APALA Conducts Caucus Training in Nevada

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Rozita Lee
Phone:  702-321-9708
Email: rozitalee@aol.com

APALA Nevada Chapter Conducts Successful
Caucus Training for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

(Las Vegas, NV) – In a room packed with 75 enthusiastic participants, the Nevada Chapter of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA) conducted a mock caucus to prepare and train members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community to participate in the upcoming January 19 Nevada presidential caucuses.

“This is my first time to caucus,” said Dr. Maria Fe Felix, a Las Vegas pharmacist and a Filipino American resident of Las Vegas. “I’m really excited to participate in this historic process. I’m asking all my friends and co-workers to do the same and experience what it means to be politically involved.”

APALA estimates that about 130,000 Asian Americans and 17,000 Pacific Islanders live in Clark County. Many reside in the neighborhoods of Spring Valley, Paradise, Sunrise Manor, Summerlin, Southwest Nevada, Las Vegas, Henderson, and Winchester. The APALA Nevada chapter has been contacting Asian American and Pacific Islander voters to remind to them to attend their caucus.

Ben Nakagawa, a retiree and Japanese American resident of Las Vegas, offered a testimonial at the training. Nakagawa said, “Thanks to APALA I am more involved in the political process. In fact, I will be the temporary chair of my caucus.” Nakagawa asked his fellow trainees to continue their political involvement and run for delegate positions to the county conventions.

“We are seeing more young voters, increased turnout, and heightened interests in the issues than in previous elections,” said Rozita Lee, President of the Nevada APALA Chapter. “By attending the caucuses, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders can share their view points with their neighbors and influence the public debate.”

APALA, AFL-CIO, is the first and only national organization of Asian Pacific American union members.

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