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Press Releases & Media Advisories
Los Angeles, CA - October 21, 2024 -- Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) is partnering with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s office to bring an official Mobile Vote Center to the largest Halloween party in Little Tokyo, the 8th Annual Haunted Little Tokyo Block Party. This Vote Center will have later hours than typical Vote Centers, staying open until 9pm PT. The later hours combined with the proximity to a community block party that draws thousands of people annually, is meant to create a fun and accessible voting experience for younger voters, a voting age block that often has lower voter turnout nationally.
Los Angeles, CA - October 18, 2024 -- Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) will host a series of events called Together We Vote: An API Get Out the Vote Fest throughout Los Angeles’ historic Asian and Pacific Islander (API) neighborhoods celebrating community and civic engagement in the 10 days of early voting leading up to the November 5 General Election. Collaborating with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk and nine other API community based organizations, CAUSE will engage event attendees with activities that highlight historic neighborhoods and encourage increased civic participation.
Los Angeles, CA - January 23, 2024 -- Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) will provide vote information for the Primary Election on March 5, 2024 at the Monterey Park Lunar New Year Festival from January 27th through 28th, 2024 with the support of the World Journal. Led by participants of the 2024 CAUSE on Campus college student program, CAUSE will engage with festival attendees to increase voter turnout and overall civic engagement in Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities. These activities are supported by the Stop the Hate (STH) Program, administered by the California Department of Social Services and in consultation with the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs.
CAUSE’s open letter to Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in support of Motion 32 on the Monday, September 12th Meeting Agenda.
Open letter to Los Angeles City Council Ad Hoc Committee on City Governance Reform from CAUSE in support for the reforms to the City Charter that would increase the size of the City Council and create an independent redistricting commission.
An open letter to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in support of Agenda Item 10 to ensure inclusivity for Los Angeles County’s Anti-Racism, Diversity, & Inclusion (ARDI) Strategic Plan through an outreach plan that actively engages vulnerable communities and populations that include Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Los Angeles, CA - December 19, 2022 -- Following the heated race to become Los Angeles’ next mayor, the most recent poll conducted by the Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE), Hispanas Organized for Political Equality, and the Los Angeles Urban League, in partnership with the Los Angeles Times, focuses on opportunities for Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to improve relationships and the state of racial relations in Los Angeles.
The 2022 CAUSE Leadership Institute concluded on June 22, 2022. Over the past six months, the 12 CLI Fellows met weekly to network, develop leadership skills, and learn more about APA issues to elevate their civic engagement. Despite the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, fellows were able to hone their leadership skills and develop impactful relationships all virtually.
Los Angeles, CA - May 23, 2022 - Chinatown and Koreatown voters will now have several in-person voting options in their neighborhoods for the June 7, 2022 Statewide Direct Primary Election, thanks to the efforts of the Center for Asian Americans United for Self-Empowerment (CAUSE), Korean American Coalition (KAC), AAPI Equity Alliance, and Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles (AAAJ-LA).
Los Angeles, CA - May 10, 2022 -- As California reopens its economy and the fear of COVID-19 declines, Californians’ dissatisfaction with crime and public safety has risen during the pandemic according to the most recent statewide poll conducted by the Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE), Hispanas Organized for Political Equality, and the Los Angeles Urban League, in partnership with the Los Angeles Times.
CAUSE the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) Board of Trustees’ decision to appoint Dr. Kelsey Iino to fill a vacant Board position. Upon reviewing her qualifications, CAUSE has full confidence that Dr. Iino will be an informed and effective advocate for AAPI students on the LACCD Board of Trustees.
CAUSE releases the first-ever Los Angeles mayoral interview series created for and by the AAPI community. Listen to the leading mayoral candidates about their approaches to top issues impacting the Los Angeles AAPI community.
As the governing board of the largest community college district, Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) Board of Trustees, considers a pool of qualified candidates to fill a recent vacant seat, CAUSE shares appointee considerations to ensure AAPI community needs are voiced and met.
Press Release regarding the 49th Assembly District Special Primary Election on February 15, 2022.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2021 -- LOS ANGELES, CA -- During the late evening hours of Monday, December 20, 2021, the Commission voted to approve the final Congressional, Senate, and Assembly maps, which can be viewed here. This marks one of the last steps of the redistricting process as the Commission is required to post these maps for 3 days before they will be final. By law, maps need to be certified by December 27, 2021, so they are unlikely to change. Once finalized, these maps will play a major role in the future of our communities and California politics for the next decade.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2021 -- LOS ANGELES, CA -- A coalition of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community leaders and organizations are joining together to raise concerns over California Citizens Redistricting Commission’s draft maps of the San Gabriel Valley (SGV). The draft maps split West San Gabriel Valley cities (WSGV) and East San Gabriel Valley (ESGV) cities with significant AAPI populations into multiple congressional districts. In these drafted commission maps, the AAPI community would face an uphill battle to elect a representative from their own community and reverse four decades of progress by community coalitions and partnerships.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2021 -- LOS ANGELES, CA -- The Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) announced today that its current and future programs have been recognized through multiple national awards that honor civic leadership. Despite the challenges of a pandemic and a leadership change, these awards highlight the success of CAUSE’s existing programs and the potential of its future programs.
