Asian Americans for Obama

New GOTV PSA From CAUSE Features Kelly Hu, George Takei

George Takei, Kelly Hu and George Huang -- three incredible industry pioneering talents -- donated their valuable time and led a phenomenal crew in creating an AAPI-targeted get-out-the-vote public service announcement for the Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment, or CAUSE.  The PSA launched last night with Kelly and the cast and crew at a release party at J Lounge in LA.

CAUSE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, non-partisan organization advancing the political empowerment of the Asian Pacific American community through voter registration and education, community outreach and leadership development.

The PSA, "Embrace Your Power," encourages Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to vote in the November 4 election and is just the latest example of George Takei's, Kelly Hu's and George Huang's ongoing commitment and dedication to our community and to the importance of AAPI involvement in the political process.

The result of hundreds of hours of work and the reshuffling of the cast's and crew's busy schedules, the 30-second PSA was created for the benefit of the AAPI community to improve the visibility of AAPIs in this critical election.  This is the first AAPI GOTV public service announcement of the general election season.

Manifest Hope at the DNC!

Groundbreaking artist Shepard Fairey, creator of those awesome and now iconic Obama HOPE posters, MoveOn.org, and Upper Playground are producing an unprecedented artistic exhibition showcasing the work of artists that have used their talents to enhance, support, and transform the grassroots movement inspired by the Obama campaign.

The Manifest Hope Gallery will be housed at Denver's Andenken Gallery (2990 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80205) and open from 10 AM to 5 PM from Monday, August 25 through Thursday, August 28.  According to their website, "The Manifest Hope Gallery highlights the central themes of the progressive grass-roots movement- Hope Change, Progress, Unity and Patriotism." 

Unfortunately, submissions from artists are now closed, but I'm personally looking forward to seeing the great and creative work these artists have offered for exhibition.  Five artists will be chosen from the field of submissions by a panel of judges including famed artists Ross Bleckner; April Gornik; Eric Fischl; Shepard Fairey; musicians Moby; Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth; and DJ Spooky; as well as Cydney Payton, executive director and chief curator of MCA Denver; and Nancy Spector, author and Guggenheim Curator of Contemporary Art.

You can download a flyer for the exhibition below:
Download Manifest_Hope_Invite.jpg

Serve Your Country!

One of the major themes of Sen. Obama's campaign this year has been service.  The theme of service is not necessarily new to politics - John F. Kennedy emphasized service in his presidency through his speeches and policies such as creating the Peace Corps, John Kerry proposed a national service corps idea as part of his campaign in 2004, and of course, President Jimmy Carter has embodied service in his life as a public servant and afterwards through his work with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity.

In that spirit, the organization Democrats Work was created to bring the grassroots enthusiasm for political change to our communities.  At this year's Democratic National Convention, delegates can be a part of the spirit of service and help make Colorado a little better place than we found it.

On Wednesday, August 27th from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, Michelle Obama and Colorado First Lady Jeannie Ritter will co-chair the Delegate Day of Service, which aims to inspire hundreds of thousands of Americans in a renewed commitment to service.  Projects will range from canned food sorting, painting at local schools, serving meals at shelters, reading to children, removing graffiti, landscaping at local schools, tree planting and park maintenance. Delegates will have the opportunity to lend a hand at project sites throughout the Denver area – many downtown for minimal walking.

We encourage you to sign up for a project here:  http://www.metrovolunteers.org/AboutUs/index.php/Delegate_Service_Day.htm.  I've signed up!  Will you?

Most Diverse Convention in History

With certification of all the delegates complete, this year's Democratic National Convention is now officially the most diverse major party convention in history.

44.3 percent of the delegates represent minority communities, 50.1 percent are women, 14.5% are under the age of 36, and 16.9% are senior citizens.  The number of youth delegates this year is a marked increase.  And of particular interest to us here at Asian Americans for Obama is the fact that we also have a record number of AAPI delegates this year.  In fact, "[a]ccording to statistics compiled by the Democratic National Committee (DNC), more women, African Americans, Asian and Pacific Islander Americans, Native Americans, Hispanics, GLBT delegates and delegates with disabilities will attend the Convention than ever before."

These numbers not only reflect the amazing diversity of the Democratic Party in 2008, but are a testament to Sen. Obama's tremendous ability to bring people of all backgrounds, walks of life, and perspectives together to move this country forward.  Change is no mere catchphrase this year; it is the political watchword and creed of every community in every corner of this nation.

Click here to read more.

More handy convention info available below the fold.

India Independence Day in Philadelphia - Aug. 16

This past weekend, AAPI grassroots groups hosted at least 16 voter registration events across 12 states.  Many of these events were planned to coincide with India's and Pakistan's Independence Day celebrations.  Both nations became independent from Great Britain on August 15, 2008, though this year, many celebrations occurred on August 16 to take advantage of the weekend.

In my home in Austin, Texas, I volunteered at our Indian Independence Day celebration at a table for the Travis County Democratic Party, where we distributed literature on Sen. Obama and our Democratic candidates, signed up volunteers, and sold buttons and stickers.  We also helped the Indian American Community of Texas with voter registration.  Most of those eligible to vote were already registered, but we signed up several volunteers and many people took Obama bumper stickers and yard signs.  There was definitely a strong sense of support for Sen. Obama from the folks in attendance.

The Philadelphia grassroots activists were also out in force, taking advantage of all day celebrations in the Philly area.  They took some great pictures, which are in this post and continue below the fold.

Camp Obama Dallas - Aug. 23-24

We will be holding the next Camp Obama in Dallas/Fort Worth on August 23-24. We will be teaching you the skills & knowledge you need to take a leadership role in Texas for this campaign. If you are interested in being a part of our volunteer leadership in Dallas/Tarrant County for Barack's presidential campaign, we hope you join us.

