Program At A Glance

Time (Eastern Standard)TitleDescription
July 29th 7:00-9:30 pm

Stop Repeating History: Asian Pacific Americans at the Dawn of a New Civil Rights Era

Welcome by U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu 

Panel 1: Perpetual Foreigners: Strangers in Our Own Land with Don Tamaki, Prof. Erika Lee, and Roland Hwang:

After over 170 years since first immigrating to the U.S., we still get asked "what country are you from?"  What spurs people to use phrases such as "China virus" or "Kung Flu"? Historians and advocates who have played key roles in defining and defending APA history will speak on what we need to do to stop repeating history.

Panel 2: Clear and Present Dangers to Democracy with Dale Minami, Prof. Bill Ong Hing, and Eva Paterson:

Appeals to prejudice that have pervaded history continue to shape policies that impact APAs today.  Why must we remain vigilant against systemic racism, manifested through current incidents of hate and violence, attacks on immigrants, and other forms of racial targeting?

Panel 3: Pathways to Racial Justice and Inclusion with Helen Zia, Konrad Ng, and Paula Madison:

Activists and leaders join us to speak on ways to achieve racial justice and inclusion at this dawn of a new civil rights era, one in which we cannot simply be bystanders in history.
July 30th 7:00-8:00 pm
"FIRST VOTE" PANEL SCREENING
America's fastest growing population is also one of its least represented. As filmmaker Yi Chen contemplates exercising her own right to vote, she chronicles her introspective journey into America's battleground states in First Vote. Exploring themes of immigration, voting rights and racial justice, she engages in honest and revealing conversations with four Asian American voters throughout our country's most coveted districts in Ohio and North Carolina. Following their political participation from 2016 to 2018, First Vote crafts an insightful look at Asian Americans' experience at the polls.
July 30th 8:00-9:30 pm
"FIRST VOTE" PANEL DISCUSSION
Following the screening of "First Vote", the director, Yi Chen, will speak on a panel with organizer Jenni Huynh, political scientist Karthick Ramakrishnan, moderated by Eric Salcedo. The panel will address both wins and obstacles of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in civic engagement, and discuss the different ways to approach the push for a paradigm shift in how AAPI communities view voting and hopfully increase rates of AAPI voter turnout.
July 31st 7:00 -8:15 pm

RETURN TO SCHOOL 2020-2021 AND BEYOND

GENERAL ADVOCACY

The Covid-19 pandemic emerged as a social, economic and health crisis. Nowhere has this been more evident than within our primary school systems. After an interrupted school year, how are school systems and educational providers planning for 2020-2021? How will our children overcome the challenges of interrupted studies, distance learning, or potentially unsafe learning environments. Join us as we delve into the difficult conversation around the reopening of our schools.

July 31st 7:00 -8:15 pm

ETHNIC NEIGHBORHOODS AND BUSINESSES

GENERAL ADVOCACY
Our small businesses and ethnic enclaves have suffered significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. What have been the major issues and how will our businesses and communities be able to recover?
July 31st 7:00 -8:15 pm
BYSTANDER INTERVENTION TRAINING
GENERAL ADVOCACY

Anti-Asian/American and xenophobic harassment are on the rise across the US - and the world. In this virtual workshop hosted on Zoom, we'll learn how you can intervene effectively as a bystander without ever compromising your safety. The one-hour, interactive training will teach you Hollaback!'s 5D's of bystander intervention methodology. We'll start by talking about the types of disrespect that Asian and Asian American folks are facing right now - from micro aggressions to violence - using a tool we call the "spectrum of disrespect." You'll learn what to look for and the positive impact that bystander intervention has on individuals and communities. We'll talk through five strategies for intervention: distract, delegate, document, delay, and direct; and how to prioritize your own safety while intervening. We'll have time at the end for practice, and you'll leave feeling more confident intervening the next time you see Anti-Asian/American harassment online or in person. 

July 31st 8:15 -8:30 pm
ENTERTAINMENT BY BALDWIN CHIU, LARISSA LAM, AND EAST WEST PLAYERS (MAMA BARES)
ENTERTAINMENT

Baldwin Chiu & Larissa Lam will be performing Asian Americans Make History by Only Won & Larissa Lam (Hamilton parody).

