INTRODUCTION

Founded in 1996, the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) is a coalition of 35 national Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) organizations striving for equity and justice by organizing our diverse strengths to influence policy and shape public narratives. In 2004, NCAPA issued its first Policy Platform of recommendations related to the AANHPI communities. Every four years since, we have presented issues, concerns and opportunities that are critical to AANHPIs. While this platform is not intended to represent the comprehensive scope or reach of all issues addressed by our member organizations, we hope it will serve as a launching pad to address issues relevant to our communities. It begins by describing who we are and highlighting three crosscutting priorities: data disaggregation, culturally and linguistically appropriate services, and diverse representation in government. It then recommends policy solutions to advance civil rights; promote the interests of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders; reform the immigration system; secure economic justice and affordable, stable housing; expand educational opportunities; and live healthy lives. Next, it outlines a plan to examine the unique issues faced by the AANHPI aging community and its family caregivers. Finally, it concludes with a look at next steps and civic engagement. NCAPA serves to represent the interests of the greater AANHPI communities and to provide a national voice for AANHPI issues, but we do not speak on behalf of all AANHPI community members or AANHPI organizations.

FOR POLICYMAKERS AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

• As guidance on what stance or action to take on a particular policy issue that may affect AA & NHPI community members
• As recommendations on how to engage with the community when developing policies
• As a resource on organizations that work with AA & NHPI community members

FOR COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS

• As guidance if approached to take a stance on a particular local or national policy issue that may affect AA & NHPI community members
• As background information for speeches, media inquiries, action alerts, newsletters, or coalition meetings
• As talking points for meetings with local policymakers, government agencies, coalitions, or elected officials
• As educational materials for an organization’s membership, staff, board members, volunteers, or constituents

FOR THE MEDIA

• As background materials for articles on policies affecting AA & NHPI communities
• As a resource on organizations that work with AA & NHPI community members

FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS

• As background information to learn more and raise awareness around issues affecting the AA & NHPI communities
• As talking points for individuals engaging in advocacy efforts with local, state, and national policymakers on issues affecting the AA & NHPI communities