FAM PRESS RELEASE: FAM (FILIPINO AMERICAN MUSEUM) ORGANIZES A NIGHT OF BAYANIHAN SPIRIT TO RAISE FUNDS TO BENEFIT TYPHOON HAIYAN RELIEF EFFORTS
Thursday, November 21, 2013 at 8pm
Galapagos Art Space
16 Main Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(Flushing, Queens – November, 18, 2013) – A press conference at the District Office of New York State Assemblymember Ron Kim announced a major benefit to raise funds for Typhoon Haiyan relief efforts. Organized by FAM (Filipino American Museum), the fundraiser will take place this Thursday, November 21 at the Galapagos Art Space in Dumbo, Brooklyn. With an estimated 11 million Filipinos affected, displaced or left homeless by this catastrophic event, FAM has urgently rallied an impressive group of individuals, businesses, local government officials, and community organizations to create an evening celebration of the Bayanihan Spirit. The Filipino term, ‘Bayanihan’, refers to a spirit of communal unity and effort to help build a neighbor’s home.
All proceeds will go to National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON), whose “Taskforce Haiyan” is a grassroots relief effort coordinated directly between Filipinos in the US and those in affected areas of the Philippines. Funds will be spent on food, water and medical supplies and distributed by Philippines based groups. For more information, please visit NAFCON’s website by clicking here.
According to Nancy Bulalacao, a FAM founding member, “At FAM we have the ability to build a coalition that demonstrates a solidarity as New Yorkers and Asian Americans by coming together to support the real efforts for relief on the ground in the Philippines. We are artists, writers, musicians, cultural and community organizations moved by the tragedy and looking for ways to express our support. We serve constituents who are directly affected by the tragedy. What happens thousands of miles away resonates directly with us here. The level of loss in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan can be felt no matter who you are or where you live.”
Assemblymember Ron Kim states, “I join my colleagues in government and all our community members in feeling absolutely heartbroken over the recent natural disaster in the Philippines. Through the recent natural disasters that have hit our coast in the last two years, we know a fraction of what is going on now in some of the cities and towns in the islands of the Phillpines. As part of the worldwide community, it is important to show our support and solidarity, now more than ever. My office will continue to do what we can to support groups like FAM in raising relief funding.”
The Emcee for the evening will be Miss Info from HOT 97. The program will feature readings by Kilusan Bautista, Luis Francia, Bino Realuyo, and Lara Stapleton; music by Deep Foundation, DILIA*, Hydroponikz, !llmind, Joe Bataan, Masia One, Norman Vladimir, and Smokey Robotic; DJ sets by GETLIVE!, and Jon Santos; and a demonstration by Pekiti Tirsia Kali Elite. Food for the event will be catered by Red Egg and Salome Tarts.
FAM is grateful to the benefit’s Host Committee, comprised of Christelle de Castro, Rik Cordero, Stephen Decker, Avena Gallagher, Michelle Lopez, Josh Kline, Paul Pfeiffer, and Carissa Rodriguez. FAM also acknowledges the immense support and help from the following Community Partners: ANAKBAYAN, Asian American Arts Alliance, Asian Cinevision, Asian/Pacific/American Institute at NYU, Asian American Writers’ Workshop, BAYAN USA, Filipinas for Rights and Empowerment (FiRE NYC), Ma-Yi Theater Company, New York Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines (NYCHRP), New York Asian Women’s Center, Next Day Better, Assemblymember Ron Kim, Assembly District 40, The Filipino American Lawyers Association of New York (FALANY), Two Trees Management Co, UniPro.
The hashtag #FAMaid will be used throughout social media networks by FAM and by all of the partners to spread the word about the benefit.
Tickets to the event are $10 and can be purchased at the door or online.
About FAM
FAM (Filipino American Museum) is the first museum focused on examining the connection between contemporary Filipino American arts and the roots and traditions of the Philippine diaspora. A start-up committed to presenting cultural programs in stimulating and unprecedented ways, FAM is dedicated to seeking out what it is to be Filipino in America. In the spirit of a diverse people, FAM’s roving programs serve as a fluid, user-generated, inquiry-based space. An untold American story, FAM presents its findings through live performances, exhibits, installations, community forums, online content and otherwise.