East West Players (Mama Bares) will be performing Legos (parody) from Crazy Talented Asians 

July 31st 8:30 -10:00 pm

OPENING PLENARY SESSION

ELECTIONS, CENSUS, & REDISTRICTING
The 2020 Elections and Census have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in one way or another. As the pandemic highlights disparities amongst communities, it is even more apparent that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders must be fairly and accurately counted, and must show up to vote, in order to ensure equal representation and allocation of resources. OCA's community partners will discuss what still needs to be done to ensure AAPIs are not overlooked or left behind, and remind the community of the real concerns about redistricting that could happen at the end of 2020.
August 1st12:00-1:30 pm

ON THE FRONTLINES: GOING BACK TO WORK

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Going back to work has looked different for everyone. The traditional "9-5" no longer applies to most workers. Frontline workers and essential workers find themselves continuing to go to the workplace, armed with PPE. Others are working from home and home-ing from work, with their children running in the background of zoom calls and taking important work calls from bed. In this workshop, we will have three different panelists talk about what "going back to work" has looked like for their workplace, and share their best practices.

August 1st12:00 -1:30pm

ASIAN AMERICANS IN THE US-CHINA CONFLICT

GENERAL ADVOCACY
As U.S.-China tensions rise, and the political elites converge in a sharper position toward China, Asian Americans have felt the impact.  Besides the covid-19-related anti-Asian incidents and hawkish campaign rhetoric, Chinese Americans who work in science and research or in the federal government, receive federal grants, or are involved with Chinese American and transnational organizations have reasons to be concerned about broadening investigations. Based on historical experiences, Asian Americans know too well that they have to speak out on civil rights and civil liberties during heightened national security concerns.  Hear from speakers who will address the changes in the policy and legal landscape and the cases where Chinese Americans have been investigated, providing background for audience members to map out local organized responses.    
August 1st12:00-1:30 pm

COVID-19 & OUR ELDERLY

GENERAL ADVOCACY
How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted our most vulnerable population? Panelists will discuss the unique challenges faced by AAPI elders, including the need for appropriate language access, intersectional data, and culturally competent community-based services for AAPI older adults. Participants will come away with an understanding of how to advocate for older adults in the health care setting.
August 1st12:00-1:30 pm

READYING FOR COLLEGE

YOUTH
The Readying for College presentation is aimed at students rising into grades 8-12, as well as their parents. The presentation will provide an overview of the college planning and college admissions process, provide a to-do list for students and parents as well as a recommended timeline with critical milestones for students and parents to watch out for. The presentation will also talk about common misconceptions of the college planning and admissions process, as well as offer specific advice unique for Asian American students. We will also discuss all the ways in which COVID-19 is disrupting and changing the college planning and admissions process.
August 1st1:30-2:00 pm
ENTERTAINMENT BY AWECHORDS AND EAST WEST PLAYERS (ENSEMBLE)
ENTERTAINMENT

AweChords will perform UCLA Student A Capella: Domino (Jessie J) || #KoolQuarantineCovers || AweChords A Cappella 

AweChords will perform Friend Like Me (from Disney's Aladdin) || #KoolQuarantineCovers || AweChords A Cappella 

East West Players (Ensemble) will perform Dancing Queen in Quarantine (parody) from Crazy Talented Asians 

August 1st 2:00 -3:30 pm

SAFE & INCLUSIVE WORK SPACES

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

In these times of a global and racial pandemic, creating a safe and inclusive workspace has been a massive task. Flexibility, compassion, and empathy have been key to creating a safe environment in places of work. Our panelists, leaders of the diversity and inclusion teams at their companies, speak about what they have done to create safe and inclusive workspaces.

August 1st 2:00-3:30 pm

AAPI STORYTELLING WITH A-DOC

CHAPTER ADVANCEMENT
This panel will feature The Asian American Documentary Network (A-Doc)'s storytelling initiative, Asian American Stories in the Time of Coronavirus. The series was created as a way to both document this critical moment in the Asian American community, and as a way to disrupt mainstream narratives about Asians. Since May, A-Doc has been releasing micro documentaries and written pieces across their social media platforms. For this panel, we will feature some of the filmmakers who contributed to the series and their pieces.
August 1st 2:00 -3:30 pm

FINANCIAL FOUNDATIONS

YOUTH

At the end of this workshop, you'll walk away with the financial basics to develop a plan that works for you so you'll be able to establish a solid financial foundation and reach your goals.

The workshop covers the following topics:

Setting Goals

Building a Budget

Saving Money

Managing Debt

Understanding Credit

August 1st 2:00 -3:30 pm

MENTAL WELLNESS IN 

COVID-19

GENERAL ADVOCACY

Maintaining mental wellness in the times of covid has been a daunting challenge. We are faced with a combination of isolation, loss of our normal routines, and a sense of helplessness. We are also given the opportunity to learn how to be more intentional with our relationships and expand our current toolkits of coping mechanisms and outlets. This workshop will focus on ways to create social intimacy in a world of physical distance and find ways to ground ourselves in moments of helplessness and anxiety.

