Last year, a small group of amazing, uplifting, and dedicated individuals came together to form the Democrats Abroad Asian American and Pacific Islander Global Caucus. In the beginning our virtual meetings were filled with conversations about each other, what has it meant to us personally to be a member of the AAPI community, our personal journeys, growth, and reflections.

Our journey also coincided with the outbreak of COVID-19, the beginning of a time of uncertainty and hardship for so many. I too found myself in an unusual situation being trapped outside my country of residence. In the span of 10 months, I had to relocate to 8 different cities, but our meetings were a constant and gave me something to look forward to. It was a place I felt heard, respected, and supported. We all cared about one another’s wellbeing, which carried even more weight in a time when many of us felt isolated and alone. One morning after relocating to San Francisco, I woke up to a text from one of my fellow AAPI steering committee members saying they were sending me a loaf of delicious artisanal sour dough bread. What a way to start my morning!

The AAPI caucus has been like a family to me. I have been offered help and support without asking for it, and it seems fitting that with my next relocation voyage just around the corner, it has been my AAPI family that has recommended information on apartments to rent and advice on what neighborhoods to live in. For any member of Democrats Abroad looking for a caucus that will open them with open arms, support, and empower them, the AAPI caucus is the family you have been looking for.

I will miss you all!

Lots of <3

Sam Wong
Asia-Pacific Deputy Regional Vice Chair
(Former AAPI Caucus Steering Committee Member)
Soon to be Democrats Abroad alum