July 7, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Napapond Fay
248-895-4107, michiganfellow@apiavote.org
Arthur Wang
248-464-4279, rthrwng@gmail.com
Group organizes pan-Asian American Town Hall
DETROIT – With the upcoming August 5 primary, Asian & Pacific Islander American Vote – Michigan (APIAVote-Michigan) is organizing a Town Hall on Asian American issues in Southfield, Michigan to provide an opportunity for the Asian American community to meet local candidates running for office.
The Town Hall, entitled "Meet your local candidates – Make our voices count!" will take place on Saturday, July 12, 2008 at the Philippine American Community Center of Michigan, 17356 Northland Park Court, Southfield, MI 48075. The event begins at 1 p.m. and will conclude at 4 p.m. Admission is free. Refreshments will be provided. In addition, APIAVote-Michigan has organized prize giveaways at the event.
"This town hall provides a rare moment during which Asian American voters from all different ethnic backgrounds will come together." said APIAVote - Michigan New Leaders Fellow Napapond-Victoria Fay. "Asian American community leaders across Metropolitan Detroit recognize the importance of local elections this year and hope to have a strong impact."
Local candidates for office will discuss their positions and proposals on issues affecting Asian Americans, responding to questions from leaders of various Asian American ethnic, community, professional, labor, and civil rights organizations.
Asian Americans form a constituency with increasing influence and are also the fastest growing population in the state – the community grew by 1.9% between 2006 and 2007. Health care, jobs and the economy, and immigration are top issues in this heated election year, and all have significant impact on the Asian American community.
The event is co-sponsored by the Asian American Center for Justice/American Citizens for Justice, Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce, Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance – Michigan Chapter, Association of Chinese Americans, Bangladeshi American Public Affairs Committee, Council of Asian Pacific Americans, Great Lakes Hmong Association, Inc., Michigan Asian Pacific American Bar Association, Philippine American Community Center of Michigan, Thai Association, and Vietnamese American Association of Michigan.
APIAVote - Michigan is a pan-Asian American group seeking to register, educate, and mobilize Asian American voters in Michigan.