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Asian Pacific Islanders Coalition
of South Puget Sound
Our Mission
We are dedicated to bridge and strengthen our AA-NH/PI communities through culturally informed outreach, education, and policy advocacy that advance equitable access to health and human services, economic opportunity, civil rights, and education.
Asian Pacific Islanders Coalition of South Puget Sound (APIC SPS) is a nonpartisan coalition that promotes equitable access to culturally competent and linguistically accessible health and human services, economic development for small businesses, civil and human rights, equal access to education and other concerns of APIs. We encourage and promote civic participation of Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) in the electoral and public policy processes.
Our History
The Asian Pacific Islander Coalition (APIC) of Washington was created after the 1996 Welfare Reform Act significantly impacted and reduced non-citizens’ federal eligibility for public assistance programs. After recognizing the need for a collective voice advocating for the rights and equity of foreign-born Asian and Pacific Islanders (API), APIC began lobbying for the Washington State legislature to address the gap created by federal legislation.
Building off this legacy, every year APIC Chapters from King, Pierce, Snohomish, Yakima, and Spokane counties and South Puget Sound bring together immigrants, refugees, and citizens from Washington state to meet with the Governor, State Representatives, and State Senators to advocate for the issues most impactful to our communities.
Recognizing the need for a collective voice advocating for the rights and equity of foreign-born Asian and Pacific Islanders, APIC formed to voice our opinions the Washington State legislature to address the gap created by federal and state legislation
APIC championed the passage of legislation that created a state supported safety net. This included:
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State-funded food stamps program
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State-funded naturalization program
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Ensured access to basic income support programs and emergency & Covid medical programs for immigrants and refugees
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Creation of a limited english proficient employment pathway program
Asian Pacific Islanders Coalition of South Puget Sound is a part of APIC of Washington's network with its own nonprofit status. It was co-founded in 2003.
Our Vision and Values
Our vision is to create a welcoming and inclusive community for AA-NH/PI individuals and organizations in the South Puget Sound area of Washington State.
Honoring our history
We must preserve and learn from the past. We celebrate our unique stories, successes and struggles, pain, and disappointments. Valuing the intergenerational wisdom our community has means cultivating meaningful connections between generations. We center youth voices and leadership as we continue to grow.
Commitment to Equity and Justice
Centering the voices and lived experiences of oppressed communities comes first. We must acknowledge the intersections of privilege and oppression. We are committed to fighting against white supremacy through an anti-racist lens.
Modeling Integrity
We move at the speed of trust and consensus. Transparency is a top priority.
Nourishing Community
It is vital to create spaces for learning, reflection, and expression through mediums such as cultural/spiritual arts and literary mediums. We build and lift each other up with love, compassion, and empathy.
Leading with Courage and Passion
We embrace differences and lean into discomfort. We celebrate success and acknowledge the wisdom of failure.
Building Power and Solidarity
Our ancestors are always with us. We recognize the interconnectedness of our oppression and the work of those who came before us. We ground our work in the struggles of Indigenous communities.