Website filipinoamericanmuseum.com
Email [email protected]
Facebook facebook.com/filipinoamericanmuseum
Twitter @famnewyorkcity
Instagram @famnewyorkcity
Media Inquiries
Nancy Bulalacao
917-472-9936 or [email protected]
From our Friends at FALAFNY – Report on Typhoon Yolanda: How You Can Help the Victims in the Philippines
As many of you know, the Philippines was recently devastated by what the many have referred to as “the perfect storm,” a “super typhoon,” and “one of the strongest cyclones ever recorded.”
It has been a little over a week since Typhoon Haiyan (or Typhoon Yolanda, as it is known in the Philippines) made landfall in the Philippines, and yet the needs of the victims in its path have not abated. Many remain without shelter, food, water, or medication. According to CNN, as of November 15:
- more than 3,000 are dead
- 9 million are affected, 4 million of whom are children
- 2.5 million are in need of food despite 40 tons of food packs having been distributed
- $300 million in immediate relief is needed.
The Filipino American Lawyers Association of New York (FALANY), along with the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) and the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey (APALA/NJ), encourage you to consider helping relief efforts in any way you feel appropriate.
See upcoming fundraising events here.
See locations for donation drop-offs here.
Please keep in mind that due to the magnitude of the devastation and the limited manpower available on the ground, financial contributions to aid agencies are most welcome, rather than donations of consumer goods.
If you wish to make a financial donation, we suggest the following organizations for your consideration, both of which have 501©(3) status:
- University of the Philippines Medical Alumni Society in America (“UPMASA”). UPMASA is a non-profit organization comprised of medical professionals who graduated from the University of the Philippines. They are accepting donations until December 11 to support their medical mission to the worst affected areas in the Philippines. The funds will be used to provide acute and prophylactic care to those most in need. Donations may be made through their website: www.upmasanational.org.
- Gawad Kalinga (“GK”) is a non-profit organization founded in the Philippines. It has been at the forefront of ongoing relief efforts. GK is collecting donations to assemble food packs. One food pack costs $5 and will feed a family of four for 3-4 days. The organization is also collecting donations for the infrastructure rehabilitation and rebuilding of the affected areas. Donations can be made through their website: www.gk-usa.org/donate. Checks may also be mailed to Gawad Kalinga USA, 13860 Stowe Drive, Poway, CA 92064, Memo: Typhoon Haiyan.
Also attached to this email is a list of upcoming fundraising events in the area and a list of drop off locations for donations in kind (canned goods, blankets, clothing).
We encourage you to inquire with your employers regarding donation-matching programs. The following companies have established such programs:
- Allstate (dollar-for-dollar match for donations made through Dec. 6; a 15% match will be available thereafter)
- McGuireWoods (dollar-for-dollar match of donations made to the Red Cross by its employees up to $50,000)
- Sprint (dollar-for-dollar match of donations made by its employees and retirees up to $25,000)
- Verizon (dollar-for dollar match of donations made by its lawyers and staff up to $25,000)
We thank you for the time you have taken to read this message and for any help you might be able to give. Should you need more information, please do not hesitate to contact FALANY at: [email protected].
AALDEF: Asian American Voters Not Tied to Political Party in Key States
New Poll: Asian American Voters Not Tied to Political Party in Key States
November 14, 2013 – According to the results of an exit poll in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York, Asian American voters are open to candidates of both political parties in key states. The nonpartisan multilingual exit poll of 2,290 Asian American voters was conducted by the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF) after the mayoral election in New York and the gubernatorial elections in New Jersey and Virginia.
“Asian American voters in Virginia, many of whom are not enrolled in any political party, could be a decisive voting bloc in the 2014 midterm elections,” said AALDEF executive director Margaret Fung.
AALDEF released preliminary results of its exit poll conducted at 24 poll sites in New York, New Jersey, and Virginia. Of those surveyed in total, 62% were enrolled in the Democratic Party, 10% were enrolled in the Republican Party, and 26% were not enrolled in any party.
However, in the close race for governor in Virginia, 45% indicated that they were not affiliated with any party, 41% were affiliated with the Democratic Party, and 11% affiliated with the Republican Party.
In New Jersey, a majority (54%) of Asian American voters favored Republican Chris Christie over Democrat Barbara Buono (42%).51% polled were enrolled as Democrats, 37% said they were not enrolled in any party, and 11% were enrolled as Republicans.