Date & Time:
Saturday, August 23 - Check In 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday, August 24 - Check In 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
(Please plan to attend both Saturday & Sunday)

Location:
ObamaDallas Headquarters
1409 South Lamar, Dallas, 75215
Parking: Parking entrance is on Belleview Street.  Park in large lot behind Poor David's Pub.  Enter South Side on Lamar from Belleview Street and follow the signs.

Things to bring:
Identification (e.g., driver's license), lunch or lunch money, paper & pens, cell phone, laptop (if you have one), voter registration card

Questions? texas@barackobama.com or (512)472-VOTE

RSVP for Camp Obama by Thursday, August 21: texas@barackobama.com

We look forward to meeting you on Saturday the 23rd!

Team Obama Texas

Ka Leo O AAPI Obama Weekly Newsletter - 5th Ed.

The latest edition of the campaign's AAPI newsletter - Ka Leo O AAPI - is now available for download below:

Download Ka_Leo_O_AAPI_5th_Ed.pdf

Upcoming Voter Registration Events - Austin, TX

Austin BatFest!
Saturday August 30th and Sunday August 31st

Keep Austin weird and voting at BatFest! We'll be registering voters at this huge, two-day community event. Many shifts available! We'll meet on the 1st Street Bridge. Look for our booth.

Saturday 8/30 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. -- Sign Up Here!
Saturday 8/30 8 p.m. - 11 p.m. -- Sign Up Here!
Sunday 8/31 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. -- Sign Up Here!
Sunday 8/31 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. -- Sign Up Here!

Saturday Night Fever!
Saturday nights in September along 6th Street, Red River, and in the Warehouse district we'll be doing voter registration. We'll meet at HQ then head out to these hotspots. This is a great way to reach new and young voters. Feel free to dress up and look your best!

Saturday, September 6th, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. -- Sign Up Here!
Saturday, September 13th, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. -- Sign Up Here!
Saturday, September 20th, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. -- Sign Up Here!
Saturday, September 27th, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. -- Sign Up Here!

Attend a Convention Watch Party - Thurs, Aug. 28

Just because you can't make it to Denver for the Democratic National Convention, doesn't mean you can't still be a part of history.  On Thursday, August 28, Obama supporters all over the country and in your neighborhood will be hosting Convention Watch parties to witness Sen. Obama's historic nomination acceptance speech.

Sign up to attend a party today, or help organize your own, by clicking on the button above.

Remember, you don't have to just sit and watch at your party.  Hold the party in a visible location and register voters, or bring your laptops and help your local campaign office do data entry.  Be creative - this campaign is about action, and every time you get together with your fellow supporters, there are always ways to help change your community and your country.

For more information about the convention watch parties from the campaign, go below the fold.

Walk for Change Convention Watch & Fundraisers - Thurs, Aug. 28

Victory Speech Party and
Fundraiser for the Barack Obama - Walk4Change
Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 2 locations

IN WASHINGTON, DC
6:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Lounge 201 on Capitol Hill
201 Massachusetts Ave., NE
DC 20002
www.lounge201.com
eVite
Facebook Event

IN MARYLAND
7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Uno Restaurant
Largo, Town Center (The Blvd)

Contact Rachele Taramona (racheletaramona@yahoo.com or 240.688.7040), Allison Bozniak (allison@lincolnparkpr.com), & Lee Passacreta (luvleep@yahoo.com) for more information.

NEW CO-SPONSOR - Obama4UnityBeatsMcCain, please donate here (MUST BE MARKED, Walk4Change, or this event won't receive it): http://www.obama4unitybeatsmccain.com/

For an updated list of speakers and entertainment and a tentative schedule, visit http://www.diversity4obama.org/walk-entertainment.html.

For more information on this and to view a printable flyer in English, Spanish, and Chinese please visit: http://www.diversity4obama.org.

If you are interested in donating to the event to offset the costs of permit for the walk, please contact: allisonbozniak@lincolnparkpr.com or racheletaramona@yahoo.com.

"Crouching Voter, Hidden Direction"

Newsweek has a good article online on the Asian American role in the upcoming 2008 race.

Zhou Ling, a naturalized American citizen from Taiwan who wears an Obama pin with the Chinese characters for “hope,” says Asian American citizens must abandon fear and cultivate courage and civic duty. For her, both were inspired by the Obama campaign, for which she now volunteers.

                                           ...

The Obama campaign clearly recognizes the need to reach out to the Asian American community. Last month, California Rep. Mike Honda addressed an Obama fundraiser sponsored by a coalition of Asian American political groups. Obama’s part Indonesian half-sister, Maya Soetoro-Ng, has also contributed as a spokeswoman. Their efforts may bear fruit. According to “New Voters, Old Fears,” by News 21, a journalism initiative of the Carnegie and Knight Foundations, Asian Americans increasingly lean toward Democratic candidates.

From: http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/stumper/archive/2008/08/07/crouching-voter-hidden-direction.aspx

"Obama talks race, heritage at S.F. fundraisers"

From: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/08/17/MNCI12CVH8.DTL

"Change is always tough, and electing me is change ... and it means that people are going to hesitate a little bit," Obama told a crowd of about 200 deep-pocketed supporters at a VIP reception for South Asian and Pacific Islander supporters at the Fairmont Hotel.

                             ...

Obama told the group - many of them Indian and Pakistani immigrants - that he is not only familiar with their cultures - but also proud of his lifelong associations with them.

