Korean American Grassroots Conference - KAGC

12/22/2021

From the last in-person college student summit, Rachel Yi of UT Austin said her biggest takeaway was "learning to come together as a community and make our voices heard." Yvette Han, too, resolved to continue "encouraging the Korean student body to participate in campus discussions." Almost two years since the, both Rachel and Yvette have indeed continued their engagement and helped others around them, too.

We hope to share with more students such experiences through the rare opportunity of working together with Korean American from across the U.S.

The 2022 KAGC National Conference is our first in-person event in two years and a great opportunities for all of our community members. College students, however, are offered extended benefits! Hurry — this is the last week to register 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

👉 https://KAGC.us/register 👈

From the last in-person college student summit, Rachel Yi of UT Austin said her biggest takeaway was "learning to come together as a community and make our voices heard." Yvette Han, too, resolved to continue "encouraging the Korean student body to participate in campus discussions." Almost two years since the, both Rachel and Yvette have indeed continued their engagement and helped others around them, too.

We hope to share with more students such experiences through the rare opportunity of working together with Korean American from across the U.S.

The 2022 KAGC National Conference is our first in-person event in two years and a great opportunities for all of our community members. College students, however, are offered extended benefits! Hurry — this is the last week to register 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

👉 https://KAGC.us/register 👈

12/18/2021

Thank you Senator Chris Murphy for supporting the Korean War Divided Families Reunification Act — a measure that will lay grounds for humanitarian reunions for families torn apart by the Korean War in the U.S. and North Korea.

Led by Senator Mazie K. Hirono and Rep. Grace Meng, the bill seeks to also direct the Department of State to explore options for such family reunions through the special envoy for North Korean human rights and in consultation with the Korean American community.

The House counterpart of the Korean War Divided Families Reunification Act has already been passed in July with resounding bipartisan support, along with a separate House resolution supporting its goals. We appreciate the support of members of Congress, as well as the years-long effort of our community members who have raised awareness of this heartbreaking issue.

Thank you Senator Chris Murphy for supporting the Korean War Divided Families Reunification Act — a measure that will lay grounds for humanitarian reunions for families torn apart by the Korean War in the U.S. and North Korea.

Led by Senator Mazie K. Hirono and Rep. Grace Meng, the bill seeks to also direct the Department of State to explore options for such family reunions through the special envoy for North Korean human rights and in consultation with the Korean American community.

The House counterpart of the Korean War Divided Families Reunification Act has already been passed in July with resounding bipartisan support, along with a separate House resolution supporting its goals. We appreciate the support of members of Congress, as well as the years-long effort of our community members who have raised awareness of this heartbreaking issue.

12/17/2021

Before Su began working as a field deputy on the Los Angeles City Council, she attended the 2017 KAGC National Conference and volunteered for the 2019 KAGC National Conference.

Su had struggled with the intersection of her Korean and American identities throughout her childhood, but after attending, she shared with us that the National Conference gave her “so much courage to speak up for social and political issues that need to be heard,” even without a background in politics or government.

“Over three days, through several program for students like me to experience D.C. and raising awareness of Korean American issues to members of Congress from my state face-to-face, I found a sense of direction and supportive community.”

Don’t forget to register for the 2022 KAGC National Conference at 👉 https://KAGC.us/register 👈 Spots are filling up, so don’t miss your chance!

And read more about Su’s story on our Medium page: https://kagrassroots.medium.com/kagc-alumni-spotlight-soo-lee-55d80e74c9d0

Before Su began working as a field deputy on the Los Angeles City Council, she attended the 2017 KAGC National Conference and volunteered for the 2019 KAGC National Conference.

Su had struggled with the intersection of her Korean and American identities throughout her childhood, but after attending, she shared with us that the National Conference gave her “so much courage to speak up for social and political issues that need to be heard,” even without a background in politics or government.

“Over three days, through several program for students like me to experience D.C. and raising awareness of Korean American issues to members of Congress from my state face-to-face, I found a sense of direction and supportive community.”

Don’t forget to register for the 2022 KAGC National Conference at 👉 https://KAGC.us/register 👈 Spots are filling up, so don’t miss your chance!

And read more about Su’s story on our Medium page: https://kagrassroots.medium.com/kagc-alumni-spotlight-soo-lee-55d80e74c9d0

12/14/2021

“I am thankful for this opportunity to connect with so many young Korean Americans from across the nation. It was refreshing to see so many bright, motivated people my age who care about our community!” shared Ketzia from Mt. Holyoke College in 2019, who went on to work in the office of Rep. Gregory Meeks, the current chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, as a KAGC Congressional Fellow.

She added: “I returned home feeling inspired and excited about how I could apply all that I learned at this conference to my community at home and at school.” We hope more students can find a springboard like Ketiza did in the opportunities we offer.