New York had the highest number of registered Democrat Asian American voters, with 70% were enrolled in the Democratic Party, 18% not enrolled in any party, and 9% enrolled in the Republican Party.
“There is tremendous political diversity within the Asian American community,” said Glenn D. Magpantay, Director of AALDEF’s Democracy Program. “Issues and candidates drive the Asian American vote, rather than party affiliation. For candidates concerned with the issues that matter most to our community, the Asian American vote is up for grabs.”
Contact:
Ujala Sehgal
Read more at http://bit.ly/aaldef_extpll
AAF: New York State Senate and Assembly Districts Highlight the Growth and Diversity of Asian New Yorkers
PRESS RELEASE
Friday, October 25, 2013
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jo-Ann Yoo
(212) 344-5878, x217
New York State Senate and Assembly Districts Highlight
the Growth and Diversity of Asian New Yorkers
(212) 344-5878, x217
New York State Senate and Assembly Districts Highlight
the Growth and Diversity of Asian New Yorkers
New York, NY—Today, the Asian American Federation released briefing papers that detail the Asian population, ethnic breakdowns and the major Asian languages spoken in the State Senate and Assembly districts in New York City based on new lines finalized in May 2012. The briefing papers examine the 65 Assembly districts and 26 Senate districts in New York City.
According to Asian Americans of the Empire State: Growing Diversity and Common Needs, published by the Asian American Federation earlier this year, New York State is home to the second largest population of Asian Americans. “While the fastest population growth and the newest communities are in the upstate region, most Asian American New Yorkers live in the New York City metro area,” said Howard Shih, Census Programs Director at the Federation. “The Asian American community is culturally and economically diverse.
Some of the key highlights from the briefing papers are:
According to Asian Americans of the Empire State: Growing Diversity and Common Needs, published by the Asian American Federation earlier this year, New York State is home to the second largest population of Asian Americans. “While the fastest population growth and the newest communities are in the upstate region, most Asian American New Yorkers live in the New York City metro area,” said Howard Shih, Census Programs Director at the Federation. “The Asian American community is culturally and economically diverse.
Some of the key highlights from the briefing papers are:
- For the first time, one State Senate district is majority Asian.
- Three Assembly Districts are now majority Asian, up from only one in 2002.
- Chinese is the most spoken language other than English in 5 Assembly Districts and 3 Senate Districts. Korean is the most spoken language other than English in one Assembly District (District 26).
- The second most commonly spoken Asian language group consists of the languages of the fast-growing South Asian population.
“Asian American communities throughout our city are growing and thriving, adding to the rich cultural diversity that makes New York such a wonderful place,” said State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, whose district includes Manhattan’s Chinatown. Speaker Silver’s district, historically one of the oldest Asian enclaves in the City, is home to almost 60,000 Asian Americans. “These profiles are valuable tools that allow elected officials to keep track of the demographics of the constituencies we represent,” added Speaker Silver.
According to the Assembly district briefing paper, District 40 in Flushing has the largest Asian population, followed by District 25 in Northeast Queens. In District 40, 64% of the population is Asian. “This briefing paper is a tool for elected leaders because it is so important to know what ethnic groups we are serving in our different Assembly districts, and base our services and communications on the needs of different groups. As the only Asian American elected to a state office and the prime sponsor of Data Disaggregation bill, data breakdowns like this enable the state leaders to provide better access to the services that our constituents deserve. I will personally be promoting this tool and sharing it with my colleagues in the New York State Assembly so that we can continue to have stronger connections with our state’s growing Asian American community,” said Assemblymember Ron Kim (D. 40).
“By providing information on the diverse and growing communities across the city and in individual districts, we move one step closer to making state government accessible to everyone it serves. I look forward to working with all the great groups serving the Asian American community to ensure even greater language access to public information,” said Assemblymember Nily Rozic, who represents District 25 which has over 67,000 Asians, or 54% of total population.
