WHAT IS THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY GOVERNANCE REFORM TASK FORCE? 


The passage of LA County Measure G has created new leadership opportunities, including the LA County Governance Reform Task Force (GRTF), which opens the door for greater API representation in shaping the future of LA County governance. 

The LA County GRTF is being established to implement Measure G reforms, which include expanding the Board of Supervisors from 5 to 9 members, creating a new elected County Executive position, and establishing an Ethics Commission, Charter Reform Commission, and Governance Reform Task Force.

The task force will consist of 13 members–made up of leaders across labor, business, community organizations, and public sector ethics. Members of the GRTF will facilitate public engagement, conduct research, and provide key recommendations to the Board of Supervisors. This is a rare opportunity for our community to actively shape the future of our county and participate in conversations on government reforms and decisions that impact transparency, ethics, and representation. Read more about LA County GRTF Implementation here. 


 

KEY DATES FOR APPLICATION PERIOD

The application period for the LA County Governance Reform Task Force (GRTF) has closed, and submitted applications are now under review. Eligible candidates will be considered by the Board of Supervisors and relevant labor unions to ensure a diverse, representative Task Force that will help implement the voter-approved Charter amendment.

 
 

March 7: GRTF Applications Due

March 10-14: Applications under review and provided to the Board

April 21: Five GRTF members appointed by Board of Supervisors, three nominated by labor

May 21: Board-appointed members must, by a four-fifths majority, recommend five at-large members for Board approval

May 30: The Governance Reform Task Force first convening

 
 
  • The GRTF application includes quick multiple choice questions re: demographics and qualifications and 11 open-ended responses (3 of the 11 are required)

    GRTF APPLICATION QUESTIONS (3 required responses, 8 optional)

    1. REQUIRED. Please explain why you are seeking to be a GRTF member. Be specific and provide examples where applicable.

    2. REQUIRED. Please describe your experience demonstrating analytical skills, including those relevant to the performance of governmental functions or governmental duties under applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Provide specific examples where applicable

    3. REQUIRED. Please describe your qualifications and experience in community outreach and engagement with marginalized or socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. This could include volunteer work, involvement with community-based organizations, development of tailored programs or policies, or outreach to diverse stakeholders. Provide specific examples where applicable.

    4. Do you have knowledge and experience in any of the following areas: the business sector, municipal government, or community-based organizations?  If yes, please provide details and examples of your experience in each relevant area.

    5. Do you have knowledge and experience in public sector ethics? If yes, please provide details and examples of your expertise and experience in this area.

    6. Please describe your knowledge and expertise in matters relevant to governance reform, including background in public administration, policy development, academia, or organizational leadership. Provide specific examples where applicable.

    7. Please describe your knowledge of and experience in local government, including but not limited to cities within the County of Los Angeles. Provide specific examples where applicable.

    8. Please describe your skills, knowledge, or lived experience that will help the GRTF fulfill its roles and responsibilities, particularly around municipal or civic administration, stakeholder engagement, and project planning and implementation. Provide specific examples where applicable.

    9. Please describe your commitment to and experience with advancing the County’s core values of anti-racism, equity, communication, collaboration, transparency, “care first,” and fiscal responsibilities. Provide specific examples where applicable.

    10. Please describe your ability to leverage community connections to support GRTF community engagement efforts, particularly with marginalized and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. Provide specific examples where applicable.

    11. Lived Experiences: Please share any additional details about your lived experiences that you believe make you uniquely qualified to serve on the GRTF. For example, have you experienced systemic impacts such as being formerly incarcerated, unhoused, or a foster youth? Feel free to include any other experiences you feel are relevant.


 
HOW WILL THE 13 MEMBERS OF THE TASK FORCE BE SELECTED?
BOS Appointed Members
Count: 5
Each Supervisor selects one member within 45 days of the application deadline, totaling five members.
Labor-Nominated Members
Count: 3
Three members are nominated by labor organizations within 45 days of the application deadline from:

(1) LA County Federation of Labor
(2) SEIU Local 721
(3) Coalition of County Unions

Nominees must apply, and no other GRTF members can represent labor to ensure balanced representation.
At-Large Members
Count: 5
The five Board-appointed members review applications and recommend five at-large members, ensuring representation gaps are filled.

Within 30 days, they must select at-large members by a four-fifths majority for Board approval, with each Supervisor’s appointee choosing at least one.
 
 
 
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO SERVE ON THE TASK FORCE?
Minimum Requirements1. Must be 18 or older.
2. Must live or work in Los Angeles County at the time of service.
3. Willing to serve on a high-profile advisory body.
4. Able to commit the necessary time.
5. Experience in community outreach/engagement, especially with marginalized communities.
6. Analytical skills related to government functions, laws, and policies.
7. Must explain why they want to join the GRTF.
8. If selected, must file a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700).
Desirable Qualifications1. Relevant Experience – Skills or lived experience in municipal administration, civic engagement, or project planning.
2. Commitment to Equity – Experience promoting anti-racism, transparency, collaboration, and fiscal responsibility.
3. Governance Expertise – Knowledge in public administration, policy, academia, or organizational leadership.
4. Community Connections – Ability to engage and support marginalized and disadvantaged communities.
5. Local Government Knowledge – Experience with local government, especially within LA County, is preferred.
DisqualificationsIf you or a family member is currently:

Appointed to, elected to, or a candidate for office at the local, state, or federal level representing any area within the County of Los Angeles.

