Los Angeles- On May 31, 2009, the eve of Asian Pacific Awareness month, Asian Pacific Americans for
Progress (APAP) hosted a national teleconference with the Obama Administration. Some 80 homes across the
US opened their living rooms to host about1000 listeners tuned in to hear the officials from the Obama
Administration on the state of Asian Pacific Americans.
APAP is a prophetic voice for progressive Asian Pacific Americans (API). They are well connected in various
levels of government. In their short tenure, about a year as a 501(c) 4 organization and PAC (political action
committee), they have engaged in many progressive movements including the grassroots mobilization of the
Obama presidential campaign and now the first national teleconference of this magnitude.
Is APAP a Good Fit for Pacific Islanders Today?
APAP is a progressive organization. It is a ready-made audience for the Pacific Islander (PI) agenda. They are
willing to listen to our issues. We are welcomed with open conversation and the willingness to listen to our
concerns. APAP members are watchdog type activist who can be a synergistic partner for us.
Participating on the national call from Los Angeles, were the two of us ‘Amelia Niumeitolu, a media specialist;
and Val LiHang Jacobo of Pac-Biz, the Association of Pacific Islander Businesses and Professions. Our initial
assessment is to consider forming a strong ally with the regional chapters that occupy some of our progressive
voices, i.e. Los Angeles, San Francisco, DC, possibly Utah.
Open for Discussion
"The President desires inclusivity" echoed keynote speaker Conrad Ng, President Obama's brother in
law. Conrad went on to say that the President's philosophy of change was from the bottom up.
He genuinely wants to know what matters to people.
With much enthusiasm for APAP members tuned in, Conrad said "It’s amazing what happens to us
when we decide to be a part of something larger.
Speaking passionately about the President’s desire to engage, Conrad continued, “when you see
yourself invested in the leadership and governance of this country." He further stated that his defining
moment came on Inauguration Day. "It sounds clichés, Changing the World, but when you breathe
life into that notion, it’s a whole different experience," Conrad said.
Progress (APAP) hosted a national teleconference with the Obama Administration. Some 80 homes across the
US opened their living rooms to host about1000 listeners tuned in to hear the officials from the Obama
Administration on the state of Asian Pacific Americans.
APAP is a prophetic voice for progressive Asian Pacific Americans (API). They are well connected in various
levels of government. In their short tenure, about a year as a 501(c) 4 organization and PAC (political action
committee), they have engaged in many progressive movements including the grassroots mobilization of the
Obama presidential campaign and now the first national teleconference of this magnitude.
Is APAP a Good Fit for Pacific Islanders Today?
APAP is a progressive organization. It is a ready-made audience for the Pacific Islander (PI) agenda. They are
willing to listen to our issues. We are welcomed with open conversation and the willingness to listen to our
concerns. APAP members are watchdog type activist who can be a synergistic partner for us.
Participating on the national call from Los Angeles, were the two of us ‘Amelia Niumeitolu, a media specialist;
and Val LiHang Jacobo of Pac-Biz, the Association of Pacific Islander Businesses and Professions. Our initial
assessment is to consider forming a strong ally with the regional chapters that occupy some of our progressive
voices, i.e. Los Angeles, San Francisco, DC, possibly Utah.
Open for Discussion
"The President desires inclusivity" echoed keynote speaker Conrad Ng, President Obama's brother in
law. Conrad went on to say that the President's philosophy of change was from the bottom up.
He genuinely wants to know what matters to people.
With much enthusiasm for APAP members tuned in, Conrad said "It’s amazing what happens to us
when we decide to be a part of something larger.
Speaking passionately about the President’s desire to engage, Conrad continued, “when you see
yourself invested in the leadership and governance of this country." He further stated that his defining
moment came on Inauguration Day. "It sounds clichés, Changing the World, but when you breathe
life into that notion, it’s a whole different experience," Conrad said.
| White House calls for Pacific Islander Engagement By Val LiHang Jacobo and ‘Amelia Niumeitolu |
| Pacifika Voice. 2008-2009. All Rights Reserved |
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