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OUR WORK

 

 

Bringing Change

  1. ​Voter access and education

  2. Our right to vote and civic participation

  3. Who can vote?

  4. Run for office

  5. Immigrant questions about voting

 

We will form alliances and strategic partnerships with organizations in the state to ensure an increase in the range of services offered and expand APIO’s reach to increase impact.

Our work will focus on promoting Social Welfare in the whole community by promoting programs, services, and initiatives.

1.  Voter access and education

"We are committed to fostering continuous engagement with voters to ensure that they have unfettered access to all relevant information and the necessary education to make informed decisions during elections. Through ongoing dialogues with voters, we aim to understand their concerns and preferences well in advance of any election.

Furthermore, we strongly advocate for an end to the purging of AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) voters from polls during elections. It has come to our attention that many instances of purging are unjustly based on common last names, unfairly disenfranchising members of the AAPI community. We believe that this can be effectively prevented through proactive measures, such as educating constituents about the significance of voter registration and providing precise information to the local election board.

By promoting voter access and education while working to eradicate the unjust purging of AAPI voters, we endeavor to strengthen the democratic process, ensuring that every eligible citizen's voice is heard and their right to vote is protected."

2.  Our right to vote and civic participation.

"We recognize the fundamental importance of voter registration as a critical component of voters' rights. To ensure every eligible citizen can exercise their right to vote, we are dedicated to making sure new voters are registered. Through proactive efforts, we will strive to make accurate and up-to-date voter information easily accessible by organizing participative meetings with voters and legal experts.

Furthermore, we acknowledge the historical marginalization and downplaying of the AAPI electorate by mainstream politicians, media, and cultural influencers. It is time for this to change. The voices of the AAPI community should be heard, valued, and respected. As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, we recognize the significance of embracing diversity and including the AAPI community's unique perspectives in addressing emerging challenges and shared risks faced by our nation and the world.

 

Despite our diverse communities having differences on various issues, such as overseas geopolitics and cultural preferences, we stand united in solidarity with other communities on vital principles, such as the social and economic value of equal rights and opportunities in our multicultural but united nation. By embracing unity and diversity, we can build a stronger, more inclusive society that embraces the strengths of all its citizens.

Through active voter registration efforts and by elevating the voices of the AAPI community, we aspire to foster a more equitable and representative democratic process.

 

Together, we can build a brighter future, where every individual's voice is valued, and our collective potential is harnessed to create positive change for our nation and the world."

Indian Classical Dance

 3.  Who Can Vote?

Reinforcing our Commitment

"At the core of our democratic values lies the belief that every eligible citizen should have the opportunity to exercise their right to vote. While only naturalized and US-born citizens over the age of 18 currently possess that right, we recognize the significant potential of green card holders within the AAPI community to become a vital voter group in the future.

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To uphold our commitment to an inclusive and participatory democracy, we must actively support and empower newly naturalized AAPI citizens to engage in the democratic process. We will undertake efforts to help them register to vote and provide them with essential information about political candidates on the local, state, and national levels.

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By assisting and informing newly naturalized AAPI citizens about their rights and responsibilities as voters, we aim to ensure that they are well-equipped to make informed decisions during elections. In doing so, we embrace the diversity and richness that this community brings to our nation and recognize their invaluable contributions to our society.

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As we work towards a more inclusive democracy, we reaffirm our dedication to promoting voter participation among all eligible citizens, regardless of their background. By embracing and nurturing the potential of newly naturalized AAPI citizens, we take another step forward in building a stronger, more representative, and equitable society for all."

4. Support AAPI's to run for office

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"In our continuous pursuit of an inclusive and representative democracy, we recognize the pivotal role that the AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) population plays in our society, particularly in the context of a 'swing state' like ours. As we move forward, we must seize the opportunity to harness our strength and capabilities by encouraging AAPI candidates to run in local and municipal elections.

 

We believe that diverse representation at all levels of government is essential for ensuring that the voices of all citizens are heard and that the unique perspectives and needs of the AAPI community are adequately addressed. By positioning AAPI candidates in local and municipal elections, we can foster a more inclusive political landscape that reflects the rich diversity of our society.

 

To support and empower AAPI candidates in their electoral journey, we are committed to providing them with comprehensive training on various aspects of running a successful campaign. This training will encompass fundraising strategies, campaign management techniques, and effective communication with the electorate.

 

Moreover, we will actively facilitate AAPI candidate forums to promote open dialogue and meaningful engagement between candidates and community members. These forums will serve as platforms for candidates to articulate their visions and plans for the betterment of our neighborhoods and municipalities.

Furthermore, we will work diligently to connect AAPI candidates with the community they seek to represent. Building strong connections between candidates and constituents will foster trust, understanding, and a shared commitment to working together towards common goals.

 

In supporting AAPI candidates, we aim to celebrate the richness of our collective heritage and contribute to a more harmonious and united society. By embracing diversity and empowering AAPI candidates in local and municipal elections, we take an important step towards creating a brighter future for all residents of our state."

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5.  Immigrant Questions

  • "At APIO, we recognize the significance of empowering Asian and Pacific Islander immigrants and newly naturalized citizens to actively participate in the democratic process. We understand that language barriers and unfamiliarity with the American and North Carolinian governments can deter eligible immigrants from engaging in politics. To address these challenges, we are committed to creating accessible pathways for eligible immigrants to register to vote in various Asian and Pacific Islander languages.

  • Moreover, we understand the importance of providing comprehensive education on how the American and North Carolinian governments function, particularly how they differ from the systems in immigrants' countries of origin. Through informative programs, we will outline the roles of different branches of government, the distinctions between federal, state, and local governments, and how their decisions impact our everyday lives.

  • Our commitment to education extends to ensuring that AAPI immigrants are aware of the rights guaranteed by federal and state laws, including the federal Bill of Rights, civil rights that protect minorities, and the right to education enshrined in the North Carolina constitution. By arming individuals with this knowledge, we empower them to assert their rights and actively participate in civic life.

  • To foster a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by various communities, we will develop and implement workshops and training sessions addressing issues such as Anti-Asian and Anti-Black campaigns, economic disparities, and cultural barriers. By generating awareness and promoting dialogue, we seek to build a more united and supportive community.

  • In pursuit of amplifying the AAPI community's voice, we will work diligently to connect with elected state and federal officials. Through constructive dialogue, we will bring attention to the concerns and issues faced by our community, advocating for positive change and progress.

  • By undertaking these initiatives, APIO aims to foster an inclusive and engaged AAPI community that actively participates in shaping the future of our state and nation. Together, we can build a stronger and more equitable society that values the contributions and perspectives of all its members."

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