Serving as appointed staff of, or a paid consultant for, an elected representative at the local, state, or federal level representing the County of Los Angeles.

Serving as an employee of, or paid consultant for, a candidate for office at the local, state, or federal level representing the County of Los Angeles.

A registered state or local lobbyist.

The disqualifications above do not apply to the following:
appointed staff not working directly for an elected official’s office commissioners; and employees of organizations representing local cities.
 
 
 
THE FINAL COMPOSITION OF THE GRTF MUST:
(1) Reflect the diversity of the County of Los Angeles, to the extent feasible, and permissible by law, including but not limited to:

i. Race/Ethnicity
ii. Gender
iii. LGBTQ+ Identity
iv. Age
v. System Impacted (formally incarcerated, unhoused, foster youth, etc.)
vi. Income Levels
vii. Education Levels
viii. Disabilities
ix. Renters and Homeowners
x. Geographical Diversity
(2) Include at least two GRTF members who reside in an unincorporated area of the County at the time of appointment.
(3) Include no more than two at-large GRTF members who reside in the same Supervisorial District at the time of appointment.
(4) At least one individual on the GRTF must represent each of the following: business, municipal government, community-based organizations, and public sector ethics expertise.

Updates to Governance Reform Task Force

 

In order for Asian Pacific American (APA) communities to be aware, mobilize, and vote in future elections, our Voter Outreach, Training, & Education (VOTE) Initiatives provide culturally-aware outreach resources to encourage civic participation. We understand that our communities need to have the knowledge, access, and network to be fully immersed in our democracy.

Throughout the year, CAUSE conducts various VOTE Initiatives to empower the APA community to be active political participants. VOTE Initiatives ensure awareness of the issues and access to the information on how to participate in the political process.


 
 

CA General election key dates

Monday, October 7, 2024

Mailing of Vote by Mail ballots begin. Ballot drop off locations open.

Monday, October 21, 2024

Last day to register to receive a Vote by Mail ballot for the election.

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Same-day registration available for in-person voting.

Saturday, October 26, 2024

Initial Vote Centers open for in-person voting. Open daily.

Saturday, November 2, 2024

All vote centers open. Open until election day.

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

GENERAL ELECTION DAY

Last day to vote in-person, drop off/mail VBM Ballot, and/or Same Day (Conditional) Voter Registration

 

CALIFORNIA ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICANS VOTER RESOURCE LIST

Stay up to date with important voter information and resources with the CAUSE the VOTE CA APA Voter Resource List. The list is a collection of resources created for and/or by the APA Community to increase engagement and education for the upcoming election.

The Resource List Contains:

  • General Voter Information

  • Voter guides created by or backed by APA organizations

  • Ways to Volunteer,

  • Voter Hotlines & Language accessibility help

  • and More!

This list will be continuously updated, please share with us any resources you want to see added through our form in the link below.


WATCH the “MAKE US COUNT” PRESS CONFERENCE

“MAKE US COUNT” A Conversation with California Secretary of State Alex Padilla and Asian Pacific American Leaders about the November 3rd Election and Voter Resources

Hosted on October 8th, 2020

Participating APA Organizations: Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles (AAAJ - LA), Asian Pacific Community Fund (APCF), Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote), Asian Law Alliance, Asian Pacific Islander Forward Movement (APIFM), Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council (A3PCON), California State Student Association (CSSA), Empowering Pacific Islander Communities (EPIC), Kizuna, Leadership and Education through Gagana Fa'a Samoa (LE GaFa), LEAP (Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics), Little Tokyo Community Council (LTCC), Orange County Asian Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA), Pacific Islander Health Partnership (PIHP), Pasifika Vote, Pilipino Workers Center (PWC), South Asian Network (SAN), Thai Community Development Center (Thai CDC)

View the Video Transcription Here


“I have a Voice” PSA

Produced by East West Bank


In the News

Our Efforts


Our 2022 VOTE INITIATIVES are Supported by

 
 
 
 

2024 GENERAL ELECTIONS

 

QUICK LINKS


 
 

The 2024 Together We Vote: An API Get Out The Vote Fest, hosted by CAUSE, is a multi-day community celebration that begins during the 10 days of early voting leading up to Election Day.

By bringing communities together, this fest shows that:

Together We Learn
Together We Eat
Together We Laugh
Together We Vote

CAUSE celebrates this time of making our voices heard and reminds people that voting can have an impact on our day to day lives and the communities we love.

Join CAUSE throughout these 10 days and celebrate culture + civic engagement in Los Angeles’ Historic Asian Pacific Islander (API) Neighborhoods.

