Over 100 AANHPI Advocates Visit Congress in First OCA Day on the Hill
For Immediate Release
July 15, 2023
Media Contact:
Socheata Sun, Communications Fellow
socheata.sun@ocanational.org
Ken Scudder
ken.scudder@ocanational.org (917) 226-1681
Washington, D.C. — As part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates (OCA), and in conjunction with OCA’s National Convention in Washington, D.C., over 100 AANHPI advocates met with members and staff of 40 Representatives and Senators Thursday, July 13, to advocate for mental health, AANHPI history, and the protection of their civil rights.
“OCA members regularly engage in advocacy at the state and local levels,” said Adrienne Ngar-Yee Poon, President, OCA-Greater Washington, DC Chapter. “OCA’s first ever Day on the Hill truly demonstrated the collective impact of our members' political voice in advocacy around key OCA priorities.”
“It’s important for AAPIs of all ages to be active participants in our political process,” said OCA President Linda Ng. “That means doing more than just voting – it means volunteering, donating time and money, and speaking to our elected leaders to ensure our voices are heard and our concerns are addressed. Today’s Day on the Hill will hopefully encourage our members to speak up even more.”
Along with voicing their own concerns about issues facing the AAPI community, the advocates also talked to elected officials about AANHPI issues falling under the Health, Education and Judiciary jurisdiction, including the Neighbors Not Enemies Act, the Teach AANHPI History Act, and the Stop Mental Health Stigma In Our Communities Act.
The Day on the Hill is only one part of the five-day OCA National Convention. Other highlights include an awards gala honoring AAPI leaders in sports, the arts, and advocacy, as well as three town halls that will highlight coalition building, equitable access to healthcare and well-being, and civic engagement. Notable speakers for these town halls, and over 20 breakout sessions, include Deputy Assistant to the President and AANHPI Sr. Liaison Erika Moritsugu, Journalist Helen Zia, Professors Janelle Wong and Xiaoxing Xi, author Curtis Chin, and many other government officials, community and academic leaders, and youth organizers.
###
About OCA–Asian Pacific American Advocates
Founded in 1973, OCA–Asian Pacific American Advocates is a national, member-driven social justice organization of community advocates dedicated to advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Learn more about our work at ocanational.org/about.