August 1st 3:30 -4:00 pm
ENTERTAINMENT BY EAST WEST PLAYERS (ISA AND TEO BRIONES), EAST WEST PLAYERS (PAUL DATEH ), JASON CHU & MELIONE
ENTERTAINMENT

East West Players (Isa and Teo Briones) will perform Come Together (cover) from Crazy Talented Asians.

East West Players (Paul Dateh ) will perform Sunday Best from Crazy Talented Asians 

Jason Chu & Melione will perform "Do You Love You"

August 1st 4:00 -5:30 pm

BUILDING THE GROUNDWORK FOR IMMIGRATION VICTORIES IN 2021

GENERAL ADVOCACY

From dramatically expanding immigration enforcement and terminating DACA to continuously violating the human and civil rights of asylum seekers, the Administration has spent four years attacking immigrants. Many organizers, activists, and organizations have been forced to focus on defending the few protections available to immigrant communities. However, despite the onslaught by this Presidency, the immigrant rights movement have begun to build the infrastructure for long-term progressive immigration reform. Workshop participants will hear from immigrant rights organizations about the current state of immigration in the United States, affirmative work being done in this space, and opportunities for individuals and organizations to involve themselves in forward looking, progressive action.

August 1st 4:00 -5:30 pm

TRANS JUSTICE: OUR HISTORY

GENERAL ADVOCACY
The goal of this workshop is to acknowledge the ways our ancestors have held the multitudes of what is now considered a Trans identity for generations prior to the colonization and westernization of our API cultures. This workshop will guide us through processes of organizational self reflections and urge us to make commitments around trans and gender justice. Come explore the many ways our cultures have existed as we ground ourselves in trans justice, gender justice, racial justice, and immigrant justice.
August 1st 4:00 -5:30 pm

2020 MAKING SURE OUR COMMUNITIES COUNT: 2020 CENSUS AND GOTV

CHAPTER ADVANCEMENT
This year is a critical year for our communities because of 2 very significant events, the Census and the Presidential Election.  However, Covid-19 has and will affect how our communities engage in the Census and vote in the upcoming election. As Chapters, we promote civic engagement as an opportunity for our communities to make an impact. Join us as we finish out our CAT track series and discuss opportunities to advance the work of our chapters and engage in these important initiatives.
August 1st 4:00 -5:30 pm

CAREER READINESS

YOUTH

Thinking about your career can be daunting, especially if you're unsure of what exactly you want to do. This workshop features corporate leaders who will discuss best practices when it comes to preparing for your career, such as:

  • How each panelist got started in their respective careers
  • What you should be doing as a student
  • Understanding your strengths and weaknesses
  • Tips for applying to jobs and how to tailor your resume/cover letters
  • How COVID-19 is impacting various industries
  • Best practices for working from home


August 1st 5:30 -6:00 pm
ENTERTAINMENT BY EAST WEST PLAYERS (COLD TOFU ), MAGNETIC NORTH & TAIYO NA
ENTERTAINMENT

East West Players (Cold Tofu ) will perform "World's Worst Zoom" from Crazy Talented Asians 

Magnetic North & Taiyo Na will perform "Prevail"

August 1st 6:00 -7:15 pm
CLOSING PLENARY: UNPACKING  BIAS AND SYSTEMATIC INEQUALITIES
2020 has been marked with incredible turmoil. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed systemic inequities and disparities in income, health, and education. The ensuing untimely deaths of Arbrey, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd have opened deep wounds with regards to public safety and social justice. The path to addressing these deep seated and systemic issues begins with an assessment of our own biases and how they serve as barriers to our own empowerment and allyships.
August 1st 7:15 -7:30 pm
ENTERTAINMENT BY EAST WEST PLAYERS (ENSEMBLE), AND EAST WEST PLAYERS (ASTONICIA BHAGAT)
ENTERTAINMENT

East West Players (Ensemble) will perform "Finale-B" from EWP Virtual Gala 

East West Players (Astonicia Bhagat) will perform "A Life That's Good" (cover) 

August 1st 7:30 -8:30 pm
COTY AWARD + CLOSING REMARKS
Join OCA in celebrating the work that our chapters around the country have carried out in 2019. We will be presenting awards overall Chapter of the Year, as well as chapter excellence awards for advocacy, programs, membership, community building, innovation, and signature events. We'll also introduce this year's five Unsung Heroes, OCA members who have gone above and beyond in service to their communities. Come celebrate and meet our chapters!

August 1st 8:45-10:45 pm

ASIAN AMERICANS DOCUMENTARY

FILM SCREENING


August 2nd2:00-5:00pm

ASIAN AMERICANS DOCUMENTARY

FILM SCREENING

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