 
 
 

TOGETHER WE VOTE FEST DATES and Details

RECAP COMING SOON!

saturday, october 26

NORTH HOLLYWOOD

  • Event: Wat Thai Food Court

  • Time: 10am - 4pm

  • Location: Wat Thai of Los Angeles (8225 Coldwater Canyon Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91605)

  • Partner Organization: Thai Community Development Center

  • *Thai CDC is not affiliated with Wat Thai of Los Angeles

saturday, october 26

HAUNTED LITTLE TOKYO

  • Event: Haunted Little Tokyo Block Party

  • Time: 4pm - 9pm

  • Location: Secret Location to be Announced through RSVP

  • Partner Organization: Little Tokyo Ghost Club

  • *This is a 21+ Only Event

SUNDAY, october 27

CHINATOWN

  • Time: 9am - 3pm

  • Location: Chinese American Citizen Alliance (415 Bamboo Lane, Los Angeles, CA 90012)

  • Partner Organization: Chinese American Citizens Alliance

SUNDAY, october 27

LONG BEACH

  • Time: 3pm - 5pm

  • Location: Homeland Community Center (1321 E Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA 90813)

  • Partner Organization: Southern California Pacific Islander Community Response Team, Kutturan Chamoru Foundation

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2

LITTLE TOKYO

  • Event: Family Voting Festival

  • Time: 1pm - 6pm

  • Location: Daniel K. Inouye National Center for the Preservation of Democracy at the Japanese American National Museum (100 North Central Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90012)

  • Partner Organization: The Democracy Center at JANM

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2

EAGLE ROCK

  • Time: 11am - 3pm

  • Location: The Oinkster (2005 Colorado Blvd, Eagle Rock, CA 90041)

  • Partner Organization: Pilipino Workers Center

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3

little bangladesh

  • Time: 12pm - 6pm

  • Location: Bangladesh Community Development Center (154 S Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90004)

  • Partner Organization: South Asian Network

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3

San Gabriel

  • Time: 4pm - 7pm

  • Location: Blossom Market Hall (264 S Mission Dr., San Gabriel, CA 91776)

  • Partner Organization: Blossom Market Hall

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4

KOREATOWN

  • Time: 8am - 4pm

  • Location: Korean American Federation of Los Angeles (981 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006)

  • Partner Organization: Korean American Federation of Los Angeles


2024 California General election key dates

Monday, October 7, 2024

Mailing of Vote by Mail ballots begin. Ballot drop off locations open.

Monday, October 21, 2024

Last day to register to receive a Vote by Mail ballot for the election.

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Same-day registration available for in-person voting.

Saturday, October 26, 2024

Initial Vote Centers open for in-person voting. Open daily.

Saturday, November 2, 2024

All vote centers open. Open until election day.

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

GENERAL ELECTION DAY

Last day to vote in-person, drop off/mail VBM Ballot, and/or Same Day (Conditional) Voter Registration


CALIFORNIA ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICANS VOTER RESOURCE LIST

Stay up to date with important voter information and resources with the CAUSE the VOTE CA API Voter Resource List. The list is a collection of resources created for and/or by the API Community to increase engagement and education for the upcoming election.

The Resource List Contains:

  • General Voter Information

  • Voter guides created by or backed by APA organizations

  • Ways to Volunteer,

  • Voter Hotlines & Language accessibility help

  • and More!

This list will be continuously updated, please share with us any resources you want to see added through our form in the link below.


2024 VOTE SPONSORS

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Why Civic Engagement Matters – And Why We Made It a Party in Historic API Neighborhoods

At CAUSE, we believe voting should feel joyful, communal, and empowering — not confusing or out of reach. But for many Asian Pacific Islander (API) communities, language barriers, cultural gaps, and lack of representation still make voting feel difficult or isolating.

According to The Asian American Voter Experience Survey, co-led by CAUSE, over half of Asian immigrant voters struggle with translated materials, and many prefer voting in person but feel unsupported at the polls. These barriers contribute to low turnout — and when we don’t vote, our communities' needs go unheard.

Meanwhile, rising anti-Asian hate, immigration challenges, and housing displacement continue to threaten our safety and stability. In moments like these, our political power matters more than ever.

That’s why CAUSE is reimagining what voter engagement looks like. In 2022, we launched the Vote Center Food Crawl, turning a day of voting into a day of supporting local API businesses and building community. In 2024, we leveled up with the Together We Vote Festival, the first-ever API Get-Out-the-Vote Fest, making civic participation a true celebration.

Help us keep the momentum going in every election cycle!

Join us in making voting part of our culture — joyful, proud, and powerful.

 

Making Voting a Celebration, Not a Hassle

CAUSE’S first-ever 2024 Together We Vote Fest brought together diverse Asian Pacific Islander (API) communities through a multi-day celebration during the 10 days of early voting leading up to Election Day. This historic fest blended vibrant cultural festivities with meaningful civic engagement, demonstrating the powerful ways communities can unite to learn, connect, and take action.


Produced and organized by CAUSE in collaboration with 20 organizations and leaders, the festival directly engaged with over 5,000 people and reached over 400 million through digital outreach via press media and various digital platforms. Across historic API neighborhoods in Los Angeles County, attendees enjoyed music, food, family-friendly activities, and essential voter resources. This fest energized neighborhoods across Los Angeles County and highlighted the power of community, culture, and civic action.

These CAUSE-led mobile vote center activations resulted in historic in-person voter turnout at Little Tokyo’s Haunted Little Tokyo Block Party, North Hollywood’s Wat Thai Los Angeles Temple, and Koreatown’s Korean American Federation of Los Angeles.

