Greetings!

Welcome to the CAPA e-News! In this day and age, staying in touch with family and friends can be a challenge. We're hoping that the e-News can do just that -- stay in touch with YOU.

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In this spirit, CAPA launched a new CAPA Blog, http://capa-mi.blogs.com/. The Blog carries an editorial page, current issues and APA news.

If you are not making an online donation, please send checks to:

CCC-Katrina CARE
9800 Town Park
Houston, TX 77036.

501(c)3 Tax deduction information will be sent to all donors from these 2 funds.

Read the full details at CAPA Blog.

The picnic is the one event that is enjoyed by even the youngest CAPA members and members’ children. Each year we look forward to seeing lots of new faces at our picnic. Next year we hope it is you. Join us!!

CAPA took part in the 13th Annual Diversity Festival-Concert of Colors, sponsored by ACCESS and New Detroit, the weekend of July 15-17th, 2005 at Chene Park in downtown Detroit. The weekend of free LIVE music, food, and various ethnic entertainment truly brought the diverse community of Detroit together for one weekend.

CAPA is dedicated to being involved in all of our community, not only Asian-sponsored activities. The Concert of Colors was a nice addition to our activities. Here’s to next year’s Concert of Colors!! Hope to see you all there.

About Rebecca Yang,

Rebecca comes from a family of eight. Having family and cultural roots has always been something her family has instilled in her. Having just moved from Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Detroit in 2003 she found it important to maintain her ability to stay connected with Asians and so joined CAPA. Rebecca comes from a Marketing background. She is currently the Promotions and Marketing Director for the urban adult radio station, WMXD-MIX 92.3. She enjoys playing volleyball, spending time with her two daughters and is a Starbuck Coffee lover.

St. John Oakland Hospital President, Robert A. Deputat, recently appointed Katherine Lee to the Board of Trustees of St. John Oakland Hospital.

Willie Dechavez, CAPA Advisory Board Member

Governor Granholm recently appointed Willie D. Dechavez of Sterling Heights, a Filipino-American, to the Advisory Council for Asian Pacific American Affairs. The creation of the Council goes along with Governor Granholm’s vision of “One Michigan.”

Willie D. Dechavez is the Michigan Chairperson of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations – Michigan (NaFFAA) and the 2005 MetLife Foundation Ambassadors in Education Awardee.

Representative Hoon-Yung Hopgood, CAPA Board Member

The Governor’s Advisory Council for Asian Pacific Affairs (ACAPAA) also elected Hoon-Yung Hopgood, a State Representative for the 22nd District, to be an honorary member of the Council. As the only Asian American elected official in Lansing, Rep. Hopgood has already made a lasting impact in the State of Michigan.

Dr. Sook Wilkinson, CAPA’s Immediate Past President and Tack-yong Kim, CAPA Advisory Board Member

The President of the Republic of Korea, Roh Moo-hyun, appointed Dr. Sook Wilkinson and Tack-yong Kim to the Advisory Council on Democratic and Peaceful Unification (ACDPU), a presidential advisory group on North Korean affairs.

The CAPA Board Retreat is an annual event that began last year. This is an opportunity for the board members to pause and reflect on the Mission and Vision of CAPA.

Board members’ attendance is compulsory. Advisory Board members are invited to attend the Retreat. The retreat will be facilitated by Michael Roblee of Meta Dynamics, a CAPA Advisory Board member.

Location:
Boys and Girls Republic
28000 West 9 Mile Rd.
Farmington Hills, MI 48336

September 17, 2005 (Saturday) 9:30 a.m. – noon
CAPA Board Meeting

All are welcome. Click for meeting agenda and change of location.

October 6, 2005 (Thursday)
CAPA Advisory Board Meeting

“Linking and engaging the community” will be the theme of the CAPA Retreat on September 10, 2005. Indeed, this strategic goal of CAPA should be practiced by all community organizations in doing what is right for their own constituencies and for the community at large. First and second generation Asian Americans will probably agree that we have the best of both worlds in America. Freedom, liberty and justice enable us to improve our lives and the future generations. Festive and celebration events showcasing Asian culture and heritage are entertaining, encouraging, and educational for everyone. There is so much we can learn from each other, and “life is certainly more than a box of chocolates” is quite appropriate. “Diversity is our Strength” is not just a slogan; it should be the guiding principle and a tool to build stronger communities in America. Our cultural heritage, diverse and rich, is a valuable asset as we work together to overcome the barriers, pride and prejudice in our society. We need innovative ideas to link and engage people to serve the community at large. A critical step is to identify specific societal needs which may be met by Asian American volunteers. We should have the mindset that we are here to serve the community. It is not about you or me; it is about us – the US in these United States of America.

