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Honoring the Past, Empowering the FutureSan Francisco ChapterSaturday, May 6, 2023 | LiUNA! Local 261 Hall, San FranciscoASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN LABOR ALLIANCE
APALA SF Chapter Honoring the Past, Empowering the Future May 6, 2023APALA envisions a society whereeconomic and racial justiceprevails, human rights andworker dignity are affirmed, andwhere a healthy, sustainableplanet is able to offer a betterlife for Asian Americans andPacific Islanders, Black, brown,and Indigenous folks, and allcommunities fightingoppression.
Land AcknowledgementAPALA SF would like to acknowledge that the land we are gathering on today is thetraditional unceded lands of the Ramaytush Ohlone (pronounced "rah-my-toosh oh-low-nee") people. We recognize the painful history of colonialism, genocide and forced removalof the Ramaytush Ohlone people from this territory. We honor and respect the Indigenouspeople still connected to this land on which we gather---land we benefit from living andworking on. Join us in finding ways to support and stand in solidarity with Indigenous peoplein their fight for land back and sovereignty. Here's a place to starthttps://www.ramaytush.org/donate.Our Standard of ConductAPALA is committed to providing an environment free from discrimination and harassment,regardless of an individual’s race, ethnicity, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, sexualorientation, disability, gender identity or expression, ancestry, pregnancy, or any othercharacteristic prohibited by law. As such, APALA will not tolerate discriminatory, harassingor otherwise unacceptable behavior at any of its activities, events, or meetings. APALAexpects everyone who participates in any of its activities, events or meetings to abide bythis standard of conduct. There will be no retaliation or other adverse actions taken againstan individual who makes a complaint. Complaints should be sent to apalasf@gmail.com orcontact Pattie Tamura at this event. APALA SF Chapter Honoring the Past, Empowering the Future May 6, 2023
What are pronouns and how do we use them?What is a pronoun?A pronoun is a word that refers to either the people talking (like I or you) or someone orsomething that is being talked about (like she, it, them, and this). Gender pronouns (like he,her, and they) specifically refer to people that you are talking about.What are some commonly used pronouns?"She, her, hers" and "he, him, his" are the most commonly used pronouns. Some people callthese “female/feminine” and “male/masculine” pronouns, but many avoid these labelsbecause, for example, not everyone who uses he feels like a “male” or “masculine.”How do I adopt this language in labor movement spaces?At the 2017 APALA Convention, members voted on a resolution to be more genderinclusive in our language and in our programming. Use the gender neutral “sibling” unlesssomeone has otherwise shared their gender pronoun. In referencing groups of people use“brothers, sisters, and siblings”.Why is it important to respect people’s pronouns?You can’t always know what someone’s gender pronoun is by looking at them. Asking andcorrectly using someone’s pronoun is one of the most basic ways to show your respect fortheir gender identity. When someone is referred to with the wrong pronoun, it can makethem feel disrespected, invalidated, dismissed, alienated, or dysphoric (or, often, all of theabove.). It is a privilege to not have to worry about which pronoun someone is going to usefor you based on how they perceive your gender. If you have this privilege, yet fail torespect someone else’s gender identity, it is not only disrespectful and hurtful, but alsooppressive.Read more about pronouns and how to use them at: https://www.apalaconvention.org/solidarity-tools/what-are-pronouns-and-how-do-we-use-them APALA SF Chapter Honoring the Past, Empowering the Future May 6, 2023
Program Land Acknowledgement Monica Thammarath Code of Conduct Pattie Tamura Welcome Kat General - MC Warrior Sponsors Awards Connie Chan - San Francisco Board of Supervisors Norman Ten - APALA SF President Emeritus Entertainment Ruby Ibarra - Rapper, Director, and Spoken Word Artist Closing Remarks Kat General - MC APALA SF Chapter Honoring the Past, Empowering the Future May 6, 2023
Event MenuItalian Anti-PastiCured and dried meats, fresh mozzarella, olives, roasted red pepper, sliced baguetteFresh Herb MayonnaiseFruit & CheeseAssorted domestic cheeses, dried fruits, nuts, sliced baguette, crackersMediterranean BruschettaTomatoes, fresh basil, olive oil, garlic, balsamic fig glaze, asiago cheeseAsian Platter DelightJalapeno & Cheese Samosas, Chicken Spring Rolls, Pork Egg Rolls, Vegetarian Pot StickersSweet & Chili Sauce, Mango Chutney, Orange Teriyaki SauceAssorted SandwichesClassic Club with ham, turkey, bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomato, red onion, swiss cheeseAsian Chicken Wrap with adobo rice, beans, lettuce, salsa fresca, coleslaw, SpicyChimichurriAsian Steak Wrap with stir fry veggies, steam rice, Teriyaki SauceFalafel Wrap with saffron rice, lettuce, tomato, TahiniMini QuesadillasCheese and Roasted Vegetables, Grilled Chicken, Grilled Angus SteakGuacamole and Salsa Roja APALA SF Chapter Honoring the Past, Empowering the Future May 6, 2023