"Not only do I think I'm a desi, but I'm a desi," he said, using a colloquial term that describes South Asian immigrants. The remark was greeted with laughs. "I'm a homeboy."

He said that when he went to Occidental College, his first roommate was Pakistani. And in his dorm, he said with a laugh, "Indians and Pakistanis came together under one roof ... to cause havoc in the university."

To applause, he said he became an expert "at cooking dal" and other ethnic dishes, though "somebody else made the naan," the trademark Indian bread.

"Those are friendships which have lasted me for years, and continue until this day," he said. "I have an enormous personal affection for the people of South Asia."

"I've also had an orientation toward Asia and a recognition ... that over time we are going to see ... more economic growth," and an economic partnership with the United States that is "strategic."

Take Action Against Corsi's Smears

By now, many of you have probably heard about the reprehensible falsehoods being peddled by Jerome Corsi, the slime merchant who brought us the 2004 Kerry-Swift Boat hatchet job, Unfit for Command.  This year, the Obama team has said, "Not this time," and has produced a stinging, thorough debunking of the book available on the Obama website.

As Asian Americans, we should also be particularly aware of Corsi's peddling of his "book" to white supremacists.

Sen. Obama needs our help spreading the word about Corsi's vile lies.  Download the document today and share it with your friends, family, and colleagues.  The Obama campaign has also set up a Letter to the Editor tool so you can make the truth heard in your local media.

Let the smear machine know that this year, the American people will not stand for lies and distortions.  This year, the election will be decided on the things that matter - the issues, character, leadership.  The integrity of American democracy is in the hands of us, the citizenry.  We will not be silent, we will not be cowed, we will not be bullied - we will fight back!

Go below the fold for more from the Obama campaign.

South Asians for Obama Happy Hour: Gearing Up for the DNC - Thurs, Aug. 21, 7-11 PM

South Asians for Obama Happy Hour - Gearing up for the DNC

Thursday, August 21, 2008
7:00pm - 11:00pm

MR Lounge
560 Sacramento Street
San Francisco, CA

RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=32238365475

Info: safosf@gmail.com

We're convening at MR Lounge on the 21st of August to have a happy hour/fundraiser in celebration of Senator Obama's approaching nomination to as the Democratic Party's Presidential candidate.  This event is open to all, so invite all of your friends!

Bay Area Filipinos for Obama Launch National Effort to Swing Voters in Support of Obama: Kick Off Event on Aug. 19

(SAN FRANCISCO) – With more than 4 million Filipino Americans living in the United States, pinoys can be the difference in November’s presidential election. Filipinos for Obama will target Filipino Americans in key battleground states like Nevada and Virginia to help swing support towards Senator Barack Obama, help him win those states, and put him into the White House.

The cost to attend the launch party is free, but a donation of $25 or more to the Obama campaign when people RSVP at this site or on the evening of the event, will enter attendees into a raffle for a signed copy of Senator Obama's book, "The Audacity of Hope.”

The honorary Host Committee includes Kamala Harris - San Francisco District Attorney and Co-Chair of California Women for Obama, Hydra Mendoza - San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom’s Education Advisor, Ray Buenaventura - President of the Filipino American Democratic Club of San Mateo and Delegate to the DNC, and Henry Manayan - President of the Filipino-American Democratic Caucus of the California and former mayor of Milpitas, amongst others.

When:      Tuesday, August 19, 6-8pm
Where:     Zebulon Restaurant and Bar, 83 Natoma Street, San Francisco

To reserve your space at this event, RSVP here today.  Filipinos for Obama buttons and t-shirts will be available at the event.

AAPI Grassroots Training and Strategy Session - Tue, Aug. 26, 2-4 PM

Join Asian Americans for Obama, South Asians for Obama, and Asian Pacific Americans for Progress for a terrific grassroots training on Tuesday of the Convention in Denver!  We'll be covering a variety of grassroots skills and breaking into state groups to plan our election strategy. You do not have to be a delegate to attend!

AAPI Grassroots Training and Strategy Session
With Special Guest Congressman Michael M. Honda
Time:  2:00 pm– 4:00 pm
Place:  Colorado Convention Center, Korbel Ballroom 3A, 700 14th Street, Downtown Denver

Hosts:  Asian Pacific Americans for Progress, Asian Americans for Obama, & South Asians for Obama

RSVP:  apafp@apaforprogress.org.

Join your fellow AAPI grassroots activists for training on fundraising, voter registration, building networks, and other ways to advocate for our community.  Participants will also be working with other AAPIs from their state to develop action plans for November.

For the full calendar of AAPI events at the Democratic National Convention, go below the fold.

New Tagalog One Page Flyers Available!

Thanks to volunteer Allan Benamer, we now have a new improved Tagalog one page flyer on our Supporter Toolkit page for Filipino American outreach.  This flyer places more emphasis on Filipino American issues by highlighting Sen. Obama's support for equity for Filipino veterans at the top of the page.

You can download a PDF version here, and a Word version here.  Download it, print it up, make some copies, and start hitting the streets and talking to your family, friends, and neighbors!

Filipinos for Obama March for Hope

The Filipinos for Obama effort hit the streets this past Saturday to spread the message that Senator Obama is the candidate for the Filipino American Community.  With a large contingent, the FFO campaign passed out "Filipinos for Obama" stickers and buttons, and energized the crowed chanting "YES WE CAN" at Pistahan, a jam-packed Filipino culture festival and parade in San Francisco. (More photos here.)

