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API Council Newsletter

Catch up on the API Council’s latest work with our quarterly newsletters. Sign up to receive our newsletters.

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apicouncil

The trusted, unified voice of SF’s API communities. We’re a coalition of 50 SF nonprofits that ensure the needs and priorities of APIs are addressed.

On February 19, 1942, Executive Order 9066 authori

On February 19, 1942, Executive Order 9066 authorized the forced removal and incarceration of more than 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry. Most were U.S. citizens who lost their homes, livelihoods, and freedom without charges or due process. We honor the families who endured incarceration and discrimination, and we recognize the strength, perseverance, and dignity they carried forward in rebuilding their lives and communities. This painful chapter in our history reveals the fragility of civil liberties in times of fear and calls on us to remain vigilant in protecting the rights, dignity, and safety of all communities.

Ramadan Mubarak! We extend our warmest wishes to a

Ramadan Mubarak! We extend our warmest wishes to all who are observing this sacred month and share in the spirit of a season that brings families and communities together in faith, reflection, and service.

Happy Lunar New Year from API Council! We are hon

Happy Lunar New Year from API Council!

We are honored to celebrate alongside our community, embracing the vibrance of our cultures and the cherished traditions passed down through generations. As families gather, tables fill with food, and loved ones reconnect, we hope this season brings warmth and joy to every home. May the new year bless you with happiness, prosperity, good health, and new opportunities. Thank you for being such an important part of our community. We are grateful to celebrate with you and look forward to all that the year ahead will bring.

Happy Valentine’s Day from the API Council. Send

Happy Valentine’s Day from the API Council. Sending love to our members, communities, and partners. Thank you for leading with care and helping build a stronger, more connected community.

The DreamSF Fellowship is back for the 13th year

The DreamSF Fellowship is back for the 13th year connecting immigrant students and aspiring professionals with social justice change-makers in the San Francisco Area! With the DreamSF Fellowship, fellows gain hands-on experience in direct services, content creation, immigration law, program management, creative expression, community advocacy, and much more.

Upcoming Virtual Informational Sessions:
• Monday, February 23, 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm (https://bit.ly/DSF-info-1)!

• Wednesday, March 11, 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm (https://bit.ly/DSF-info-2)

• Thursday, March 26, 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm (https://bit.ly/DSF-info-3)

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE FRIDAY, APRIL 3rd, 2026. APPLY NOW at: www.dreamsffellows.org/apply

@sf_immigrants @jorge_rivasjr

Black history is living history. This month, API C

Black history is living history. This month, API Council celebrates Black excellence and the Black leaders whose vision, courage, and community care continue to shape our shared future.

#BlackHistoryMonth

As we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the API Co

As we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the API Council is reminded that hope is built through collective action. Even in uncertain times, we move forward together, choosing courage, care, and solidarity as the path toward justice.

API Council kicked off the year with our first Gen

API Council kicked off the year with our first General Meeting, starting with a member spotlight from Gum Moon, then a meet-and-greet with Supervisor Alan Wong @alanwongsf, including conversation around the Sunset District and upcoming plans.

We then transitioned into a discussion with former Board of Supervisors President Norman Yee and Cliff Yee, focused on leadership development and strengthening our leadership pipeline program. Members shared feedback, asked thoughtful questions, and engaged in dialogue on how we build pathways for future leaders.

We’re so excited to welcome everyone back in the new year!

Our annual API Council Holiday Luncheon was a spec

Our annual API Council Holiday Luncheon was a special time to come together and celebrate the community and leaders that make this work possible. Thank you to David Lei and Buck Gee for hosting with such generosity, and to our member organizations for the partnership, trust, and care you bring to this coalition every day.

It was wonderful to welcome a few special guests who were able to join us in the festivities and add to the spirit of the gathering. We’re also grateful to Fang Restaurant and their team for the warm hospitality and incredible food that made the afternoon feel extra welcoming.

Ending the year together felt like a fitting way to recognize all that our member organizations have built and to look ahead to what we’ll continue to create in the year to come!

Tonight marks the beginning of Hanukkah. As we ce

Tonight marks the beginning of Hanukkah.

As we celebrate, we also acknowledge the rise in antisemitic attacks and the harm they continue to cause Jewish communities locally and around the world. In recent days, violence such as the attack in Bondi Beach has shaken communities and reinforced the very real fear many people are carrying. API Council stands in solidarity with our Jewish community members and partners during this time.

There is no place for antisemitism, violence, or hate in our communities. Everyone deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported. This season reminds us of the responsibility we share to look out for one another, reject harm in all its forms, and stand together across communities with care and compassion.

Happy Hanukkah from API Council.

Today is Giving Tuesday. Across San Francisco, AP

Today is Giving Tuesday.

Across San Francisco, API community organizations are on the frontlines providing food, housing support, legal services, youth programs, and culturally rooted care that our families depend on every day. API Council is proud to stand with more than 50 member organizations working to ensure Asian and Pacific Islander communities are seen, heard, and supported.

Today, we invite you to uplift the API Council and organizations in your own neighborhood and support our work. Give today. Together, we make our communities stronger.

Make a contribution today: bit.ly/apic-givingtues25

We want to take a moment to give our heartfelt tha

We want to take a moment to give our heartfelt thank you to Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi @speakerpelosi for her decades of dedicated service to San Francisco and to our nation.

