API Now! New American Voters Project

by Yian Saecho
Civic Engagement Associate

As I am rolling with the punches of 2016 as APANO’s new Civic Engagement Associate, I want to extend an invitation to all of you to join me in making this year, and particularly this election year, more equitable and inclusive for our families and our communities by increasing our political input and voice.

Becoming a citizen of the United States is a great accomplishment. For many, it takes years of saving, waiting, learning English and studying to pass the citizenship test. Once a citizens, one of our very first rights as citizens is voting—one of the most powerful spaces for change. Unfortunately, the API communities have had one of the lowest percentages of engagement and encounters with politics and the political process than other marginalized populations.

Please join me in celebrating and registering the newly naturalized citizens to vote!

Volunteer opportunity:

• Volunteers commit to at least 2 ceremonies per month.
• Location: United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) building in NW Portland (Pearl District).
• Time & date: Varies every month, regularly Mondays-Thursdays, 2-3pm.
• Dress code: It is a federal building, business casual, please no ripped jeans, open-toed shoes.

If you’re API and interested, knows any API community members who would be interested, or you had questions, please contact Yian Saechao at yian@apano.org.