Please register a week before the conference to guarantee the availability of food. Register at http://aasa.stanford.edu/lts/
Mission Statement
The United States is one of the world’s most diverse nations with a wide array of nationalities, races, ethnicities. Because of this, one’s identity can easily come into question. It is not only important to remember our roots, but also to not be afraid to take pride in them. When asked to check a box identifying our ethnicity, many of us feel constrained by the limited options available to us, such as with the 2010 Census. Many found this difficult because our individuality cannot possibly be contained by any general classification. An identity is like a fingerprint: no two are the same.
At this year’s Listen to the Silence conference, we hope you will come to a better understanding of your own identity and the identities of those around you, and how that guides your efforts in advancing equality in your communities. Almost two-thirds of Asian Americans were born in a foreign country, carrying parts of their homeland with them to their experiences in America. We all have our own stories and experiences, seen through the lenses of our respective generations, where we grew up, our gender, sexuality, so there clearly is no formula for this so-called “identity.” However, even though we come from different walks of life, there are many different aspects of self that we all share, united by common causes. With this, we can find a common ground to unite in solidarity, build coalitions within and beyond our ethnic communities, and together, be active participants in advocating for social justice.
Keynote: David Monkawa
David Monkawa is a “2.5″ generational Japanese American, born in Japan to a Hawai’i-born Nisei father and Japanese immigrant mother. Culturally growing up as a third generation Sansei, Monkawa became angry at all of the “accumulated historical oppression against JA’s and working people” throughout history, his own family included. He channeled his angry energy into motivation to help change the system, wanting to help bring the best compensation possible for those wronged. He became Co-Chair of the Nikkei for Civil Rights and Redress (NCRR) in the late 1980s and early 90′s. He is inspired most by youth becoming socially aware and committing themselves to bring about fundamental structural change in theUnited States. Monkawa studied at California Institute of the Arts, currently works as an Asst. Organizing Director for the California Nurses Association, and has three children.
Workshops
9:30 – 10:45 AM:
Born to Gamble? The Hidden Addiction (NICOS Chinese Health Coalition)
A Shattered Reflection: A Lack of Cultural Education (TECC)
Stereotypes and Racial Profiling: Asian Americans in Popular Culture (Alternative Spring Break – Asian American Issues)
Powerlessness: On Reclaiming a Damaged Identity by Overcoming Natural Disasters in the Asian Pacific Rim (Stanford Pilipino American Student Union)
Tracing our Journey- the Vietnamese American Experience (Stanford Vietnamese Student Association)
Bravery In and Out of Combat: The 442nd Regimental Combat Team (Stanford University Nikkei)
2:00 – 3:15 PM:
Asian Frat Boys & Sorority Girls – How Asian American Greek Life Has Shaped Our Identities (Lambda Phi Epsilon Fraternity Inc.)
Art, Activism, and the International Hotel (Stanford Asian American Activism Committee)
Dyrty Talk (Queer & Asian @ SJSU)
Asian Americans in Politics and Activism (Stanford Taiwanese Cultural Society)
find hardboiled’s roots. derive the significance of ethnic press (hardboiled, UC Berkeley)
Combating Human Trafficking at the Frontiers of Vietnam (Pacific Links Foundation)
Behind the Curtains- Domestic Violence in the Asian American Community (Sigma Psi Zeta)
3:30 – 4:45 PM:
Where My Queer Asians At? (Queer and Asian at Stanford (Q&A))
Catching the “Silent Killer” in the API community (Stanford Team HBV)
Character Improv and Comedy (UC Berkeley / Theatre Rice)
Agent Orange in Vietnam, Chemicals in America (VIET Fellows)
Making the News (AAGSA)
Wage Theft (Chinese Progressive Association)
API Movement Building and Asian American History (Stanford Dept. of Asian American Studies)
