Linking and Engaging the Community
“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.
At the last CAPA Summit in 2004, the theme “Building Bridges” was the stimulus to provoke us to find ways to be connected in the greater community. We were challenged to enrich our lives by working with others in the communities around us through service and sacrifice. At the operational level, we have to involve other community organizations, corporations, schools and universities, local businesses, government, and philanthropic foundations as partners to support high impact events in the community. Since 2001, CAPA has taken small steps to educate one another on Asian cultures, offered seminars and workshops to equip ourselves to foster friendship in understanding the needs and aspirations of Asian Americans. But, this is not enough. It is time to take bigger and bolder steps to meet the needs of the community at large.
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.
What can Asian Americans do for America ? That is an open question. What do we have to offer ? How can we use our talents and resources effectively to meet the challenges ? Should we lead or be a follower ? These are issues we have to discuss in an open dialog thru the CAPA Blog at http://www.capa-mi.blogs.com/, by sharing our views on specific issues and explore options to address the well being of Asian Americans and all Americans. The editorials in the CAPA e-newsletter will serve as a stimulus and provoke us to think and act in a positive way. As Americans, our collective wisdom should move us to act and provide the compass of CAPA in serving the community with the right focus in this great nation of ours.
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 ?
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© 2005 Tai Chan
Dr. Tai Chan chairs the CAPA Education Committee since 2005, and served as VP of CAPA in 2004. He is an environmental health research scientist with General Motors since 1977, and led the GM Chinese Affinity Group as Chairman in 2003. He was president of the American Association of Aerosol Research (AAAR) in 1996, and the Detroit Chinese Engineers Association (DCEA) in 2000.
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