In the News
A group of Cal State LA students convened in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo on Thursday, March 27, with a singular purpose: to prepare for a future of leadership and impact.
The meeting, organized through CAUSE on Campus at Cal State LA, is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and the professional world by teaching the students leadership, civic engagement, and professional readiness through a lens rooted in ethnic studies.
CAUSE on Campus is a leadership program developed by Juily Phun, associate professor of Asian and Asian American Studies in the College of Ethnic Studies at Cal State LA, and Nancy Yap, executive director of the Center for Asian Americans Unified for Self Empowerment, also known as CAUSE. Based in Los Angeles, the CAUSE nonprofit organization is committed to advancing the political and civic engagement of leaders in the Asian and Pacific Islander community.
“It was a drive around the block for a good cause.
The Pilipino Workers Center the and Center for Asian United for Self Empowerment or CAUSE were both on board in bringing voters to a polling center in LA's Eagle Rock neighborhood this past weekend via jeepney.”
VoyageLA talks with Executive Director, Nancy Yap, about her leadership journey.
Westside Voices coverage of the Culver City Asian American and Pacific Islander Night Market, speaking with CAUSE Executive Director Nancy Yap.
World Journal coverage on CAUSE’s efforts working with elected officials in conversation with CAUSE Board Chair Charlie Woo.
The LA Times Benjamin Oreskes coverage on CAUSE’s recently released California Community Poll findings. The poll is the 7th in a series conducted in a historic partnership between CAUSE, HOPE, and LA Urban League.
Pasadena Star News coverage of Health Secretary Xavier Becerra amd Congresswoman Judy Chu’s roundtable with Monterey Park leaders.
Scandal-plagued L.A. City Council deeply unpopular; voters have faith in Bass, poll finds (LA Times)
LA Times coverage on the results of multiethnic poll produced by CAUSE, HOPE, and LA Urban League.
CAUSE Board Chair, Charlie Woo, is interviewed by World Journal and shares the importance of multicultural collaboration in addressing anti-Asian hate.
PASADENA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPIHM), East West Bank today reaffirmed its continued commitment to the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. As part of its second-year pledge to the AAPI Giving Challenge, East West will donate upwards of $6 million to key nonprofits and initiatives supporting the AAPI movement for inclusion, equality, and justice.
The Tribune journalist Alexandra Yoon-Hendricks coverage on CAUSE’s recently released California Community Poll findings. The poll is the 5th in a series conducted in a historic partnership between CAUSE, HOPE, and LA Urban League.
The Sacramento Bee reporter Alexandra Yoon-Hendricks coverage on CAUSE’s recently released California Community Poll. The poll is the 5th in a series conducted in a historic partnership between CAUSE, HOPE, and LA Urban League.
Los Angeles Times Staff Writer, Teresa Watanabe covers the recent findings in the April 2022 California Statewide Community Poll made in collaboration with CAUSE, HOPE, and LA Urban League.
The Sacramento Bee reporters Gillian Brassil, Jeong Park, Andrea Briseño coverage on the new Congressional redistricting maps and their impact on Latino, Asian, and Black communities. This article features an interview with Nancy Yap, CAUSE’s Executive Director.
World Journal coverage of the 2021 California Redistricting final maps.
The Washington Post reporter Colby Itkowitz coverage on the newly approved Congressional redistricting maps. Coverage includes quotes from an interview with Nancy Yap, Executive Director of CAUSE.
Researchers from USC and UCLA, Dr. Christian Grose and Dr. Natalie Masouka, respectively, share evidence and findings supporting the San Gabriel Valley Asian American community will vote together for shared interests, based off of 2018 and 2019 voting patterns. Read more to learn about the impact the 2021 CA Redistricting draft maps will impact the Asian American SGV communities.
LAist’s Josie Huang talks with Nancy Yap, CAUSE Executive Director, and other local leaders about the CA 20221 Redistricting efforts and its impact on the SGV AAPI community.
NextShark coverage of CAUSE’s efforts in advocating for the AAPI community during the 2021 CA Redistricting process.
World Journal coverage and Chinese translation of the Joint Statement.
World Journal coverage of the 2021 California Redistricting efforts and its impact on the AAPI community in San Gabriel Valley.
World Journal coverage of the 2021 California Redistricting efforts and concerns from AAPI organizations and community leaders.
U.S. News Express coverage of CAUSE’s recent national awards.
Viet Daily News coverage on the 2021 CAUSE Leadership Academy Graduation, featuring interviews with 2021 CLA Interns Fiona Truong and Emily Lam.