Senator Akaka's (D-HI) Response to Cokie Roberts

As mentioned in yesterday's post (Breaking: Hawai'i is a State), Senator Akaka issued a statement excoriating Cokie Roberts for her reprehensible statements:

"Saying our 50th state is somehow 'foreign,' does a great disservice to the hard working, patriotic Americans who call Hawaii home. For months people have been asking me, 'when is Sen. Obama going to come home?' I'm so glad he found time to visit his sister and his grandmother, show his daughters more of his home state, and relax a little. Hawaii is a great U.S. destination, just ask the 5.5 million Americans who visited last year for business and pleasure."

H/T to Americablog for Senator Akaka's statement.

South Asian Americans Could Make Obama President

Obama surrogate Kal Penn argues that South Asian Americans can be the swing vote in November's presidential election.

"So, if ever there was any question as to whether family background or immigration history or age was holding anyone back in being effective, that's all pretty much dissolved," he contended. "And we got proof to show that no matter what your background is, that one vote and that one effort of making a phone call and reaching out and registering somebody to vote can have huge implications and a huge impact."

Penn exhorted the young Asian American leaders and activists present that "depending on how much time you can put in, you can head up particular regions, you can help with youth outreach, South Asian outreach -- any kind of demographic outreach -- registering people."

Read it here.

Kal Penn Stumps for Obama, Supporters Look to Make Blue from Red

Last night, Asian Americans for Obama and South Asians for Obama hosted a special event with Kal Penn in northern Virginia at the home of Toby Chaudhuri and Ruby Roy.

Props to Toby for hosting and Joe Montano (NOVA Democratic political director) for introducing Kal Penn --  and to Caroline Grey (Barack Obama NOVA Regional Field Director) for organizing phone banking with Kal Penn earlier that day.

Check it out:

ABC News: Asian-Ams On The Rise
OBAMA SUPPORTERS LOOK TO MAKE BLUE FROM RED IN VIRGINIA
Virginia's Asian-Americans Still Find Political Rallying Cry in Fmr. Senator's 2006 'Macaca' Moment

Speaking Monday night at a South Asians for Obama house party in Northern Virginia, actor Kal Penn -- half of the pot-smoking duo from the "Harold and Kumar" movies -- looked back to the future by recognizing the anniversary of the political gaffe. "Happy Macaca Day," he called it.

BREAKING: Hawaii is a State

Yesterday, ABC's Cokie Roberts criticized Sen. Obama for going on vacation in Hawaii to visit his family, including his 86 year old elderly grandmother Madelyn Dunham and his sister Maya Soetoro-Ng, her husband Konrad Ng, and their daughter Suhaila.  Sen. Obama and his family generally visit his childhood home every Christmas, but were unable to go last Christmas because of the campaign.  This trip has allowed Sen. Obama to make a long desired trip home, as well as to visit the 48th state since he began his campaign.

Ms. Roberts said, "I know his grandmother lives in Hawaii and I know Hawaii is a state, but it has the look of him going off to some sort of foreign, exotic place. He should be in Myrtle Beach, and, you know, if he's going to take a vacation at this time."

Aside from the general ridiculousness of casting aspersions on the "American-ness" of Hawaii, Ms. Roberts' criticism smacks of the worst prejudices faced by Asian Americans.

One of the most enduring obstacles to equality faced by AAPIs is the "perpetual foreigner" stereotype.  Behind this stereotype is the idea that Asian Americans are too "exotic", too "foreign" in appearance, heritage, and behavior to ever truly be American, no matter how many generations their families have been in the US, how enthusiastically they embrace American ideals, or how passionately they serve their country.  To many people, if you look Asian, you must be a tourist or an immigrant, but one that's only here temporarily.  Hawaii is the only majority AAPI state, so Ms. Roberts comment unavoidably raises the question, "Why is Hawaii foreign, exotic?"  Is it because to Ms. Roberts, Asians are foreign, exotic, and above all, not American? 

For the Indians in the US, it's striking a chord—Obama is 'one of us'

The Shared Past
For the Indians in the US, it's striking a chord—Obama is 'one of us'
ASHISH KUMAR SEN

Indians In Obama

Team Neera Tanden was in Hillary's team, now Obama's domestic policy director

Preeta Bansal was with Obama from the very start, is a senior policy advisor Hari Sevugan is a top staffer in the communications department

Madhuri Kommareddi is Obama's deputy policy director The Asian-American Finance Committee's co-chair is held by several Indians, including Vinod Khosla and Swadesh Chatterjee

Read more at Outlook India.com

ALOHA FRIDAY

Obama Family and Friends Visit Temple Park in Hawaii

As you may have read on our blog in the last few days, Sen. Obama is currently taking a break from his grueling campaign schedule to visit Hawaii with his family. 

Politico reports that on the second day of his trip, the Obamas and their friends visited the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, which was established on June 7, 1968, to commemorate the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii.  The temple's Japanese name translates as "Temple of equality - not to discriminate" according to literature at the site.  Sen. Obama took his family to the park to show the temple to his daughters.

While Sen. Obama is not campaigning on this trip, it does provide an opportunity for his AAPI supporters to remind people of the diverse heritage and experience Sen. Obama gained through his upbringing.  Growing up in Hawaii, the only US state with a majority AAPI population and where mixed-race heritage is the norm rather than the exception, Sen. Obama has a personal experience with diverse cultures, perspectives, and communities that is unprecedented.  As Americans, we all stand to benefit from a President that understands the diversity that defines not just Hawaii, but all of America.

Go below the fold to read the full article from Politico.

Philadelphia AAPI Grassroots Training and Voter Registration - Sat, Aug. 16, 11 AM

Saturday, August 16th, 2008
11:00 am

1500 Sansom Street, 4th floor
Philadelphia, PA

This training will include voter registration training and will be followed by a voter registration drive at the Festival of India, Great Plaza, Penn's Landing, Columbus Blvd in Philadelphia.  Information about the voter registration drive was posted previously here.