Register today to join the 2022 KAGC National Conference at 👉 https://KAGC.us/register 👈 Registration closes on December 26th, 2021. College students are eligible for extended benefits like registration fee waiver and up to $500 in travel reimbursement for the upcoming national conference.

“I am thankful for this opportunity to connect with so many young Korean Americans from across the nation. It was refreshing to see so many bright, motivated people my age who care about our community!” shared Ketzia from Mt. Holyoke College in 2019, who went on to work in the office of Rep. Gregory Meeks, the current chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, as a KAGC Congressional Fellow.

She added: “I returned home feeling inspired and excited about how I could apply all that I learned at this conference to my community at home and at school.” We hope more students can find a springboard like Ketiza did in the opportunities we offer.

Register today to join the 2022 KAGC National Conference at 👉 https://KAGC.us/register 👈 Registration closes on December 26th, 2021. College students are eligible for extended benefits like registration fee waiver and up to $500 in travel reimbursement for the upcoming national conference.

12/14/2021

Senator Markey Remarks for 2018 KAGC National Conference

“It is important that together we make our communities even better places to live through policies and laws that make them stronger, safer, and more inclusive,” said Senator Edward J. Markey in his video address to the 2018 KAGC National Conference.

As the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy, Senator Markey has long supported stronger U.S.-Korea partnerships and the civic engagement effort of our community.

Join us at the 2022 KAGC National Conference to help our collective efforts continue. You too can not only hear from policymakers directly, but also directly impacts in speaking with them. Register today at 👉 https://KAGC.us/register 👈

12/12/2021

KAGC Alumni Spotlight: Lucas Uhm

Lucas Uhm, a current law student at NYU, wrote a personal reflection on how KAGC has helped him shift his perspective and understand his identity. You can read more about his story here👇

https://kagrassroots.medium.com/kagc-alumni-spotlight-lucas-uhm-cbb84447df3e

KAGC helped me shift my own perspective and understand my identity in such a significant way — being Korean American crystallized into…

12/11/2021

Impacts of the 2018 KAGC National Conference

There are three days for our National Conference on January 11-13th: Education Day, Action Day, and Reflection Day. Action Day is the day when our participants head to Capitol Hill and speak with Members of Congress and Hills staffers about Korean American policy priorities.

A 2018 KAGC National Conference participant said, "It felt empowering to be a part of such a large-scale gathering, to realize that while we may have come from different experiences and backgrounds, we share a common goal as Korean Americans to utilize our voices and cast light on the various issues that affect our community."

Will you join us to be a part of this grassroots conference to encourage Members of Congress to take action for our Korean American community?

👉 Register today at https://KAGC.us/register 👈

12/09/2021

“As a Korean American who aims to battle injustices, I am ecstatic to be involved with KAGC. It helped cultivate my aspirations for public service and public policy as avenues for change. I admire KAGC’s work in educating the Korean American community on critical issues and elucidating the power of civic engagement.” -Ryan Bae, Georgetown University, 2019 KAGC U Leadership Summit

Will you join us and students like Ryan to discuss critical policy issues that impact the Korean American community?

Last day to register for our national conference in Washington, DC is December 26th, 2021.
👉 Register today at https://KAGC.us/register 👈

“As a Korean American who aims to battle injustices, I am ecstatic to be involved with KAGC. It helped cultivate my aspirations for public service and public policy as avenues for change. I admire KAGC’s work in educating the Korean American community on critical issues and elucidating the power of civic engagement.” -Ryan Bae, Georgetown University, 2019 KAGC U Leadership Summit

12/09/2021

Remarks by Ambassador Mark Lippert at 2016 KAGC National Conference

Over the years, the KAGC National Conference has been joined by those at the forefront of bolstering U.S.-Korea relations. Today, we look back to 2018 when then-Ambassador Mark Lippert shared with us his remarks to celebrate the civic engagement of the Korean American community from the grassroots up.

👉 Register today at https://KAGC.us/register 👈 and help us uplift our community together for the greater good of us all.

Undergraduate students may be waived of the admissions fee and eligible for reimbursement on travel expenses up to $500. Registration closes on December 26th, 2021.

12/07/2021

“I now have great pride as a Korean American, and want to encourage all the other minorities to SPEAK UP, for your voices are more significant than you think!” reflected Sarah who joined one of our conferences as a student at the University of Michigan.

The 2022 KAGC National Conference is open to all those interested in uplifting our community. No previous experience is required — only a willingness to learn and help all of our voices get heard, counted, and reflected.

👉 Register today at https://KAGC.us/register 👈 Sarah also said: “spending three insanely busy days with KAGC, I learned an unforgettable lesson: small actions can have great impacts.”

Undergraduate students may be waived of the admissions fee and eligible for reimbursement on travel expenses up to $500. Registration closes on December 26th, 2021.

