NEW CIVICS: LEADERSHIP FOR COMMUNITIES

MISSION
The Cities in Transition forum is the catalyst for a multi-year, national
agenda that highlights the tremendous potential of the growing Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) community in America‚s multicultural cities. Through the collaborative leadership of Partners for Livable Communities, the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies, and the City of Houston, this national discussion engages diverse APIA and non-APIA representatives from the business, government, philanthropy, education, science, arts, social services, and entertainment sectors.

The forum approaches the needs and challenges of APIAs with a holistic
outlook that is critical to maximizing their contributions to America‚s
future in the global community. The conference focuses on 4 broad areas: 1) human empowerment 2) community development, housing and business 3) leadership and governance 4) culture and heritage. A series of intimate Blueprint Sessions in each of these areas and presentations from national advocates provides the foundation for creating viable action recommendations and stronger APIA unity.

Houston's unique vision in cultivating strong relationships with the APIA
population is the inspiration for this important national conference. Join
us in exploring the role of APIAs towards achieving equal opportunity for
all.

GOAL
The goal of the conference is to promote cooperation among all sectors and people in the United States through the launch of a national awareness agenda addressing the challenges and opportunities that this group experiences towards full equality in our country.

This conference will serve as the launching point of a national agenda that will promote full equality for the APIA population by addressing the challenges and opportunities of this important demographic.

CONFERENCE OUTLINE**
This conference will be the first time that decision makers at all levels of government will gather with stakeholders representing community based organizations, philanthropy, business, non profit, and the media to discuss with leading APIAs about the opportunities to and barriers for full participation of Asian Pacific Islander Americans in building better communities for everyone.

Conference attendees will include:

• Civic leaders
• Community and grassroots leaders
• Local, State and Federal Politicians
• Civil rights leaders and activists
• Members of the media
• Artists, musicians and entertainers

The two-day conference will include plenary sessions, panelist discussions, workshops and keynote addresses focused on examining the state of Asian Pacific Islander Americans in America’s multicultural landscape, and developing strong policy recommendations designed to address their determined needs.

There will be a strong emphasis on themes such as:

• Community Empowerment
• APIA Unity
• Cultural Impacts
• Educational Opportunities
• Human Development
• Economic Foundations
• Housing
• Political Advocacy

A variety of speakers from within and outside the APIA community will present these issues from both bottom-up and top-down perspectives.

LIST OF CONFERENCE CO-SPONSORS

Americans for the Arts

APA Labor Alliance

APA Municipal Officials

API American Health Forum

API School Board Members Association

Asia Society

Asian American Institute

Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations

Committee of 100

Congressional APA Caucus

International City/County Management Association

International Downtown Association

Japanese American Citizens League

Korean American Coalition

Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics

National Alliance of Vietnamese American Service Agencies

National APA American Bar Association

National APA Caucus of State Legislators

National APA Legal Consortium

National API Mental Health Association

National APA Women's Forum

National Asian Pacific Center on Aging

National Association for the Education and Advancement of Cambodian, Laotian and Vietnamese Americans

National Civic League

National Coalition of APA Community Development

National Congress of Vietnamese Americans

National Federation of Filipino American Associations

National Korean American Service and Education Consortium

National League of Cities

National Trust for Historic Preservation

Organization of Chinese Americans

Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force

South Asian American Leaders of Tomorrow

Southeast Asia Resource Action Center

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