Looking back, the early Asian American pioneers who came more than a hundred years ago have literally given their blood, sweat, and tears to build America. They came alone without their family, worked as laborers for years under very harsh conditions, then returned to the old country with their life savings to live out their golden years. Sadly, this cycle repeats itself for several generations until the end of WW2. Asian Americans no longer have to maintain the confining lifestyles by keeping their noses to the grindstones in the community. Their new lives as passport carrying American citizens with all the rights and privileges had begun. Asian Americans are getting more educated and more affluent, capable of giving back to America in their new roles as scientists, engineers, doctors, businessmen, lawyers, community leaders, and even elected officials in government.

This is a call to “Pour out our hearts, put our minds and hands to work with words and actions” to nurture our relationships with one another and to strengthen the communities across America. Together, we will develop the strategic goals and action plans to accomplish something truly significant. Will you join us ?

This complete article is available at CAPA blog, http://capa-mi.blogs.com/

For a copy of ‘Linking and Engaging the Community’ article in pdf format.

"Flashback to November 2002 - after months of hard campaigning I had just won election to the Michigan House of Representatives.....

My election also meant more than I fully understood. I am the first Korean American to hold state office in Michigan.....

.....I attended my first "Splendor of the East", a compelling and diverse celebration of Asian culture and heritage. After that, I was hooked on CAPA. Quickly, I was asked to serve on the CAPA Advisory Board, and not too much later, on the regular Board. I have enjoyed seeing CAPA grow and flourish, helping to contribute to its success, meeting so many more wonderful people, and even struggling to meet many new challenges. The opportunity to serve the community and work with so many great people has been a gift that I continue to cherish. May CAPA live forever!"

Click for the complete write-up.

For further information, please contact ACAPAA Chairwoman, Sook Wilkinson, Ph.D. at sook@afterthemorningcalm.com.

Summary from ACAPAA 2nd meeting – August 8, 2005

Mam Non's hosting our 3rd annual Moon Festival, or Tet Trung Thu, with Families with Children from China. I hope you can come as we have a great event planned at a fantastic park in Canton. There's a large playscape, picturesque pond, and a big amphitheater for all of the performers. Plenty of Asian American families will be attending and there will be volunteers from UM and the Plymouth-Canton High School Asian American Club. Also, we have a cache of lanterns and small drums that an international student from Vietnam brought back to demonstrate what real Tet Trung Thu lanterns are like.....

September 25, 2005 7:30 p.m.
Feature Presentations of Chinese Ancient String Quartet
Organized by Chinese Association of Greater Detroit (CAGD)

Click for details.

September 29, 2005 (Thursday) 6:30-8:30 p.m.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is presenting a roundtable discussion titled, "Erasing Discrimination at Work: Race Discrimination Today and Strategies for Combating It."

The panel for the event includes:

Frank Wu (Dean Wayne State Law School)
Jim Neeley (EEOC Detroit District Director)
Sue Ellen Eisenberg (Attorney Eisenberg and Bogus)
Saul Green (Professor Wayne State University and former US Attorney for the Eastern District)
Ihsan Khatib (President ADC Greater Detroit Chapter)
Mary Lou Olivarez-Mason (Michigan Commission on Spanish Speaking Affairs)
Hester Wheeler ( Executive Director Detroit NAACP)

The panel will be moderated by U. S. EEOC Commissioner Stuart J. Ishimaru.

October 7 - 8, 2005
NaFFAA Region 3 “Empower for Success” Conference

Click for details and registration form.

October 8, 2005 (Saturday) 6 p.m.
NaFFAA’s 2nd Annual Celebrity Banquet

Click for information.

Michigan State Universtiy Offers, “Conversations on China”

“Conversations on China” is intended as more in- depth study of Chinese politics, culture & people, economics & trade. These conversations are meant to help the participants gain some knowledge of China’s land and people.

Click for registration information and session schedule.

Click for details.

Blakemore Freeman Fellowships for Advanced Asian Language Study Grant

The Blakemore Foundation announced plans to offer up to 30 grants for advanced study of Asian Languages. For further information and to apply, contact the Blakemore Foundation at http://www.blakemorefoundation.org/language.htm.