APALA SF Chapter Honoring the Past, Empowering the Future May 6, 2023WelcomeOn behalf of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA) San Francisco Chapter, Iam excited to welcome you to our annual awards event after a long hiatus from in-personevents! Starting out Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a gathering offolks in labor, non-profits, and the greater SF community is a great start!We, the APALA SF Chapter, are looking forward to breaking bread with everyone in thehouse today, reconnecting with our allies, and strengthening the ties that connect us tobuild our collective power for the future of San Francisco. We are more than just a heritage month celebration. The AAPI community is not amonolith--we are diverse and complex. And in this diversity and complexity we havestories and experiences that have shaped the history of this country that you might nothave read in your high school history books. Today, is an opportunity for us to lift up the stories of two people, Supervisor ConnieChan and APALA SF President Emeritus Norman Ten, who have helped shape our AAPIimmigrant and worker experience and history. Our musical performer today, Ruby Ibarra,will also be telling her story through music.In honoring the past, I look forward to forging a future collectively with all of you. Let's make our ancestors proud and build a future that embraces all our stories.Mabuhay!Kat General (she/her)APALA SF Chapter PresidentAPALA National Executive Board Member
Mary Anne Ahtye, ChairGabe AlegreTina DiepKat GeneralFrances HsiehNorm TenJoy ZhanKat General, PresidentTina Diep, Vice PresidentMonica Thammarath, SecretaryPattie Tamura, TreasurerStan Kiino, Assistant to the RetireesGabe Alegre, Membership ChairKen Nim, Political and Community Outreach ChairJoy Zhan, Youth Leadership ChairAwards Event Committee MembersExecutive Board APALA SF Chapter Honoring the Past, Empowering the Future May 6, 2023
Worker PowerPeople PowerRacial JusticeCommunity and (Chosen) Family ValuesHome and SovereigntyGender JusticeIntergenerational Movement BuildingAPALA's Principles For Collective LiberationMany folks in our communities show care by offering food and asking if you have eaten yet.At APALA we believe that it is up to ALL OF US to make sure WE ALL EAT. It is ourcollective responsibility to care for one another.Below are our seven principles for collective liberation and organizing stronger communities.We developed these as a way to stay grounded in how we are working together for afuture where we all eat. Just like the beginnings of the Asian American and Pacific Islandermovements, our visions and values are rooted in Black liberation, Indigenous sovereignty,and solidarity with all struggles for collective liberation. All of our struggles are connectedand we cannot win one without another. APALA SF Chapter Honoring the Past, Empowering the Future May 6, 2023Read more on our seven principles for collective liberation online at https://www.apalanet.org/principles-for-collective-liberation
Our HistoryThe role Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders play in labor history is extremely diverse.From labor heroes like Philip Vera Cruz, a Filipino labor organizer instrumental in theformation of the United Farm Workers Union, to Gene Viernes and Silme Domingo, whoco-founded the Alaska Cannery Worker’s Association, these organizers demonstrated thegreat importance of building an AAPI labor alliance. Emerging from a history of legalizedexclusion -- from barriers to enter the U.S. to restrictions from participating in acts likeowning land -- AAPIs are moving towards an era where AAPI laborers unite.In 1990, AAPI labor activists approached the AFL-CIO with a historic proposal to form anational Asian American and Pacific Islander labor group. A year later, the AFL-CIOExecutive Council established a committee to explore the formation of a national AAPIlabor group. The Steering Committee that was formed from this proposal included threeregional AAPI labor groups, representatives from the Hawaii State AFL-CIO, andrepresentatives from the seven founding unions. In 1992, over 500 AAPI labor activists fromaround the country gathered in Washington, D.C. for the founding convention of the AsianPacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO. The Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA), AFL-CIO, is the first and only nationalorganization of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) workers. Backed with strongsupport of the AFL-CIO, APALA has more than 20 chapters and pre-chapters and anational office in Washington, D.C. APALA SF Chapter Honoring the Past, Empowering the Future May 6, 2023
