This weekend, Pilipinos in the Washington, D.C. area will have an opportunity to attend a summer educational and leadership summit hosted by KAYA: Filipino Americans for Progress (KAYA). KAYA is a grassroots organization whose mission is to mobilize the Pilipino American community and build partnerships to increase our electoral power, advocate policies that affect our community, and develop leaders to represent us at every level of government.
KAYA began by informing and educating the public during the 2008 Presidential Elections, mobilizing voters to go to the polls and elect a new president. Since then, KAYA has been active in pushing for other interests of the community such as health care reform, immigration reform, and mid-term elections, as well as advocating for the advancement and development of future leaders within the community.
This weekend's speakers include Pilipino-Americans working within the government, such as the Honorable Valerie Santos, Deputy Mayor of Planning and Economic Development for Washington, D.C., Charles Dujon of the Office of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Ben de Guzman from the National Alliance for Filipino Veterans Equity, Jian Zapata from the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Joe Montano from the Democratic National Committee, and Retired US Army Major General Antonio Taguba.
The leadership summit will be held on July 17th at the OCA National Headquarters, 1322 18th St. NW., Washington, D.C. Even though the information will be directed towards Pilipino involvement within the government, the summit is open to all who wish to attend.
For more information:
- Kaya Website
- Facebook event page
