For the past year, working through two legislative sessions, I have been a part of the Southeast Asian American Attainment in Education Coalition, promoting the ideology of data disaggregation. From storming the steps of our state capital to constant emailing, I have experienced the busy life of a lobbyist to a minute extent. I had been focusing on improving the public education, especially for the underrepresented minorities that go invisible when data is collected, such as Southeast Asians, Middle Easterners, and Easter Africans. With a local bill, House Bill 1541, focusing on closing the educational opportunity gap that is experienced by many students of color, a key component was promoting data disaggregation and cultural importance. I had testified on behalf of the bill in front of the House Educational Committee and Senate Education Committee, relaying how important it is to have the policies support students of color, but also on the significance of culture in a student’s development. From this continuing of a cluster of experiences, I have really become adept to the demands of lobbying and understanding the work needed.
Leadership Competencies
Creating Change:
The entirety of the experience was about creating change at the state level, which was no easy task. House Bill 1541 was in its 4th reiteration going into this year’s Legislative session. I joined onboard in its 3rd reiteration last year, and it was a very productive year, creating change for individuals, communities, school districts, and eventually the state coming around this year. I really learned that it takes more than one person, one organization, or one community to create change at the state level. We had strategize setup to create enough change at all level for this year's success to happen.
Collaboration:
Just as stated before, it takes more than one person, one organization or one community to create change at the state level. For the federal bill to come into existent, it will take change at the national level. I learned the importance of collaboration throughout the experience. Starting for collaboration with individuals to create the team necessary for actions to start happening, to collaborations with other organizations to host large events. Further, collaboration with large communities, such as the Southeast Asian community and the Pacific Islander Community.
Research:
Before every presentation, testimony, community gathering, meeting, and so forth, I had to understand the issue of what data disaggregation meant. Being a sociology and medical anthropology major, I could easily define what data disaggregation was. But that was it, I couldn't really explain why it was so important. It took hours of research, and hours more of interviewing and discussion to really understand the importance of data disaggregation, especially in terms of education. The research done, outside of school was really helpful in developing my understanding of how to research for lobbying.
Idea Generation:
At the beginning of the experience, our group really hit a wall on what are the first steps we need to take, and further what are the actions we need to accomplish. There was stretches of times where we had to be innovative due to mishaps, which always kept us on our toes on what we need to do. We went through ideas after ideas, and in reality many ideas didn't come through. I really learned the value of having many thoughts and ideas floating, as many times our "single most perfect" idea isn't compatible to our goal.
Empowerment:
The bulk of the experience was to create a sense of empowerment among those who are underrepresented and feel powerless in our society, due to culture clash, language barriers, socioeconomic disadvantages, and so forth. I had to really ensure that the communities and its members really understood the importance of the cause, and what actions they can take to have their voices heard. I really understood the importance of not only being a strong advocate, but really understood the importance of creating a community who felt confident in themselves to be heard and seen.
Spotlighted in the Xinh Chao Magazine
During my first year with the group, we really set the tone and expectations for the following year, the year we see House Bill 1541 pass through both senate and house. Featured in an ethnic magazine, we showcased our commitment to the cause and its importance.
Testifying on behalf of HB 1541
My first time testifying on behalf of House Bill 1541, was a very nerve wrecking experience, but one that I will always be grateful for. I really learned the meaning of the student voice and how powerful testifying can really be.