APALA SF Chapter Honoring the Past, Empowering the Future May 6, 2023Connie Chan (she/her) - AwardeeSan Francisco Board of SupervisorsSupervisor Connie Chan represents District 1 on the Board of Supervisors, including the Inner Richmond, Central Richmond, Outer Richmond, Lone Mountain, Golden Gate Park, Lincoln Park, University of San Francisco, Sea Cliff, and Presidio Terrace.Born in Hong Kong, she moved to San Francisco at the age of 13 with her mother and younger brother. Her family was able to obtain a rent-controlled apartment in Chinatown and her mother developed the skills she needed for a new career, as a claims processor at Chinese Hospital, thanks to classes at City College of San Francisco.After graduating from Galileo High School, Connie earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Davis and then went to work giving back to the community that had done so much for her family. She started her career as a volunteer interpreter, working with pro bono attorneys for the SF Bar Association's Volunteer Legal Outreach, and as a community organizer for SF SAFE and the Community Youth Center.Connie has served our City at every level and understands that it’s not just important to pass good laws,but equally important that they be implemented equitably in order to serve all San Franciscans. In 2006,she was recruited by then-Supervisor Sophie Maxwell to serve as a legislative aide, and later served as anaide to then-District Attorney Kamala D. Harris as well as Supervisor Aaron Peskin. Most recently sheadvocated for Bay Area residents as an aide to then-Assemblymember Kevin Mullin. In addition to thislocal and state level policy work, Connie has held roles in administration at the San Francisco Recreation &Parks Department and City College of San Francisco.Connie’s long-time partner Ed became a San Francisco firefighter in 2011 – the same year they boughttheir home in the Richmond District. Today, they are raising their son who attends public school in theRichmond.Connie is honored to serve District1 residents and her priorities as supervisor will be to ensure the sameopportunities that San Francisco has given her are available for all San Franciscans now and forgenerations to come.
APALA SF Chapter Honoring the Past, Empowering the Future May 6, 2023Norman Ten (he/him) - AwardeeAPALA SF Chapter President EmeritusNORMAN TEN is: a third-generation native San Franciscan; a son of a Union Butcher; a proud father of his two Eagle Scouts; and a soon to be NEW Grand Dad.For 27 years, Norm was the Exploratorium's Life Sciences Senior Exhibit Technician. In 1991, he was fed up with the injustices of the “non-profiteers”, who were trying to take over the museum. So thus, Norm became one of the key member organizers to form a Union within the museum.With very few Asian Union leaders around, Norm was ecstatic when he was introduced to APALA in 1994. He was impressed by the quality of Asian activists, such as Greg Lim, Kent Wong, and Luisa Blue, whom he could learn from.With that, Norm became more active in his chapter, Union local, schools, scouts, and community. He has served on many executive boards, such as SEIU 790A, 790, & 1021, and includes advisory boards for Kaiser and UCSF. Boarding the Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride buses in 2003, Norm and his fellow Freedom Riders were given theawesome responsibility of keeping the flames of social justice alive.Norm was elected from the APALA Convention floor to serve as a delegate to the Executive Board.During his SF Chapter presidency, Norm constantly challenged his chapter with “Why not?” in areas of Activism, VoterEducation & Registration, Labor History, Community Visibility, and Fun.One of these creative moments was to enter into the Chinese New Year’s parade for the first time to educate themillions of viewers about Honoring Labor… Past, Present, and Future… Acknowledging the Chinese Railroad Workersduring the 150th anniversary of completion of the Transcontinental Railroad and the many continued contributions ofAsian Americans.The SF Chapter was recognized for their efforts with a First Place Award and again in the following year with the themeon Census 2020. During the pandemic, the chapter used this platform to educate the public and to thank the essentialworkers, by making them visible.Norm is a CWA 9404 member and currently serves as a Union Field Representative for SEIU 1021 in San Francisco. ThisAPALA Lifetime Warrior takes great pride in organizing members and empowering them to become leaders. His reasonsfor being involved are summed up in three words, that he holds dear to his heart."DIGNITY. RESPECT. INTEGRITY."
