Letter from the Chair
2023 is quickly passing by and here we are in September. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) and State Party AAPI groups recently met to kick off the formation of the AAPI Kitchen Cabinet group. One of their first calls to action is a social media campaign to show our support for the confirmation of Julie Su as our next Secretary of Labor. If confirmed, she will be the first Asian American Cabinet Secretary in the Biden Administration. She is a reflection of the continued commitment of the Administration to appoint AANHPIs throughout the government.
Join us in showing your support of her confirmation by participating in the #YesJulieSu campaign. Participants are encouraged to post at 12pm, their local time, every Wednesday until the Senate approves her nomination on social media. Stormkit resources and more information are available at yesjuliesu.com.
We do not want to forget the devastating fires last month in Hawaii. These past few months have been ongoing reminders of the devastating effects of climate change. Our own Steering Committee member, Donna, is originally from Hawaii and shared some thoughts about the recent fires in Maui:
This past month has been a massive tragedy for Hawaii. Fires, hurricane winds, and drought, all made worse by our looming climate disaster, have devastated Lahaina on the Hawaiian Island of Maui. It is one of the most historic areas of Hawaii, an ancient royal kingdom, an old whaling town, as well as an important tourist center. At least 115 people are confirmed dead, 2,000 homes and businesses are burnt to the ground, all the historic landmarks such as Lahaina Buddhist Jodo Mission, Lahaina Hongwanji, the old pioneer and missionary homes, all of Front Street, the harbor, schools, the historic Pioneer Inn, and the 150-year-old banyan tree.
There are many organizations that you can donate to, if you would like to contribute to supporting the relief efforts. Donna has recommended the Maui Strong Fund. Additional organizations can be found on the APIAVote website.
These recent fires in Hawaii, Canada, all over Europe, as well as the massive hurricane in Florida are reminders that we need to do more to address climate change. To achieve the change we want, we need to continue to elect Democrats into office at all levels. This November, there are 9 states with elections:
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- New Jersey
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Utah
- Virginia
If you vote in one of these states, make sure you have requested your ballot. Details of each state's elections are available on the Democrats Abroad website. If you need any assistance, do not hesitate to reach out by writing [email protected].
We are working on an upcoming caucus event. Make sure to stay tuned for more information. If you are interested in getting more involved, organizing an event (either locally or globally), or have ideas for the community, please get in touch! We are a small team that is happy to grow and find a way to work with any volunteer, regardless of how much time you can give. Just email [email protected].