 

overview

during the 10 days of early voting leading up to election day

culturally-informed events to reach diverse api communities throughout los angeles county

including community organizations and leaders

 

through in-person activations

through press, digital media campaigns, and physical mailers

 

HISTORIC FIRSTs

First-Ever Vote Center at the Haunted Little Tokyo Block Party

The Haunted Little Tokyo Block Party, an annual Halloween event produced by CAUSE and Little Tokyo organizations and small businesses, draws over 4,000 attendees.

As the signature kick-off to Together We Vote Fest, Haunted Little Tokyo 2024 introduced the first-ever Mobile Vote Center in partnership with Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Office. Thanks to positive feedback, the Vote Center stayed open until 10pm, offering later hours to make voting more accessible, especially for younger voters who typically have lower turnout.

Special guests included California State Senator Ben Allen (SD-24) and Dean Logan, Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. 

First-Ever Vote Center at the Bangladeshi Community Development Center

CAUSE supported South Asian Network (SAN) in hosting the first-ever Vote Center at their Bangladeshi Community Development Center, just a little over a year after its opening. The center attracted 250+ attendees and, located in a strip mall serving an intersection of South Asian, Filipino, and Korean communities, offered cultural treats and voter resources, fostering interaction between diverse API groups.

First-Ever Jeepney SHUTTLE to a Vote Center

Together We Vote Fest guests rode an authentic 1944 Sarao Motors Jeepney, restored and cared for by Pilipino Workers Center (PWC), between The Oinkster and the Eagle Rock Branch Library Vote Center. The Jeepney shuttle service to and from the vote center pays homage to the historically cultural use of Jeepneys as public transportation in the Philippines. This was also the first time the Jeepney graced the streets of Eagle Rock, a neighborhood with a large Filipino population. Guests enjoyed karaoke on the Jeepney, engaged with PWC and CAUSE staff about voter resources, sampled banana ketchup, and grooved to music by DJ Key Kool of the Visionaries.

“It gave [us] memories from the Philippines. [It’s the] same thing like in the Philippines. They’ll get you with jeepney to go to the voting station.”
— Darius De La Rosa (Attendee)

RECAPs

 

WEEK 1

 
 
 

saturday, october 26

NORTH HOLLYWOOD

  • Partner Organization: Thai Community Development Center

  • *Thai CDC is not affiliated with Wat Thai of Los Angeles

saturday, october 26

HAUNTED LITTLE TOKYO bLOCK PARTY

  • Partner Organization: Little Tokyo Ghost Club

 
 

SUNDAY, october 27

CHINATOWN

  • Partner Organization: Chinese American Citizens Alliance

SUNDAY, october 27

LONG BEACH

  • Partner Organization: Southern California Pacific Islander Community Response Team, Kutturan Chamoru Foundation

 
 

tuesday, october 22

california state university, los angeles

  • Partner Organization: Chinese American Citizens Alliance

tuesday, october 29

CHINATOWN

  • Partner Organization: Cathay Manor

 
 

WEEK 2

 
 
 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2

LITTLE TOKYO

  • Partner Organization: Daniel K. Inouye National Center for the Preservation of Democracy at the Japanese American National Museum

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2

EAGLE ROCK

  • Partner Organization: Pilipino Workers Center

 
 

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3

little bangladesh

  • Partner Organization: South Asian Network

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3

CITy of San Gabriel

  • Partner Organization: Blossom Market Hall

 
 

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4

KOREATOWN

  • Partner Organization: Korean American Federation of Los Angeles

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5

Election watch party in LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE

 

TOGETHER WE VOTE FEST PARTNERS

 
 
 
 
 

Charlie Woo

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

COMMUNITY OUTREACH PARTNERS

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

SPECIAL THANKS

Hina Ahmad

Randi Aho 

Sofia Alvarez

James An

Jason Bautista

Somely Celedon 

Jodi Chen

James Choi

Rick Eng

Max Guerrero

James Herr

Caroline Kim

Linda La

An Le

Phil Lee

Edward Lew

Milton Liu

Kimmy Maniquis

Vanessa Melendrez

Leena Mumtaz

Tina Pham

Heidi Quenga

Gabrielle Romero

Isa Sasi

Aquilina Soriano-Versoza

Mohammad Sufian

Grant Sunoo

Ben Tran

‘Alisi Tulua

Phillip Verbera


2024 VOTE SPONSORS

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2022 CALIFORNIA MIDTERM

Tuesday, November 8

2022 CALIFORNIA MIDTERM Tuesday, November 8

2022 CALIFORNIA MIDTERM ELECTION

 

2022 midterm Key Dates

  • October 10, 2022 - Mailing of vote-by-mail ballots begins & Ballot drop off locations open

  • October 18, 2022 - Mailing of Official and County Voter Information Guide begins

  • October 24, 2022 - Last day to register to vote for General Election

  • October 25, 2022 - Same-day voter registration begins

  • October 29, 2022 - Vote Centers open for in-person voting

  • November 8, 2022 - Midterm Election Day; ballot drop off location and Vote Centers open from 7am to 8pm


VOTER RESOURCES


LEARN ABOUT THE DIFFERENT OFFICES

UP FOR ELECTION

 
 

ELECTION spotlight:

2022 LOS ANGELES MAYORAL ELECTION

 

Every four years, the voters of Los Angeles have an opportunity to elect a community leader to fill the highest role in the city: Mayor. Not only does the Mayor of Los Angeles have significant influence within the City of Los Angeles, the surrounding region, and the State of California, this role also commands national attention and the individual elected to serve as Mayor can position Los Angeles to lead on issues affecting the entire country.