World Journal coverage of the 2021 CAUSE Leadership Academy Graduation, featuring interviews with 2021 CLA interns Suki Zhao and Sean Lee.
The recognition in the past year of growing animus toward Asian Americans is one of the key findings of the survey, which was commissioned by community groups and conducted in consultation with The Times. The shift in attitudes spans the time period since George Floyd’s death and the spate of attacks targeting Asian Americans nationwide.
Latest Blogs
Learn about Neighborhood Councils and how to make an impact in your local communities.
Diving deeper into who the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors are, what they do, and how they fit into the larger Los Angeles County Government.
When I received my bachelor's degree from UCLA in June, the only thing I knew was that I would be joining CAUSE for the next nine weeks. I didn’t know what to expect, however what I gained was a new sense of confidence, a community of amazing individuals, and a greater understanding of our AANHPI community and my place within it.
I often reflect on the “butterfly effect" moments that have occurred in my life; the seemingly small choices or coincidences that have led to profound changes. This internship is a prime example.
As each of the nine weeks of our internship passed, I felt myself developing skills and knowledge through my placement office at LA County First District Supervisor Hilda Solis’ Office and through CAUSE’s cohort sessions.
I often face difficulties coming up with answers for this icebreaker because my facial expressions always reveal my true feelings. So when I released the waterworks in front of the CAUSE board members during graduation, it was clear that I was not ready to say goodbye and close this chapter in my life.
As my time at CAUSE comes to a close, I reflect on the lessons I've learned about family, trust, and the collective power of API communities. CAUSE has not only deepened my understanding of civic engagement but also has reinforced the importance of prioritizing being rooted in community and centering our hearts in the work we do.
With a whirlwind of fresh starts and new experiences so closely succeeding such a bittersweet yet fulfilling end to the internship, I’ve barely had time to process the full breadth of my feelings and takeaways.
While 9 weeks seemed long when it was pages away on my calendar, it passed by so fast when it actually happened, especially when each day and week was spent with the CLA staff and my 13 other amazing cohort members who have now become my lifelong friends.
My first commute to the CAUSE office in Little Tokyo was filled with nervousness. During the 20-minute ride, I was straightening my jacket and tucking in my blouse continuously, feeling so uneasy. It did not help that I was not from the area; I was nervous to meet new people in a city that I was a stranger to, and more importantly about making the most of this unique opportunity that initially felt out of reach.
In May 2024, I graduated from San Diego State University with a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, feeling unsure about how to navigate post-grad life. My first day at CLA was nerve-wracking; I was intimidated by those around me, not realizing they would soon become some of my closest friends. Alongside this, imposter syndrome began to creep in, and I thought to myself, "These next nine weeks are going to feel like an eternity." I was completely wrong, this summer flew by and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Reflecting back on the very first day of this internship, I remember hesitantly stepping off the bus in Little Tokyo. I had minimal expectations for myself and for what would lie ahead with CAUSE; I was oblivious to the fact that the best summer I could have asked for was just getting started.
All politics is local and I’ve been fortunate enough to have the resources and privilege to approach Arcadia through the lenses of a son, a child, a student, an activist, an advocate, a filmmaker, a preservationist, a political scientist, a historian, a geographer, an Asian Americanist, and an intern.
I came into CAUSE expecting it to be a rigorous, intense program completely focused on professional development. While this did not prove to be false, what I truly brought out of CAUSE with a group of thirteen new friends and a new understanding of community.
This is one of the things I have seen time and time again throughout my time at CAUSE, that if nothing else, the API community shows up for each other.
2024 CAUSE Leadership Academy intern Nathan Yeung shares his Week 6+7 experience
2024 CAUSE Leadership Academy intern Grant Li shares his Week 6+7 experience
2024 CAUSE Leadership Academy intern Robinson Lee shares his Week 6+7 experience
2024 CAUSE Leadership Academy intern Jianhao Cui shares his Week 6+7 experience
2024 CAUSE Leadership Academy intern Emma Tom shares her Week 6+7 experience
2024 CAUSE Leadership Academy intern Malia Ferrer shares her Week 6+7 experience
2024 CAUSE Leadership Academy intern Anais Sornkatetin shares their Week 6+7 experience
2024 CAUSE Leadership Academy intern shares Week 6+7 experience
2024 CAUSE Leadership Academy intern Robinson Lee shares his Week 4+5 experience
2024 CAUSE Leadership Academy intern Jianhao Cui shares his Week 4+5 experience
2024 CAUSE Leadership Academy intern Ryan Horio shares his Week 4+5 experience
2024 CAUSE Leadership Academy intern Nathan Yeung shares his Week 4+5 experience
2024 CAUSE Leadership Academy intern Eliana Kim shares her Week 4+5 experience
2024 CAUSE Leadership Academy intern Haley Ku shares her Week 4+5 experience
2024 CAUSE Leadership Academy intern Sydney Pike shares her Week 4+5 experience
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