From the halls of Congress to the streets of Chinatown, she has led with courage and care, championing equity, representation, and opportunity for all communities, including ours.

Her support for the API Council and San Francisco’s AAPI communities has strengthened our collective voice and inspired generations of leaders to stand tall and speak up.

With deep gratitude and admiration, we thank Speaker Pelosi for showing us what principled leadership looks like and for always standing with our communities with grace and love.

The API Council welcomed BOS President Rafael Mand

The API Council welcomed BOS President Rafael Mandelman for a community meet-and-greet at the Mission YMCA yesterday afternoon.

We discussed City updates, upcoming budget priorities, and how community organizations can stay engaged in supporting immigrant protections, and small business recovery.

Thank you to Jamie Bruning-Miles and the Mission YMCA team for hosting and sharing about their programs and impact.

@ymcasf @missionymca @rafaelmandelmand8 @jbruningmiles

API Council had the honor of celebrating the 50th

API Council had the honor of celebrating the 50th Anniversary Gala of Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach (APILO), a longtime API Council member and community pillar.

Founded in 1975 as Nihonmachi Legal Outreach, APILO has spent five decades advancing justice through culturally competent and linguistically appropriate legal, social, and educational services. From advocating for immigrants, women, and seniors to defending housing and disability rights, APILO’s work continues to strengthen and empower our communities.

Congratulations to APILO on 50 years of impact and leadership! @apilegaloutreach

Mid-Autumn Festival is a cherished time to give th

Mid-Autumn Festival is a cherished time to give thanks, honor our ancestors, and come together with loved ones under the full moon. For our communities, this season symbolizes unity, gratitude, and hope for brighter days ahead. As we share stories, laughter, and mooncakes, may we also reflect on the importance of connection and belonging that strengthen our API community every day.

You’re invited to join APA Family Support Servic

You’re invited to join APA Family Support Services on Sunday, August 24th from 11:30am–2:30pm on Grant Avenue between Sacramento and Clay Street for their 38th Anniversary Celebration!

Repost from @taaforg : From a 13-year-old immigran

Repost from @taaforg : From a 13-year-old immigrant in the Tenderloin to a youth director at CYC, Henry Ha’s story shows what real community support looks like. When language barriers, bullying, and violence made school feel impossible, Henry found belonging at CYC, where Vietnamese-speaking staff and after-school programs gave him a place to grow.

Today, Henry leads CYC’s Dragon Boat Program, building teams of youth from Bayview, Chinatown, and the Tenderloin - many of them at risk or newly arrived. What started as a sport became something more: a way to break down neighborhood rivalries, build trust, and teach young people they don’t have to face anything alone.

@cyc_sf is an APICouncil member org advancing safety, healing, and leadership in AAPI communities.

From Chinatown to cocktail champion, Derrick Li’

From Chinatown to cocktail champion, Derrick Li’s story shows what’s possible when our communities have access to workforce programs that meet them where they are.

Ashley Cheng @sfmons @sfccsc , Executive Director of Charity Cultural Services Center and API Council member, shared how cultural differences and language barriers often delay access to stable careers for immigrants. That’s why programs like CCSC’s Hospitality Initiative are so important. They provide a pathway to skills, confidence, and economic opportunity.

Read the full SF Examiner story: https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/the-city/sf-bartender-derrick-li-had-unlikely-rise-to-cocktail-glory/article_6921afb2-8d55-45d5-8a64-1de70a9a8bed.html

API Council stands with our immigrant communities.

API Council stands with our immigrant communities.

The recent ICE raids targeted immigrant neighborhoods, causing fear and trauma, even for U.S. citizens. These actions are not about safety. They are about control and intimidation.

In this moment, we want you to know: you are not alone.

For help in the SF Area: Call API Legal Outreach (415.567.6255), CAA (415.274.6750), or the 24/7 Rapid Response Hotline (415.200.1548) for more information.

Last week, API Council proudly hosted our annual c

Last week, API Council proudly hosted our annual convening with Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi @speakerpelosi , an event that continues to bring together the voices of our community to spotlight urgent issues and shared solutions.

This year’s panel discussion focused on health equity in the face of growing federal cuts, and also explored intersecting challenges around housing and education for our API communities.

We were honored to be joined by a powerhouse panel of leaders:
—Lance Toma, CEO San Francisco Community Health Center @lancetoma @sfchc_community_engagement
—Dr. Jian Zhang, CEO, Chinese Hospital @chinesehospitalsf
—Jon Osaki, Executive Director, Japanese Community Youth Council @jtosaki @jcycsf
—Tammy Hung, Director of Programs and Community Engagement, Chinatown Community Development Center @chinatowncdc
—Luisa Antonio, Executive Director, Bayanihan Equity Center @weez621 @bayanihanequity
—Judy Young, Executive Director, Southeast Asian Development Center @judyminh @seadcsf
Moderated by: Cally Wong, Executive Director, API Council of San Francisco @callybwally

The event was hosted at JCYC and attended by API Council member organizations. Thank you to all who joined us in advancing a healthier, more equitable future for our API communities.

Photos provided by JCYC.

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Proudly Uniting San Francisco’s Asian & Pacific Islander Communities