With 1 in 10 Angelenos identifying as AAPI, CAUSE is producing this series for the AAPI community around the upcoming Los Angeles mayoral election. This series shares information on the Mayoral election, resources to learn more, and ways to get engaged.

It is critical that AAPI community advocates get engaged in this election and make their voices heard in every way possible. Start by making sure you are registered to vote and your information is current so you receive your mail-in ballot. Then, learn about the candidates for Los Angeles Mayor below.

This page will be continuously updated leading up to the November 8th, 2022 Midterm Elections.

 

MAYORAL CANDIDATE VIDEO SERIES

CAUSE produced a video series highlighting the top five leading mayoral candidates (as of Feb 2022): Congresswoman Karen Bass, Los Angeles Councilmember Joe Buscaino*, real estate developer Rick Caruso, Los Angeles Councilmember Kevin De León*, and Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer*.

CAUSE Executive Director Nancy Yap interviewed each of the candidates on topics including housing, public safety, and economic recovery.

The interview topics were selected from a community survey CAUSE conducted to gauge which issues matter most to the AAPI community. This is the only interview series that directly asks the top mayoral candidates specifically how their plans and administration, if elected, would address these critical issues in relationship to the AAPI community and ensure that the AAPI community is represented in their administration.

*Previous Candidates

Watch Congresswoman Karen Bass’ (ca-37) interview videos:

 
 

Watch Rick Caruso’s interview videos:

 
 
 

IN THE NEWS

2022 CALIFORNIA MIDTERM

Tuesday, November 8

2022 CALIFORNIA MIDTERM Tuesday, November 8

 2022 LOS ANGELES MAYORAL ELECTION

Every four years, the voters of Los Angeles have an opportunity to elect a community leader to fill the highest role in the city: Mayor. Not only does the Mayor of Los Angeles have significant influence within the City of Los Angeles, the surrounding region, and the State of California, this role also commands national attention and the individual elected to serve as Mayor can position Los Angeles to lead on issues affecting the entire country.

With 1 in 10 Angelenos identifying as AAPI, CAUSE is producing this series for the AAPI community around the upcoming Los Angeles mayoral election. This series shares information on the Mayoral election, resources to learn more, and ways to get engaged.

It is critical that AAPI community advocates get engaged in this election and make their voices heard in every way possible. Start by making sure you are registered to vote and your information is current so you receive your mail-in ballot. Then, learn about the candidates for Los Angeles Mayor below.

This page will be continuously updated leading up to the November 8th, 2022 Midterm Elections.


VOTER RESOURCES

2022 Los Angeles Mayoral Election

 

2022 midterm Key Dates in Los Angeles

  • October 10, 2022 - Mailing of vote-by-mail ballots begins & Ballot drop off locations open

  • October 18, 2022 - Mailing of Official and County Voter Information Guide begins

  • October 24, 2022 - Last day to register to vote for General Election

  • October 25, 2022 - Same-day voter registration begins

  • October 29, 2022 - Vote Centers open for in-person voting

  • November 8, 2022 - Midterm Election Day; ballot drop off location and Vote Centers open from 7am to 8pm


MAYORAL CANDIDATE VIDEO SERIES

CAUSE produced a video series highlighting the top five leading mayoral candidates (as of Feb 2022): Congresswoman Karen Bass, Los Angeles Councilmember Joe Buscaino*, real estate developer Rick Caruso, Los Angeles Councilmember Kevin De León*, and Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer*.

CAUSE Executive Director Nancy Yap interviewed each of the candidates on topics including housing, public safety, and economic recovery.

The interview topics were selected from a community survey CAUSE conducted to gauge which issues matter most to the AAPI community. This is the only interview series that directly asks the top mayoral candidates specifically how their plans and administration, if elected, would address these critical issues in relationship to the AAPI community and ensure that the AAPI community is represented in their administration.

*Previous Candidates

Watch Congresswoman Karen Bass’ (ca-37) interview videos:

 
 

Watch Rick Caruso’s interview videos:

 
 
 

 
 

IN THE NEWS

primary elections: march 5, 2024

VOTER RESOURCES



 2024 Primary Key Dates in Los Angeles

  • February 6, 2022 - Mailing of vote-by-mail ballots begin & Ballot drop-off locations open

  • February 20, 2024 - Last day to register to vote for Primary Election

  • February 24, 2024 - Vote centers open for early in-person voting

  • March 5, 2024 - Primary Election Day; ballot drop off location and Vote Centers open from 7am to 8pm


CENSUS SOCIAL MEDIA KIT

created by the 2020 CAUSE Leadership Academy

2020 CAUSE Leadership Academy interns completed a comprehensive civic engagement project including a social media campaign with the following graphic assets.

We encourage the continued promotion of Census education and participation. Graphics are included below for community sharing.

For all graphics, visit the page HERE and click the “…“ option to download.

