Our Policy Platform

OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates is dedicated to advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of AAPIs.

CALL TO ACTION

Here are some ways you can support OCA's policy platform. Take action now to ensure AANHPIs are present and engaged in the issues that matter to our communities!

Share your story about how recent executive orders are impacting our communities.

NATIONAL POLICY PRIORITIES

Bridging the Digital Divide

Promoting Intergenerational Wellbeing

Defending Voting Rights

Access to the internet is not just about connectivity, it's a civil rights issue. OCA will continue to advocate for the community by expanding access to the internet for vulnerable populations, fighting back against misinformation & disinformation, and ensuring that our elders are protected from emerging technological threats.

Exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, overcoming the stigma of mental health and wellness has been a major challenge for the AANHPI community for many years. OCA looks to advocate for policies that facilitate the overcoming of cultural barriers that prevent the community from addressing the critical issues of aging/caregiving, mental health, and women's health - all while addressing the environmental structures that disproportionately impact the community.

Since the gutting for the Voting Rights Act in Shelby v. Holder, the right to vote has been under attack. From restrictive ID laws to shortening registration windows to racist gerrymandering - the AANHPI community has much to lose through disenfranchisement. OCA will work with national coalition partners to defend the fundamental right to vote while reducing barriers to engaging in our democracy including the redistricting process.

STATE POLICY PRIORITIES

Defending Voting Rights

Fighting Racism & Xenophobia

Incorporating K-12 AANHPI Curriculum

Preserving Our Community

Many restrictive voting laws are created at the state-level. OCA will support its chapters through targeted advocacy to fight back against restrictive voting laws that discriminate against marginalized communities while expanding access. This includes redistricting, extended early voting, inlanguage voter materials, and promoting get out the vote efforts.

While the AANHPI community faced a surge of targeted identity-based harassment, scapegoating, and violence during the COVID-19 pandemic, such attacks against the community are not new and a result of rampant xenophobia. OCA is redoubling its efforts to strengthen state-level hate crime laws, creating equitable policies for community safety, and the stopping of racial profiling.

The incredible story of the AANHPI community is one of vibrancy, struggle, oppression, and triumph. At the board of education state-level, OCA chapters will fight for the inclusion of the community's stories while ensuring the rich tapestry of the community is promoted.

For years, community Chinatowns, Little Saigons, and Japantowns have served as a focal place for community. However, rapid gentrification has begun pushing out the community's most vulnerable while erasing our histories. OCA will support its chapters to lead the fight to preserve our stories, bring greater investment to communities, and push back against displacement.