Contact and RSVP: Nina Ahmad, willsresearch@yahoo.com

AAPI Nevada Organizational Meeting - Sat, Aug. 16, 12-3 PM

UPDATED:

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

As you know, Nevada is a critical battleground state in this year's presidential election. Nevada also has a significant and growing AAPI population that can prove the crucial difference in a close election.  This Saturday, AAPIs from all over the state will meet in Las Vegas to develop an AAPI outreach and organizing strategy for Nevada and provide training for grassroots volunteers and activists.  If you are interested in helping Sen. Obama win Nevada in November, please attend this meeting.

Saturday, August 16^th, 2008

11 AM to 2 PM

 

Location:

Nevada State Democratic Party
1210 S. Valley View Road, Suite 114
Las Vegas, NV 89102

 

Contacts:

Charmaine Manansala

312.550.2259

Manita Rawat

mrawat@hollandhart.com

702.487.1717

RSVP to Sid Salvi at sidsalvi@gmail.com

Download the official event flyer:
Download Nevada_Meeting_Flyer_08.16.08.pdf

Two Upcoming Obama AAPI Vote Team Events in Vegas and Philadelphia

Asian American and Pacific Islanders for Change Training and Organizational Meeting

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

Saturday, August 16th, 2008
12 pm to 3pm
Location TBD

The meeting will be open to key AAPI leaders and grassroots volunteers interested in the Obama campaign.  OFA staff will collaborate with leaders to develop an AAPI outreach and organizing strategy.  Following, in a few weeks, we provide training for grassroots volunteers and activists and start our field program there.

Contact: Charmaine Manansala

312.55.2259

RSVP to Sid Salvi at sidsalvi@gmail.com

PHILADELPHIA, PA

Saturday, August 16th, 2008
11:00 am
1500 Sansom Street, 4th floor
Philadelphia, PA

This training will include voter registration training and will be followed by a voter registration drive at the Festival of India, Great Plaza , Penn's Landing, Columbus Blvd in Philadelphia

Contact and RSVP: Nina Ahmad, willsresearch@yahoo.

DEADLINE: Aug. 12 to Request Your Ticket to See Obama's Nomination Speech

Tomorrow, August 12, is the deadline to request your "Community Credential" to attend Sen. Obama's historic nomination speech on Thursday, August 28, at INVESCO Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver.

For information on requesting your credential, visit http://www.demconvention.com/invesco/ and find the contact information for your local Campaign for Change office.

You can also e-mail commcredentials@demconvention.com. When e-mailing, you must include the name of your state in the subject line and your phone number in the body of your message.

Bay Area Filipinos for Obama Kick-Off Event - Tue, Aug. 19, 6-8 PM

Details at www.FilipinosforObama.org - link to RSVP now available:

THE KICK-OFF of BAY AREA FILIPINOS FOR OBAMA
Tuesday, August 19, 6-8pm
@ Zebulon Bar & Restaurant, 83 Natoma St (off 2nd St.), San Francisco

Host Committee:  Hydra Mendoza, Dexter Ligot-Gordon, Angelica Jongco, Rafael "Ace" Climaco, Alyson Megur, April Joy Damian, Fred Cabasa, Genevieve Jopanda, Virg Cristobal, Eric Casher, Stephanie Ong Stillman

How can WE, AS A UNITED FRONT, make a difference in the 2008 election? We're bringing together key supporters from the Filipino American, Asian American, and Obama communities to answer that question.

• Help brainstorm ways to empower and mobilize the Filipino community to bring progress and hope back to our country.
• Hear from community leaders. Mingle with other Obama supporters. Sign-up to volunteer. All are welcome to join the conversation and movement.
• It is grassroots groups like Filipinos for Obama who are making the difference in the 2008 election!

COST TO ATTEND: FREE -- but a donation of $25 or more to the Obama campaign when you RSVP or on the evening of the event, will enter you in a raffle to win a signed copy of Senator Obama's book "The Audacity of Hope." The drawing will take place at the event.

Please RSVP at http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/44bk9

Questions? E-mail us at filipinosforobama@gmail.com

Building AAPI Political Power from the Ground Floor

Building AAPI Political Power from the Ground Floor
Monday, August 18th, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
The Wine Room, 520 Ramona Street, Palo Alto.
Suggested donation of $10-$20.

Eric Mar, Evan Low, Levin Sy, Michael Chang invite you to a fundraiser for the Asian American Civic Project (apapipeline.org), a new political training and placement program for Asian American and Pacific Islander recent college graduates. The project is run by the APA for Progress PAC under the leadership of Clarence Tong.

The event is on Monda y, August 18, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Wine Room, 520 Ramona Street, Palo Alto. Suggestion donation of $10-$20. Join the Host Committee for this event at $100 give/get. Contact Keith Kamisugi at keith@keithpr.com.

In collaboration with Emily's List and Annie's List, the Asian American Civic Project funds and trains five Campaign Fellows and places them with campaigns in communities throughout the country with AAPI communities in battleground states such as Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada and Washington State.

Part of the barrier to AAPIs achieving our full political potential is the shortage of AAPI political campaign managers, legislators and civic leaders and as well as the lack of a strategic pipeline to encourage, facilitate and support political participation within AAPI communities.

The Asian American Civic Project is intended to serve as one of those pipelines to give recent graduates or those i nterested in a second career in politics an introduction into the political process.

For more information on the project, visit http://www.apapipeline.org.