If you choose to share these assets, tag CAUSE (INSTAGRAM, TWITTER, FACEBOOK).

SET ONE: COMMUNITY REPRESENTATION STATISTICS.

AL 1.png
AL2.png
AL3.png
AL4.png
AL5.png
AL6.png

SET TWO: EVERYONE IS INVITED TO COMPLETE THE CENSUS.

AC - 1.png
AC - 2.png
AC - 3.png

SET THREE: DATA DISAGGREGATION.

AJ1.png
AJ2.png
AJ3.png
AJ4.png
AJ5.png

SET FOUR: IMPACT ON COMMUNITY.

SK1.png
SK2.png
SK3.png
SK4.png

2020 Census

 

The 2020 Census counts every person living in the 50 states, District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories.

 
 

The count is mandated by the Constitution and conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, a nonpartisan government agency. The 2020 Census counts the population in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands).

You will have three options for responding:

 
 
icon website red

Online

icon megaphone red

By Phone

icon ballot red

By Mail

 
 

In mid-March, households will begin receiving official Census Bureau mail with detailed information on how to respond to the 2020 Census. For more details on the upcoming Census, please visit the official 2020 Census website.

 

In the News

Our Efforts



Our 2020 VOTE INITIATIVES are Supported by

 

Charlie Woo

 
 
Copy of United Against Violence Resource List (5).png

 Welcome to the United Against Violence Resource List.

This resource list is a compilation of a few efforts that have surfaced to inform individuals about the increase of anti-Asian sentiments this past year and to provide resources for our communities.

We have also included information shared by the United Against Violence panelists. Watch the United Against Violence recap on Facebook or Youtube.

We understand this is not a comprehensive list and is meant to only be a starting point. 

Thank you to our volunteers and all who contributed to the making of the list. 

(Released April 2021)


NAVIGATIONAL MENU


Vocabulary

Hate Crime 

According to California state law, hate crime charges are filed when there is evidence that bias, hatred, or prejudice based on the victim's real or perceived race/ethnicity, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, gender, or sexual orientation is a substantial factor in the commission of the offense. This definition is codified in the California penal code sections 422.55 to 422.95 pertaining to hate crime. (Source: 211la.org)

Most hate crimes are prosecuted on the state and local level. However, state hate crime protections vary from state to state. There are four states – Arkansas, Indiana, South Carolina, and Wyoming – that do not have hate crime laws. (Source: National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA))

Hate Incident 

A hate incident is a non-criminal act that involves bias, hatred, or prejudice based on a victim’s real or perceived race/ethnicity, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, gender, or sexual orientation is a substantial motivating factor.

Some examples of hate incidents include derogatory name-calling, bullying, hate mail, and cross-burning. (Source: 211la.org)


Bullying

Bullying is an act of verbal or physical aggression with an imbalance of power between perpetrator and targeted student that is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, again and again. (Source: 211la.org)


DIRECT IMPACT/WITNESS TO AN ACT OF HATE

Resources to report

  • Stop AAPI Hate 

    • The reporting center launched by the Asian Pacific Planning and Policy Council (A3PCON), Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA), and the Asian American Studies Department of San Francisco State University, tracks and responds to incidents of hate, violence, harassment, discrimination, shunning, and child bullying against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States.

    • Additional Languages: 中文 (繁)/Chinese (Traditional), 中文 (简)/Chinese (Simplified), 日本語, 한국어/Korean, Tiếng Việt/Vietnamese, 日本語/Japanese, Tagalog, ไทย/Thai, Hmong, ਪੰਜਾਬੀ/Punjabi, हिन्दी/Hindi

  • Stop AAPI Hate Crime Map

    • A visual map that reflects the reports from Stop AAPI Hate

  • Stand Against Hatred (Asian Americans Advancing Justice AAAJ-JC)

    • The data collected is combined with other community group efforts to bring further awareness to the growth in racism against Asian Americans. 

    • Additional Languages: 中文 (繁)/Chinese (Traditional), 한국어/Korean, Tiếng Việt/Vietnamese

  • AAPI Hate Incident Reporting Form (OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates)

    • Founded in 1973, OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates is a 501(c)(3) national non-profit, membership-driven organization based in Washington, D.C. with over 50 chapters and affiliates around the country. Touching hundreds of thousands of AAPIs each year, OCA works with its organizational partners, members, chapters, and supporters to empower the next generation of leaders. 

  • Muslim Advocates Report Form

    • Records crimes and hate/bias incidents against the Muslim American community

    • Muslim Advocates is a national civil rights organization working in the courts, in the halls of power and in communities to halt bigotry in its tracks. We ensure that American Muslims have a seat at the table with expert representation so that all Americans may live free from hate and discrimination.

  • Sikh Coalition Report Hate Form

    • Records hate crimes and hate/bias incidents against the Sikh American community

  • South Asain Americans Leading Together (SAALT)’s Acts of Hate Database

    • Records hate crimes and hate/bias incidents against South Asian, Sikh, Muslim, and Arab American communities, since Novemeber 2015

    • Since March 2020, tracking hate crimes against Asian Americans and those perceived as Asian American, in collaboration with OCA, National Council of Asian Pacific Americans, Chinese for Affirmative Action, and A3PCON

    • SAALT is a nation­al move­ment strat­e­gy and advo­ca­cy orga­ni­za­tion com­mit­ted to racial jus­tice through struc­tur­al change, which means we focus on trans­form­ing insti­tu­tions while lever­ag­ing incre­men­tal change as a means to shift con­di­tions and pow­er.