“I now have great pride as a Korean American, and want to encourage all the other minorities to SPEAK UP, for your voices are more significant than you think!” reflected Sarah who joined one of our conferences as a student at the University of Michigan.

The 2022 KAGC National Conference is open to all those interested in uplifting our community. No previous experience is required — only a willingness to learn and help all of our voices get heard, counted, and reflected.

👉 Register today at https://KAGC.us/register 👈 Sarah also said: “spending three insanely busy days with KAGC, I learned an unforgettable lesson: small actions can have great impacts.”

Undergraduate students may be waived of the admissions fee and eligible for reimbursement on travel expenses up to $500. Registration closes on December 26th, 2021.

12/06/2021

Speaking to members of Congress may sound like an intimidating idea, but you will be surprised how accessible and impactful it is — just like thousands of our students and community members found out for themselves over the years.

Join us on January 11-13th for an opportunity to tell policymakers the story of our community. We and the hundreds of others at the conference will join you.

👉 Register today at https://KAGC.us/register 👈 Don't miss this opportunity. Registration closes on December 26th, 2021.

Undergraduate students may be waived of the admissions fee and eligible for reimbursement on travel expenses up to $500.

On the first day of the 116th Congress I heard from local students visiting Washington DC with the Korean American Grassroots Conference. Thank you for your vital work advocating for civic engagement and priorities important to the Korean American community!

12/01/2021

🚨 Now on January 11th to 13th: 2022 KAGC National Conference

Register today for the 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮 𝗞𝗔𝗚𝗖 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 🙋‍♀️ The largest annual gathering of Korean American voters is a great opportunity to learn how you can make impacts for our community through civic engagement, in the company of hundreds of community members of all ages groups and across the U.S.

College students are eligible for extended benefits. Registration is open until December 26th, but hurry—in-person attendance for 2022 is limited at 150.

👉 Visit https://KAGC.us/register for more information

11/30/2021

The mission of uplifting our community through active civic engagement benefits all of us, not just a few organizations and individuals. Thanks to the continued support of those who see the greater good in the work of KAGC, our programs have been made possible over the years.

Generosity of our community members and grassroots supporters like you has made this important work possible.

To support the rapid growth and expansion of these initiatives, we need to raise $30,000 by the end of 2021. As the end of the year nears, we hope you will consider making a contribution to our mission—one that uplifts all of us by empowering each of us.

적극적인 시민참여를 통해 우리 커뮤니티의 권익을 옹호하고 정치력 신장을 도모하려는 일은 소수의 단체나 개인만을 위한 일이 아닙니다. KAGC의 활동의 공익성에 공감하시는 분들의 꾸준한 성원 덕분에 KAGC의 프로그램이 수년간 발전과 확장을 이어나갈 수 있었습니다.

여러분과 같이 풀뿌리에서부터 후원해주시는 동포분들의 성원이 이러한 중요한 성과로 이어졌습니다.

KAGC 활동의 빠른 성장과 확장을 지원하기 위해, 올해는 연말까지 $30,000모금을 목표로 합니다. 연말이 다가오는 이때, KAGC의 활동에 후원해주시기를 부탁드립니다.

#GivingTuesday

11/29/2021

At the end of the 2020 KAGC U Leadership Summit, we asked our students what they took away from the experience. Sydney, Ciara, and Juyoon responded: "We want to empower our fellow Korean + A/PIA women to be more civically engaged and outspoken — because if we don't, who will?" 🙆‍♀️ We cannot agree more.

At the end of the 2020 KAGC U Leadership Summit, we asked our students what they took away from the experience. Sydney, Ciara, and Juyoon responded: "We want to empower our fellow Korean + A/PIA women to be more civically engaged and outspoken — because if we don't, who will?" 🙆‍♀️ We cannot agree more.

11/25/2021

All of us at the Korean American Grassroots Conference give thank to you — for your continued support 🙏 We wish you and your loved ones happy holidays full of warmth and love. Thank you!

All of us at the Korean American Grassroots Conference give thank to you — for your continued support 🙏 We wish you and your loved ones happy holidays full of warmth and love. Thank you!

11/24/2021

Demographics and Diversity at the House of Representatives

The recently released 2021 House Compensation and Diversity Study shows that only 5.4% of the House staff accounts for Asian American. The bigger problem is, however, only half of the staff participated in the study.

Improving diversity and representation begins with taking an accurate look at the current state. We have called for a mandatory study for years to address this issue, and earlier this year, worked with Congressman Joaquin Castro to submit a provision in the appropriations bill that passed the House.

We have a long way to go, but we look forward to working with staff and members of Congress to expand and ensure diversity in public service.

The following interactive dashboards summarize demographic and diversity data from the 2021 House Compensation and Diversity Study.