Articles Posted

Katrina and Vietnamese Americans

APA Women and the Violence Against Women Act: A Fact Sheet

The Association of Chinese Americans, the Detroit Chapter of the National Organization of Chinese Americans, a 33 year old non-profit organization, purchased the old Chi-Chi’s restaurant in December 2003 to serve all Asians as well the surrounding communities in fulfilling its mission which includes a dedication to advancing the political, social and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans in the U.S.

Currently we have 2 class offerings for the fall: Mandarin Level I and a FREE Tai Chi class. Contact Shenlin Chen at 313-831-1790 for days/time and to register.

We have space for rental. Please contact Shenlin Chen at 313-831-1790.

Public Service Announcement – August 11, 2005
International Exchange Student

Local families interested in hosting an exchange student from France, Spain, Germany, Great Britain, Japan, Thailand, Korea, Mexico, Brazil, Portugal, Canada, Russia or another former Soviet Republic are being sought by World Heritage Student Exchange Program. According to Willie Dechavez, Area Representative of World Heritage in Michigan, the students are well screened by World Heritage, are proficient in English, 15 to 18 years old and come for the 2005-2006 school year. Each young person has expressed a sincere desire to learn about our country by living with a family and attending the local high school. World heritage members also offers qualified local students the opportunity to spend a school year or summer with a family in Europe, Asia, The Americas, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa. Those interested in hosting an exchange student abroad should call: 1-800-888-9040 or visit World Heritage's website at www.world- heritage.org.

Caleidoscope of Culture Foundation Seeks Nominations for the Fourth Annual Caleidoscope of Culture Awards

Southfield, MI — The Caleidoscope of Culture Foundation is seeking nominations for its fourth annual Caleidoscope of Culture Awards. The purpose of the yearly awards program, which was created in 2002 to coincide with and commemorate National Diversity Week®, is to celebrate—and educate the community about—the differences in people and perspectives that make southeastern Michigan a great place in which to live and work.

This Week at APAICS: July 5th, 2005
Jun Choi Wins Democratic Primary for Mayor of Edison, NJ

On June 7th, Jun Choi won the Democratic primary for Edison, NJ, defeating the three-term incumbent Mayor by more than 1000 votes. He captured 56 of 78 voting districts with 5580 votes or 55% of the votes.....

The United States is joining with Australia, China, India, Japan, and South Korea to accelerate clean development.
This partnership will focus on voluntary practical measures taken by these six countries in the Asia- Pacific region to create new investment opportunities, build local capacity, and remove barriers to the introduction of clean, more efficient technologies.....[read more]

A life in many colors
Dominic Pangborn’s bold art reflects his South Korean past, but he looks firmly toward the future

.....African American Family Magazine is launching a very special community wide project entitled "Reclaiming the Village: An African American Family Dialogue." We invite you to be a part of this unique project.....

.....It is our hope that the ultimate outcome of this project will result in greater community involvement and ongoing efforts to implement programs designed to improve parenting skills, tackle complex social issues and strengthen the African American family.....

A large component of this project is a community wide call to action to fully support the well being of African American children and families. Parents, adolescents, experts and community members will shape this call to action by voicing their individual and collective hopes, intentions and ideas about how to improve parenting skills, family dynamics and community support.....We invite all organizations, community groups, and individuals to get involved in this project and help families develop a network of hope and empowerment. Please join us in our efforts.....
by returning the “Community Partners Commitment of Support Form”

Press Release from Governor office – September 12, 2005
Governor Announces Statewide Resource Coordination Effort, Michigan Hurricane Helpline, and Statewide "Michigan Cares/Michigan Gives" On-Air Fundraising Drive

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm this morning outlined Michigan’s relief efforts to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina and announced new efforts to funnel goods and services to affected communities.

.....Granholm also announced that she is coordinating an on-air fundraiser next week for victims of the hurricane. She has partnered with Michigan Association of Broadcasters to reach out to organize a statewide, simultaneous on-air fundraiser to support Hurricane Katrina efforts.....

SOS Villages Tsunami Relief Update
New start for tsunami victims in Thailand

16/08/2005 - After his trip to Aceh Province, Indonesia, SOS Children's Village President Helmut Kutin is visiting Thailand. In Phang Nga, a northern province neighbouring Phuket, family houses and fishing boats were given to families who lost all their belongings in the sea surge on 26 December.....

Please feel free to forward this to your friends & family and encourage them to sign-up for the eNewsletter. Spread the news and celebrate the rich culture and heritage of the Asian Pacific American Community with CAPA. Join CAPA mailing list at our web site, www.capa-mi.org.

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Thanks for reading! - CAPA