  • 211.org Report Hate Flyer - Dial 211

    • 211 LA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has served the people of Los Angeles County since 1981, when it was formed under the name of The Information and Referral Federation of Los Angeles (also formerly known as InfoLine). 

    • 150 languages available

Resources to get financial help 

  • 211.org Support Services Flyer - “Help in compensation. 211 LA offers care coordinators who will stay connected with you throughout your healing process”

    • Flyer in Additional Languages: 中文 (繁)/Chinese (Traditional)

Resources to get legal help 

  • Multilingual Helplines (AAAJ-LA)

    • English: 888.349.9695

    • 需要協助嗎: 800.520.2356 

    • 도움이 필요하십니까:  800.867.3640

    • Tagalog:  855.300.2552

    • ต้องการความช่วยเหลือ:  800.914.9583 

    • Tiếng Việt:  714.477.2958 

  • Legal Clinics (Asian American Advancing Justice - Asian Law Caucus)

    • Immigration, Housing, Workers Rights, Criminal Justice, National Security & Civil Rights

    • Additional Languages: Albanian, Arabic, Armenian, Bengali, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Filipino, Hindi, Indonesian. Japanese. Javanese, Kazakh, Khmer, Korean, Lao, Malay, Mongolian, Myanmar (Burmese), Nepali, Persian, Punjabi, Spanish, Thai, Turkish, Uzbek, Vietnamese 

  • 211.org Support Services Flyer - Learn about your legal rights through 211 LA partners

    • Flyer in Additional Languages: 中文 (繁)/Chinese (Traditional)

Resources to get wellness help


LEARN AND GROW: WAYS TO PREVENT & ADDRESS HATE

LEARN

Reading/Media Recommendations

Know Your Rights Resources

GROW

HOW TO HOLD HARD CONVERSATIONS

get bystander training

Resources for Students

Develop Skills to Better Advocate for the APA community

Many organizations listed below have programs that provide participants with skills to lead, be civically engaged, and advocate for the needs of the APA community.  Here are links to CAUSE’s programs: 

  • CAUSE Leadership Academy

    •  A nine-week paid internship program for college undergraduates that prepares the next generation to lead and represent the APA  community.

  • CAUSE Leadership Institute

    • A community leadership and advocacy training certificate program for high-potential professionals with seasoned leadership experience and a passion for serving the needs of the APA community in California.


SUPPORT: LOCAL AND NATIONAL EFFORTS

California Community-based organizations (CBOs)

  • Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council (A3PCON)

    • A3PCON is a coalition of community-based organizations that advocates for the rights and needs of the Asian and Pacific Islander American (APIA) Community in the greater Los Angeles area, with a particular focus on low income, immigrant, refugee and other disadvantaged sectors of the population.

    • View A3PCON’s list of members

  • Asian Solidarity Collective

    • Grassroots organization in San Diego whose mission is to activate Asian American social justice consciousness, condemn anti-Blackness, and build Asian solidarity with Black folks, queer and trans people of color, and other oppressed communities.

  • Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE)

    • CAUSE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan, community-based organization with a mission to advance the political and civic empowerment of the Asian Pacific American (APA) community through nonpartisan voter outreach, training, and education as well as leadership development.

  • Chinatown Community for Equitable Development (CCED)

    • CCED is an all volunteer, multi-ethnic, intergenerational organization based in Los Angeles Chinatown that builds grassroots power through organizing, education, and mutual help.

  • Chinatown Service Center

    • To provide outstanding services and advocacy that promote a better quality of life and equal opportunity for immigrants and other communities.

  • Compassion in Oakland

    • Compassion in Oakland was formed in response to the surge of anti-Asian attacks and strives to provide the Oakland Chinatown Community with a resource for promoting safety and community.

  • Empowering Pacific Islander Communities (EPIC)

    • EPIC’s mission is to promote social justice by engaging Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities through culturally relevant advocacy, research, and leadership development.

  • Khmer Girls in Action

    • Khmer Girls in Action is a community-based organization whose mission is to build a progressive and sustainable Long Beach community that works for gender, racial and economic justice led by Southeast Asian young women.

  • Korean American Coalition (KAC)

    • The Korean American Coalition - Los Angeles (KAC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1983 to promote the civic and civil rights interests of the Korean American community. KAC endeavors to achieve these goals through education, community organizing, leadership development, and coalition-building with diverse communities.

  • Koreatown Youth + Community Center (KYCC)

    • The mission of KYCC is to serve the evolving needs of the Korean American population in the greater Los Angeles area as well as the multiethnic Koreatown community. KYCC’s programs and services are directed toward recently immigrated, economically disadvantaged youth and families, and promote community socioeconomic empowerment.

  • Little Tokyo Community Council (LTCC)

    • LTCC is the nonprofit community coalition of residents, businesses, and religious, cultural, and community organizations as well as other vested stakeholders in the Little Tokyo community. LTCC advocates on behalf of the Little Tokyo community, and provides the opportunity for the community to speak effectively with one voice for the best interests and betterment of Little Tokyo. 

  • Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC)

    • The mission of LTSC is to provide a comprehensive array of social welfare and community development services to assist low-income individuals and other persons in need, contribute to community revitalization and cultural preservation in Little Tokyo and among the broader Japanese community in the Southland, and to provide such resources to neighboring Asian Pacific Islander and other low-income communities.

  • Orange County Asian Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA)

    • OCAPICA was established in 1997 with the mission to build a healthier and stronger community by enhancing the well-being of Asians and Pacific Islanders through inclusive partnerships in the areas of service, education, advocacy, organizing, and research.

  • Pasifika Vote

    • Pasifika Vote is a collaborative effort of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community organizations made up of community members from all walks of life and every slice of the political spectrum. Although we may not agree on everything, we share the same goal: To make sure every Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander has a voice in the political process.

  • Pilipino Workers Center (PWC)

    • PWC aims to secure the dignity and safety of the Pilipinx community in Southern California and build labor leaders in the domestic worker industry.

  • Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA)

    • SIPA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization serving Historic Filipinotown and other neighborhoods throughout Greater Los Angeles County. SIPA produces programs for youth and families including case management and counseling, after school programs, senior programs, small business development, cultural enrichment, and affordable housing.

  • South Asian Network (SAN)

    • SAN is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides culturally and linguistically specific services to and advocacy on behalf of South Asians in Southern California, in the areas of healthcare access, gender-based violence, and civil rights/civic engagement. 

  • Sustainable Little Tokyo (SLT)

    • SLT is a community-driven initiative working to ensure a healthy, equitable, and culturally rich Little Tokyo for generations to come. What began as a robust community outreach and engagement effort in 2013 has turned into a neighborhood-generated framework dedicated to environmental, economic, and cultural sustainability. Led by Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, Little Tokyo Community Council, and Little Tokyo Service Center

  • Thai Community Development Center (Thai CDC)

    • The mission of Thai CDC is “to advance the social and economic well-being of low and moderate-income individuals in the greater Los Angeles area through a broad and comprehensive community development strategy including human rights advocacy, affordable housing, access to healthcare, promotion of small businesses, neighborhood empowerment, and social enterprises.”

  • VietRISE

    • Founded in 2018, VietRISE is a community organization based in Orange County, California. Our mission is to advance social justice and build power with working class Vietnamese and immigrant communities in Orange County, CA. We build leadership among our communities and work toward systemic change through organizing, shifting narratives, cultural empowerment, and civic engagement.

LOCAL ELECTED OFFICE

  • If you are eligible, register to vote!

  • AAPI Community Actions to #StopAsianHate (Asian American Day of Action)

    • Separated by sections: White House, Congress, Justice Department, Media, Business Leaders, State and Local Elected Officials, Foundations and Philanthropy, Parents/Care Providers, All Stakeholders

  • Stop AAPI Hate Template Resolution (Stop AAPI Hate)

    • A template resolution intended to provide community leaders and elected officials with a framework to guide responses to the rise in hate incidents and hate crimes targeting Asian and Pacific Islander communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    • One-Page Explainer

    • Social Toolkit

    • List of resolutions introduced in all 50 states and at all levels of government.

  • Presidential Executive Orders

  • The United States Department of Justice 

    • Hate Crime Resources - A centralized portal of hate crime-related resources for law enforcement, researchers, victims, and advocacy groups. Information on the site has been made accessible in four of the most frequently spoken AAPI languages: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.

  • White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

    • The White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders works to broaden Asian American and Pacific Islander access to economic resources and opportunities and thus empower AAPIs to improve the quality of their lives, raise the standard of living of their families and communities, and more fully participate in our economy. 

  • Bills/Resolutions Addressing Anti-Asian Hate

  • Find your Representatives

  • Find your Local Neighborhood Council

    • Did you know there are 99 Neighborhood Councils in Los Angeles County, each serving about 40,000 people? According to the official Los Angeles City website, Neighborhood Councils are the closest form of government to the people. This makes them critical spaces for leadership and advocacy for our communities. Read more here.


Additional Resources Lists to Further Expand

POLICY REQUESTS

CAUSE routinely receives requests for support from external organizations on pending legislation, agenda items, and other items related to public policies and programs being considered by government bodies from the local to the federal level. Traditionally, CAUSE has supported matters related to its policy priorities: 

  • Leadership Pipeline: build leaders from Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities by offering opportunities to develop the connections, skills, and knowledge to support their rise to the top of the civic and political arena.

  • Political Participation: ensure API communities have access to voice their concerns and needs and take part in shaping policy decisions.

  • Anti-Hate Crimes: address anti-hate crimes through community-based approaches that foster a stronger sense of community, collaboration, and unity.

Periodically, policy matters of interest to CAUSE may fall outside of the three traditional policy priorities. A majority of the Committee can vote to support priorities outside of the three traditional policy priorities. The Committee will review and consider on a case-by-case basis.

As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, CAUSE is limited to specific advocacy activities as permitted by the IRS. For more information, please visit https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-organizations/exemption-requirements-501c3-organizations