APALA SF Chapter Honoring the Past, Empowering the Future May 6, 2023Ruby Ibarra (she/her) - PerformerRapper, Director, and Spoken Word ArtistRuby Ibarra is a rapper, spoken word artist, and director from the Bay Area, CA who released her debut album, CIRCA91, at the end of 2017 and has since toured across the United States and the Philippines, including universities, empowerment conferences, music venues, and spaces such as - the National Mall in DC, the Getty Center, and the De Young Museum. She is also the co-founder of the Pinays Rising Scholarship program. Ruby has been featured on notable publications such as NPR, Huffington Post, Paper Mag, Vogue Philippines, CNN Philippines, Rappler, XXL Magazine, NY Times, LA Times, SF Chronicle, and in a Grammys/MasterCard TV commercial and billboard campaign with R&B singer SZA. In 2022, Ruby was featured in additional billboard campaigns by Amazon Music and Spotify, andwas a songwriter for Season 1 and 2 of the FOX Network’s hit TV show, The Cleaning Lady.Ruby’s song, “Us,” is currently featured in the widely popular video game, NBA2K23, and hermusic is available on all digital platforms and can be heard in several museum exhibits, films, andtelevision features.https://www.rubyibarra.com/
APALA SF Chapter Honoring the Past, Empowering the Future May 6, 2023EVENT SPONSORS WARRIOR - $1,000 ADVOCATE - $500 Communication Workers of America (CWA) Local 9404 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 6 San Francisco Labor Council Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1021 United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 5 UNITE HERE Local 2 Gabriel Alegre Kat General Jeffrey Moy Monica Thammarath
APALA SF Chapter Honoring the Past, Empowering the Future May 6, 2023EVENT SPONSORS ALLY - $250 Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Asian Law Caucus American Postal Workers Union (APWU), San Francisco APA Heritage Foundation Chinese Progressive Association (CPA) Coalition of Asian American Government Employees (CAAGE) International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), NCDC Filipino Community Center (FCC) San Mateo County Central Labor Council Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 521 Mary Anne Ahtye Frances Hsieh Bianca Polovina Pattie Tamura SUPPORTER - $100 California Alliance for Retired Americans Ken Nim Mikey Tong
APALA SF Chapter Honoring the Past, Empowering the Future May 6, 2023THANK YOU Thank you to the following people who donated their time to help make this event a success. Mary Anne AhtyeGabe AlegreCindy DatangelCyrel DudleyChristian Moreno GarciaKat GeneralFrances HsiehStan KiinoJennifer LiGabriel LopezEric MarNatalie Gee-McGilleyKen NimJeanne SumPatty TamuraElliott TenNorm TenWillie TenTina TomDanny YeungJoy Zhan
We are excited to joinAPALA SF in honoring Supervisor Connie Chan and former APALA SFPresident Norman Ten!
tinyurl.com/APALAmembershipB E C O M E A M E M B E R T O D A Y !ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN LABOR ALLIANCESan Francisco Chapter