Evite: http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/BMQQENAGOIYICPANAENN/pipeline

Campaign Announces Expanded AAPIs for Obama Leadership Council

The Obama campaign announced today in a press release new members of the Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) for Obama Leadership Council, a group that was established in October 2007.

The AAPI leadership council consists of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders leaders and activists from across the nation, representing every sector of our society, including community, nonprofit, entertainment, business, government, law, academia and media.

We're fortunate to have such a strong team of AAPI leaders from across the country speaking and living Barack Obama's message of change.  The three co-chairs of the Leadership Council -- Nancy Chen, Ann Kalayil and Stan Toy -- were instrumental in introducing Senator Obama to the AAPI community during the primary season.

We all want to express a heartfelt mahalo to Ann, Nancy and Stan for their incredible hard work, leadership and personal investment of time and resources from the beginning of the campaign.

The Obama campaign was also galvanized by the grassroots efforts of Asian Americans for Obama, South Asians for Obama, Asian Pacific Americans for Progress and other similar groups.  These groups touched thousands and thousands of AAPIs across the country, many of whom were new to the political process.

The council now has executive and steering committees that include AAPI supporters of former presidential candidates Hillary Rodham Clinton and John Edwards.

Event: Voter Registration at the Festival of India in Philadelphia

Event: Voter Registration at the Festival  of India in Philadelphia

“Awesome opportunity to turn out the votes - lets do it Philly Style!!”

What: Club/Group Meeting
Host: South Asians For Obama (SAFO), Asian Pacific Americans for Progress
Start Time: Saturday, August 16 at 12:00pm
End Time: Saturday, August 16 at 7:00pm
Where: AT THE GREAT PLAZA, PENN’S LANDING

We are looking for volunteers to do voter registration at the Festival of India. An estimated 10,000 people of all races and ethnicities will be attending this great event. VOLUNTEERS ARE ASKED TO COMMIT TO TWO HOUR SHIFTS.

All volunteers are asked to report to the Obama HQ (1500 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102-4th Floor) at 11:00 a.m. for a mini Voter Registration Training. Please bring a clipboard and a few pens. Clipboards will be provided if needed. Voter Registration forms and materials will be provided.

Please contact Nina Ahmad at willsresearch@yahoo.com or at 267-304-1670

To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=26663422162

Howzit

Barack Obama Lands in Hawaii

Senator Barack Obama spoke at Keehi Lagoon. He and his wife Michelle are spoke to a crowd of thousands. His opening word, was "Howzit".

Obama said he wants to get a plate lunch, see his tutu, and watch his girls play at the beach. He said this trip is not for politicking.

Obama landed in Hawaii just after 2:30 this afternoon.

He spoke with reporters briefly, before heading to a crowd of about 2,000 at Keehi Lagoon Beach Park.

He and his family took off from Chicago this morning.

KGMB9 had crews at the airport, and at Keehi Lagoon. You can watch the introductions and speech on KGMB9.com here.

Obama to hold rally today

OBAMA RALLY

Where: Keehi Lagoon Beach Park
When: Today, gates open at 12:30 p.m.
Details: Free and open to the public. Attendees encouraged to RSVP at hi.barackobama.com/honolulu. No bags, signs or banners.

Isle backers of the Democratic candidate are ready to share in his dream

U.S. Sen. Barack Obama is scheduled to arrive in Honolulu today for what has been billed as a week's vacation, but he plans to kick it off with a campaign rally at Keehi Lagoon Beach Park.

The Hawaii-born presidential candidate, his wife, Michelle, and their two daughters are returning to Oahu to rest and visit with family.

Officials with Obama's presidential campaign said the Illinois Democrat and his wife will hold a campaign rally today starting at 12:30 p.m. at the park. In an e-mail to supporters, Obama officials said the event will be a "welcome to Hawaii event where Barack will talk about his vision for bringing America together and creating the kind of change we can believe in."

Barack and Michelle Obama in Honolulu, Hawaii

Barack and Michelle Obama in Honolulu, Hawaii

Join Barack and Michelle Obama at a Welcome to Hawaii Event  on Friday, August 8th.

Welcome to Hawaii Event with Barack and Michelle Obama

Keehi Lagoon Beach Park
465 Lagoon Dr.
Honolulu, HI

Friday, August 8th, 2008
Gates Open: 12:30 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public.  Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is strongly encouraged.  Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Parking is limited. Members of the public are encouraged to carpool or use the nearby airport lot. For security reasons, do not bring bags and limit personal items. No signs or banners are permitted.

Asian American Republican Expelled from Party for Backing Obama

According to an article in the Delaware News Journal, Jan Ting, a tax law professor at Temple University and the GOP's nominee for US Senate in Delaware in 2006, has been expelled from his position in the state GOP for "quietly supporting" Sen. Obama for president.

It's unclear who tattled, but Prof. Ting surmises that someone went online and discovered he had donated about $250 to Sen. Obama.  Ting was also in a photograph of Sen. Obama's enormous rally in Wilmington in February.

We here at Asian Americans for Obama applaud Professor Ting for putting partisanship aside and recognizing that supporting the change America needs is not about red or blue, Republican or Democrat, but about doing what's right for this country.  We may not always agree with each other or even with Sen. Obama, but we recognize the need to move beyond gotcha politics and the win-at-all costs mentality to actually govern.  We hope that Professor Ting continues to fight for what he believes in the public square.  It is Asian Americans like him that make this country great.

Thanks to Michelle Kwon and TaxProf Blog for the tip.

