The AANHPI Community Appointees Initiative is a historic partnership between Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) and the Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE).
The AANHPI Community Appointees Initiative seeks to increase the representation and influence of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) leaders on government boards, commissions, task forces, and advisory bodies. As California's AANHPI population continues to grow in size, diversity, and civic engagement, meaningful representation in public decision making is critical to ensuring that policies and programs reflect the needs, experiences, and aspirations of our communities.
The Initiative will identify and elevate qualified leaders, develop a statewide roster of prospective appointees, advocate for appointments at all levels of government, and provide ongoing support to help appointees succeed and advance equitable outcomes for all Californians.
PROCESS & TIMELINE
Candidates will be identified through self-nominations and community nominations, followed by outreach, vetting, education, and relationship-building to prepare prospective appointees for public service opportunities. Nominations are accepted on a rolling basis. Candidates submitted by September 9, 2026, will be considered for the inaugural statewide roster, which is expected to launch on October 5, 2026. Additional nominations will continue to be accepted and reviewed for future appointment opportunities.
TIMELINE AT A GLANCE
Nominations: August 14 – September 9
Contact & Outreach: August 17 – September 18
Vetting: August 17 – September 18
Education & Relationship Development: August 17 – Ongoing
Confirmation: September 25
Launch of Inaugural Roster: October 5
Interested in serving? Know someone who would make an outstanding public leader?
For questions, please contact appointments@causeusa.org.
CAUSE’S Commitment to Pipeline
We believes that civic leadership takes many forms. For more than three decades, CAUSE has developed leaders through civic engagement, leadership development, and public service. While elections are an important part of democracy, many of the decisions that shape our communities are made by government boards, commissions, task forces, and advisory bodies. Public appointments are another pathway to civic leadership, and AANHPI communities deserve to be represented where those decisions are made.
Over the past several years, CAUSE has built the foundation for this work through partnerships with the Governor's Office, public appointments workshops, leadership development programs, and statewide advocacy. As California prepares for a new gubernatorial administration, CAUSE is expanding this work to help build a stronger pipeline of qualified AANHPI leaders who are ready to serve and to advocate for appointments that reflect California's diverse communities.
Help strengthen AANHPI representation in public leadership by completing the interest form, nominating qualified leaders, and sharing this opportunity with your networks. Together, we can build a stronger pipeline of AANHPI leaders ready to serve California.
