documented in the annual reports. Through numerous events, publications and presentations, the MRP has demonstrated that the University of California can provide direct and valuable service to the state and its people. As an institution of higher learning, our most important contribution is and must be based on conducting applied and policy-oriented research, thus enlightening and enriching public discourse on the major issues and challenges facing Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and the larger society. The accomplishments could not have been possible without the time and energy given so generously by many of our faculty affiliates, community partners and campuses. I am most thankful to the wonderful staff, their dedication, hard work and enthusiasm. The list of individuals I am indebted to is far too long for this short message. I have not said "thank you" enough, but please know that my appreciation runs deep. It has been a joy to share this four-year journey with you all, something I will cherish forever. Many started as graduate and undergraduate students, and their participation is a part of our goal of creating a pipeline of scholars committed to direct engagement with community and policy issues. Unfortunately, the dream of establishing and institutionalizing the MRP as a permanent operation with the UC system is still elusive. If we are to change the University of California to be more responsive to Asian American and Pacific Islander community needs then we must continue to argue for both legitimacy and support from the President's Office and the ten UC campuses.
-Paul Ong
New Publications:
The Asian Americans Redistricting Project
The UC AAPI Policy MRP is pleased to release a series of pamphlets entitled, "The Asian American Redistricting Project." The series includes four pamphlets: (1) Legal Background for the "Communities of Common Interest" Requirement; (2) Accessing Secondary Data; (3) Conducting Stakeholder Surveys; and (4) Accessing Registration and Voting Data. The Asian American Redistricting Project is to be used as a resource by community stakeholders, elected officials, faculty, and students who are interested in conducting research to contribute to the upcoming redistricting debate. Limited hard copies are available by request. Electronic versions can be found through the links above.
Annual Report 2008 - 2009 is now online.
Please e-mail aapipolicy@aasc.ucla.edu for comments and suggestions about the website. To be added to the listerve and receive updates about the UC AAPI Policy MRP, please e-mail Yen Ling Shek at yenling.shek@gmail.com. |