On the State Senate side, the district with the largest Asian population is District 16 in Flushing Queens, represented by Senator Toby Ann Stavisky. District 16 has over 176,000 Asians, making the district 55% Asian. “This paper by the Federation highlights one of the most fascinating parts of my district—our incredible culture of diversity and inclusion. I am glad that New Yorkers of all backgrounds, from the Chinese population in Flushing to the South Asian population in Jackson Heights and the Korean population in Murray Hill have decided to call Queens home. I remain committed to ensuring that my constituents have in-language assistance to services, civic participation access, and other opportunities to have a stronger voice in their community. This insightful research helps me better understand and better serve all of the people of the 16th district,” said Senator Stavisky.
District 11 had the second largest Asian population, with over 1 in 3 residents who are Asian. The third largest Asian population is District 26, which encompasses Lower Manhattan’s Chinatown. 24% of the population in District 26 is Asian. Upon review of the briefing paper, Senator Daniel Squadron remarked, “As New York’s Asian American population continues to grow, it’s critical that the community has real partners and a real voice in government. This report only underscores how important that partnership is, on everything from language access in education and government to protecting small businesses.”
“In a few months, the 2014 election cycle for state offices will begin. We hope these briefing papers are tools for elected leaders to reach out and engage the Asian Americans living in their districts. Oftentimes, outreach to our community is overlooked, but having tools like these that show the breakdowns of the top languages in New York City’s state assembly and senate districts, as well as the disaggregation by the top 19 Asian languages spoken in each district, will better equip our leaders to engage residents. In turn, these papers will facilitate community leaders and advocates to show that our civic voice is growing and that we need to better connect with our elected officials to offer our expertise, ask for help and support,” said Cao K. O, executive director of the Federation.
According to the Assembly district briefing paper, District 40 in Flushing has the largest Asian population, followed by District 25 in Northeast Queens. In District 40, 64% of the population is Asian. “This briefing paper is a tool for elected leaders because it is so important to know what ethnic groups we are serving in our different Assembly districts, and base our services and communications on the needs of different groups. As the only Asian American elected to a state office and the prime sponsor of Data Disaggregation bill, data breakdowns like this enable the state leaders to provide better access to the services that our constituents deserve. I will personally be promoting this tool and sharing it with my colleagues in the New York State Assembly so that we can continue to have stronger connections with our state’s growing Asian American community,” said Assemblymember Ron Kim (D. 40).
“By providing information on the diverse and growing communities across the city and in individual districts, we move one step closer to making state government accessible to everyone it serves. I look forward to working with all the great groups serving the Asian American community to ensure even greater language access to public information,” said Assemblymember Nily Rozic, who represents District 25 which has over 67,000 Asians, or 54% of total population.
On the State Senate side, the district with the largest Asian population is District 16 in Flushing Queens, represented by Senator Toby Ann Stavisky. District 16 has over 176,000 Asians, making the district 55% Asian. “This paper by the Federation highlights one of the most fascinating parts of my district—our incredible culture of diversity and inclusion. I am glad that New Yorkers of all backgrounds, from the Chinese population in Flushing to the South Asian population in Jackson Heights and the Korean population in Murray Hill have decided to call Queens home. I remain committed to ensuring that my constituents have in-language assistance to services, civic participation access, and other opportunities to have a stronger voice in their community. This insightful research helps me better understand and better serve all of the people of the 16th district,” said Senator Stavisky.
District 11 had the second largest Asian population, with over 1 in 3 residents who are Asian. The third largest Asian population is District 26, which encompasses Lower Manhattan’s Chinatown. 24% of the population in District 26 is Asian. Upon review of the briefing paper, Senator Daniel Squadron remarked, “As New York’s Asian American population continues to grow, it’s critical that the community has real partners and a real voice in government. This report only underscores how important that partnership is, on everything from language access in education and government to protecting small businesses.”
“In a few months, the 2014 election cycle for state offices will begin. We hope these briefing papers are tools for elected leaders to reach out and engage the Asian Americans living in their districts. Oftentimes, outreach to our community is overlooked, but having tools like these that show the breakdowns of the top languages in New York City’s state assembly and senate districts, as well as the disaggregation by the top 19 Asian languages spoken in each district, will better equip our leaders to engage residents. In turn, these papers will facilitate community leaders and advocates to show that our civic voice is growing and that we need to better connect with our elected officials to offer our expertise, ask for help and support,” said Cao K. O, executive director of the Federation.
http://www.aafederation.org/cic/briefs/NYCAssembly2012.pdf
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