AAFC South Asian American reception in SF

The Asian American Finance Committee with the
DNC Indo-American & South Asian American Leadership Councils

WITH EVENT CHAIRS
Sara & Sohaib Abbasi * Talat & Kamil Hasan
Neeru & Vinod Khosla * Salma & Dilawar Syed

EVENT CO-CHAIRS
Navneet Chugh * Kanwal Rekhi * Sonal Shah * Zia Yusuf

AND EVENT CO-HOSTS
Subodh Chandra * Fatima Kassam * Ro Khanna * Khurshid Khoja * Razi Mohiuddin
Raj Popli * Nayeem Qureshi * Shefali Razdan * Hasan Rizvi

Cordially invite you to a reception with
Senator Barack Obama
Benefiting the Obama Victory Fund

Sunday, August 17, 2008
3:45 - 6:00 PM
(Doors open at 3:30 PM)

At the Fairmont Hotel
950 Mason Street
San Francisco, CA

Download AAFC.pdf

Turn Virginia Blue! Phonebank with Kal Penn

Thursday, August, 7
5:00 - 9:00 PM
Phonebank to recruit for Kal Penn in NOVA!

Monday, Aug 11
6:30-9:00PM
Kal Penn at Campaign for Change NOVA HQ
6:30PM-9:00PM

Barack Obama's Campaign for Change
4350 N Fairfax Dr, Suite 105, Arlington, VA

For more info:

Elliot Gillerman
egillerman@vaobamaforchange.com
703 927 2386

GOVERNOR HOWARD DEAN ANNOUNCES DNC SOUTH ASIAN AMERICAN LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

For Immediate Release
August 7, 2008

New York, NY - Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean last night announced the appointment of four Co-Chairs for the DNC's South Asian American Leadership Council.

Parag Saxena of Rye, NY, Romita Shetty of New York, NY, Dilawar Syed of Palo Alto, CA, and Kashif Zafar of Scarsdale, NY will serve as National Co-Chairs for the Council. All four have been appointed by Governor Dean to lead the Council through the 2008 election cycle.

The Council will lead the Party's efforts to recognize the loyalty, dedication, and generous contributions of the South Asian American community to the Democratic Party, and to provide a platform for political engagement and a forum for the exchange of ideas for South Asian American Democrats.

During a briefing at the Sundaram Tagore Gallery in New York City on Wednesday, Governor Dean praised the community for engaging voters who descend from the seven nations of the Asian subcontinent including Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives. Collectively, there are more than 3 million South Asian Americans living in the U.S.

"To a casual observer it probably seems odd that we lump together these extraordinarily diverse and complex communities into one council," said Dean. "However, what draws you together - and what I hope makes you Democrats - is the shared experiences of coming to this country, building your families and passing on a better life for the next generation."

Joining Governor Dean was former U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Wendy Chamberlin who serves as a foreign policy advisor to Senator Obama's campaign and Co-Chairs of the SAALC.

"Each of these individuals are deeply committed to ensuring that the rapidly growing South Asian American communities are engaged and participating in this year's historic elections," said Dean.

Korean American Voters Overwhelming Support Obama

Korean American Voters Overwhelming Support Obama

Korea Daily, Posted: Aug 06, 2008

LOS ANGELES — Korean American voters overwhelmingly back Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) over Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), reports the Korea Daily.

According to a recent poll of 510 Korean American voters conducted by the daily newspaper and its affiliated radio station, Radio JBS, 65 percent of those surveyed support Democratic candidate as their next President. Support for his counterpart hinged on a mere 15 percent.

Sen. Obama’s Korean American supporters thought he would promote better economic and immigration policies and, as a younger candidate, would be a more competent President. Also, over half of the respondents expected Obama to be better qualified for advancing stagnant Korea-U.S relations. Only 21 percent of Korean voters said that they expected that from McCain. The majority (55%) of those polled said that they are unconcerned that Obama is African American.

Posted at New America Media

APAP's Summer of Change

Asian Pacific Americans for Progress is a progressive, grassroots APA political organization.  APAP endorsed Sen. Obama early in the primary process, and they are organizing several events around the country as part of their Summer of Change.

Events for the month of August:

Aug 18th - Bay Area: Building AAPI Political Power from the Ground Floor
Aug 21st - Chicago: APAP Pipeline Project and Convention Kickoff Mixer
Aug 21st - Los Angeles: Summer Get together and Convention Kickoff!
Aug 24th - Denver: AAPI Colorado Summit at the Democratic Convention
Aug 26th - Denver: AAPI Grassroots Strategy Session with Special Guest Congressman Mike Honda

Go below the fold for event details.

"Largest Asian-American PAC Endorses Obama"

The 80-20 Initiative backs Sen. Barack Obama.

"The 80-20 Initiative is a national, nonpartisan group dedicated to the issues of Asian Pacific Americans. Saturday's [Aug. 2nd] convention followed group bylaws, under which one-third of the delegates must be Democrats, one-third Republicans and one-third Independents. According to the rules, the group may endorse one, both or none of the major party candidates for president. The group formed six years ago with the intent of creating a swing voting bloc among Asian Americans. Putting aside political differences to look at this ethnic community's interests as a whole, the goal was for 80 percent of the community to vote for the candidate that the organization would endorse."

From: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/natasha-chen/largest-asian-american-pa_b_116562.html

CAUSE’S PSA with Kelly Hu and George Takei Release Party - Aug. 14

While we generally try to keep posts to this list related to Sen. Obama's campaign and the AAPI community, one of our key goals as grassroots activists is increasing the AAPI community's participation in democracy.  As many of you know, Asian Americans are often regarded as less likely to vote and less likely to take part in political campaigns.  Sen. Obama's grassroots-driven movement for change is challenging the conventional wisdom, but other efforts by our community are still critically needed. 

