Donations for relief efforts can be made to the American Red Cross International Response Fund and the Tzu Chi Foundation, "Support Myanmar with Love".

FLUSHING, NY Council Member John C. Liu and community members voiced concern about the recent catastrophes caused by tropical Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar and the earthquake this morning in the Sichuan Province of China.

Council Member Liu stated: "Between the Myanmar cyclone earlier this month and the earthquake today in Sichuan, the Asian community in New York has been heavily impacted. Communications are not yet fully up in the heaviest hit areas in Sichuan, but it's heartening to know that New Yorkers are stepping up with expressions of sympathy and offers of
aid relief. This is once again about people coming together to help others in need."

Assemblymember Ellen Young stated: "This is a critical time, so soon after these disasters, that people will need the most help, and it is crucial for those of us who are more fortunate to lend a hand. This country's real power lies not in its physical prowess, but in the compassion of its people. I encourage everyone to help in any way that they can."

Donations for relief efforts can be made:
American Red Cross International Response Fund
P.O. Box 4002018, Des Moines, IA 50340-2018.
800) HELP-NOW
http://www.redcross.org

Tzu Chi Foundation, "Support Myanmar with Love"
137-77 Northern Blvd. in Flushing, Queens.
(718) 888-0866

New Report: Asian American students don't benefit from

AALDEF Launches New Web Campaign on Facebook and YouTube; the Multilingual Voter Hotline is 800-966-5946.

(New York City) The Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF), a 34-year old national civil rights organization, announced details of its Asian American Election Protection Project and nonpartisan multilingual exit poll for the November 4, 2008 elections. Attorneys, law students, and community volunteers will cover 200 poll sites in 11 states with these characteristics: 1) areas with a surge in newly-registered Asian American voters; 2) jurisdictions in which Asian-language assistance is provided; or 3) polling places where Asian Americans have reported voting barriers or intimidation in recent elections.

Margaret Fung, AALDEF executive director, said: "We want to ensure that all eligible Asian Americans can participate in the electoral process and have their votes counted in this critical Presidential election." She said that AALDEF plans to poll 15,000 Asian American voters on Election Day in 11 states with large Asian American populations: New York, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Illinois, Texas, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Louisiana and Washington, D.C.

POLL MONITORING

Irene Hirano, Eric Yamamoto and John C. Yang to be honored by the Asian American Justice Center.

Irene Hirano, law professor Eric Yamamoto, Wiley Rein LLP attorney John C. Yang and The Prudential Insurance Company of America will be honored by the Asian American Justice Center (AAJC) at the 12th annual American Courage Awards reception on Oct. 8 at the National Press Club, 529 14th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. The event, which recognizes Americans who exemplify community service to Asian American and other minority communities, will be hosted by "Dancing with the Stars" judge Carrie Ann Inaba.

This year, AAJC will honor American Courage Award recipient Eric Yamamoto, a University of Hawaii School of Law professor, who has displayed great courage in championing civil and human rights; The Prudential Insurance Company of America will receive the Bridge Builder Award for its diversity and inclusion initiatives; and Irene Hirano and John C. Yang will be presented with the Distinguished Service Awards for their tireless commitment to community service.

Senator Daniel K. Inouye, former Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta and The Honorable Amul R. Thapar will serve as presenters for the event.

The reception is from 6-8:30pm and tickets for the reception are $75. To purchase tickets, please call (202) 296-2300, x138. Additional information on the American Courage Awards is available at www.advancingequality.org.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008
6:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Taina Bien-Aim, Phoebe Eng and Carol A. Robles-Romn to be Honored by New York Asian Women's Center.

Taina Bien-Aim, Executive Director, Equality Now; Phoebe Eng, Vice Chair, Ms. Foundation for Women; and Carol A. Robles-Romn, Deputy Mayor for Legal Affairs & Counsel to the Mayor, are being honored this year by the New York Asian Women's Center, at their 26th Anniversary Fall Benefit Gala on November 6, at the Tribeca Rooftop in New York. For many years, these women have contributed in working to empower women in their communities. Their collective life's work embodies a strategy of building bridges and building community.

Michelle Yu, reporter for NY1 News and author of China Dolls , will emcee the evening's festivities, which celebrates 26 years of empowering women and children to live free of violence, and raises crucial funds to continue the Center's mission to provide security, opportunity and empowerment for victims of domestic violence.

New York Asian Women's Center
26th Anniversary Fall Benefit Gala
Thursday, November 6, 2008
6:30pm to 10:30pm
Tribeca Rooftop
2 Desbrosses St.
New York
Cocktails, Dinner and Auction

Purchase tickets