Welcome readers
by kalayaan | January 16, 2009 at 2:59 PM
While moving through life, a classmate of mine introduced me to World Pulse. As a network, World Pulse fed my interest which turned into connection, turned into involvement. So, here I am.
In the field, I work with a group call Filipinos for Affirmative Action. A Brief History....
FAA was established in 1973 in response to the growing influx of immigrants from the Philippines and the discrimination and alienation they faced as newcomers. Over the past 35 years FAA has been an advocate for immigrant and civil rights for the Filipino community. We have also sought to serve the more vulnerable in our community by helping recent arrivals, youth and low wage workers navigate the challenges and hurdles of life in the US. Our mission is to build a strong and empowered Filipino community by organizing constituents, developing leaders, providing services and advocating for policies that promote social and economic justice and equity.
For the past 35 years, FAA’s work has been grounded in the spirit of Bayanihan (people helping people) and our vision for a Filipino community with the power to advance social and economic justice, and to realize democratic and human rights for everyone.
Serving the Needs of the Most Vulnerable in the Community
My area is with the youth services and youth after-school programming. FAA works with over 100 youth annually to build resiliency to risky behavior in favor of positive decision making, healthier lifestyles, and completion of school through cultural grounding and an appreciation for community service and leadership. FAA accomplishes this through in school and after school youth programs in Union City and Oakland/Alameda.
Specifically, the Asian Pacific Islander Youth Promoting Advocacy & Leadership Program (AYPAL) has a mission to change the relationship of power between youth and policy makers through direct action organizing campaigns and arts activism. AYPAL is also a safe place where youth can get together to talk about common issues, make new friends, learn about their culture and history and build community with conscious and caring adults. Past campaigns include getting ethnic studies in schools, fighting against deportation, and working for education reform. Past arts projects include martial arts, guerilla theater, dance, and open space for young people to explore our strong Pilipino history of resistance.