To that end, the Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) has put together an amazing PSA targeting AAPI voters with Kelly Hu, who has also been an extraordinary activist for Obama, George Takei, and many other talented folks from Hollywood.  So join CAUSE, Kelly Hu, George Takei, and more in celebrating the launch of this groundbreaking PSA in LA on Aug. 14!

CAUSE'S PSA WITH KELLY HU AND GEORGE TAKEI RELEASE PARTY

Thursday, August 14, 2008
6pm - 9pm

J Lounge
1119 S Olive St
Los Angeles, CA 90015

We invite you to celebrate the release of our get-out-the-vote public service announcement (PSA) "Embrace Your Power" starring Hollywood actors Kelly Hu (X-Men 2) and George Takei (Star Trek)!

Gearing up for the 2008 Presidential Election, CAUSE has teamed up with some of Hollywood's finest to create an important get-out-the-vote PSA targeting Asian Pacific Americans to vote, participate and lead in America!

Join Kelly Hu, the cast and crew from the PSA and CAUSE for the launching of this empowering message!

Parking for the event: Valet is available for $10.00.
Self-parking is available across the street from J-Lounge for $5.00.

For more information, please call CAUSE at 626-356-9838

India Day Parade Voter Registration - Aug. 10, Iselin, NJ

India Day Parade Voter Registration Drive

Volunteers needed for voter registration at the India Day Parade. An estimated 80,000 people of all races and ethnicities will be attending this great event. More details to follow including travel and directions, and times. VOLUNTEERS ARE ASKED TO COMMIT TO TWO HOUR SHIFTS. Please bring a clip board if you have one. Voter registration cards and materials will be provided.

Contact: Niki Shah, 202-299-7475 or Shahna@rutgers.edu

Where:
Oak Tree Road - Edison to Islein,
Iselin, NJ 08830
Map Link

When:
Aug. 10, 2008 1:30PM to 4:30PM

Save the Date: India Day Parade in New York City
August 17th:  11.30AM onwards

For more information please visit this website: http://cities.sulekha.com/united-states/new-jersey/events/rally/2008/07/new-jersey-india-day-parade.htm

The Democratic National Convention: It's Not Just for Delegates!

Dying to go to the Democratic National Convention in Denver Aug. 25-28, but you're not a Delegate?  Don't despair!  There is plenty to do at the DNC even if you aren't a delegate!  Numerous events and activities are open to the general public, including meetings of the Standing Committees (Credentials, Platform, Rules), the various issue and community caucuses, exhibitions, performances, grassroots trainings, and of course, parties!  Most importantly, Sen. Obama's historic acceptance speech on Aug. 28 at Mile High Stadium will also be open to the public

There are also many events for AAPIs, including the AAPI Summit on Sunday, Aug. 24, with Congressman and DNC Vice Chair Mike Honda and the Obama AAPI Vote team, and the APIA Caucus On Monday, Aug. 25, at 10 AM.

So come and be a part of history in Denver!  Hotel rooms are almost gone, but numerous folks in Denver are renting out their apartments and homes for the convention.  Check out sources such as Craigslist for alternative housing options.  Asian Pacific Americans for Progress also has access to a very small number of rooms, but you must act fast!  Contact Curtis Chin TODAY at curtischin@aol.com if interested.

See you in Denver!

Obama Speaking at the AAPI Fundraiser in D.C. on July 29

Video of Obama's remarks at the AAPI fundraiser organized by the Asian American Finance Committee last Tuesday in D.C. Thanks to xandersun for posting this on YouTube!

Maya Soetoro-Ng Speaks to the Chinese American Community

Sen. Obama's amazing sister, Maya Soetoro-Ng, speaks to the Chinese American community about the importance of this year's election and her brother's candidacy in this YouTube video:

Voter Registration at the Unforgettable Tour in Atlantic City - Aug. 9

We are looking for volunteers to do voter registration at the biggest South Asian entertainment event of the year. An estimated 30,000 people of all races and ethnicities will be attending this event.

Please sign up on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=66061155082.

Date: Saturday, August 9, 2008
Time: 3:00pm - 11:00pm
Location: Boardwalk Hall, 2301 Boardwalk, West Atlantic City, NJ
Contact: Niki Shah, (202) 299-7475, shahna@andromeda.rutgers.edu

***PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:*****

1) THIS IS A VOTER REGISTRATION EVENT AND DOES NOT PROVIDE ADMITTANCE TO THE SHOW.

2) IF YOU ARE ALREADY GOING TO THE SHOW, please let us know!!! VOLUNTEERS ARE ASKED TO COMMIT TO AT LEAST TWO HOURS.

3) Please bring a clip board if you have one. Voter registration cards and materials will be provided. Bring your family and friends to do voter registration.

4) WHEN YOU SIGN UP,PLEASE INCLUDE A CELL PHONE NUMBER WHERE WE CAN REACH YOU. There may be some last minute changes and we would like to be able to inform you of these changes.

5) IF YOU ARE BASED IN NJ AND ARE AFFILIATED WITH A GROUP THAT WOULD LIKE TO CO-SPONSOR THIS REGISTRATION DRIVE, PLEASE CONTACT NIKI SHAH. If you are in NJ and have questions, please contact Niki Shah at the number or e-mail provided above.

Ka Leo O AAPI Obama Weekly Newsletter - 4th Ed.

Friends,

Sawadee ka/ hello!

I invite you to read our fourth newsletter (http://my.barackobama.com/kaleoaug1) and encourage you to invite other AAPIs to be part of this historic campaign.

With less than 100 days until election day, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are building the momentum for Elections 2008.  Recently joined with elected officials, Senator Obama reaffirmed his commitment to the AAPI community. Telling the crowd that he is an "