Volunteers, advocates and students from towns across New Jersey—including Fort Lee, Livingston, Princeton, and East Brunswick—convened at the State House in Trenton for the second annual Asian American Advocacy Day on May 22, organized by AAPI New Jersey and the Asian American Coalition of New Jersey.
The visit to the state capital served as an opportunity for constituents to connect one-on-one with their elected representatives and become more comfortable lobbying about the issues that matter most to them.
The day began with a light breakfast in one of the committee rooms and candid conversation about some of AAPI New Jersey’s budget and legislative priorities, including the Immigrant Trust Act, NJ Voting Rights Act, and funding for Language Access Implementation, Detention Deportation Defense Initiative, and Implementation of Asian American Curriculum.
Twenty-five Advocacy Day participants were youth who took advantage of New Jersey’s law, which grants students in grades 6–12 one excused absence each year to participate in civic engagement. Several people shared that they had never visited the State House and initially found the process intimidating.
“I came here today to learn more about how I can empower myself with my Asian American identity through politics,” said Leela Ramakrishnan, a high school student from Montclair.
“I decided to attend AAPI NJ’s Asian American Advocacy Day because as a future educator and current student at [The College of New Jersey], I think it’s so important that AAPI voices are heard and that we advocate for the issues that are important to us,” said Meera Bhatt. “Lobbying, getting to meet all the legislators and people involved is a great way for me to network.”
AAPI New Jersey’s primary goals for the event were to demystify the legislative process, build people’s confidence and facility as advocates, and make AAPI voices heard. According to the 2010 Census, there are more than 1 million Asian Americans in New Jersey. It is the fastest growing demographic in the state, with the largest concentrations in Middlesex, Bergen, and Hudson Counties.
“When Asian Americans do speak and make ourselves heard, we’re more noticed because we are out of so many of the conversations,“ said Jeff Chang, Policy and Advocacy Advisor for AAPI New Jersey. “We have so much more to do to get to where we want to be.”
The day’s activities included a State House tour, youth activity, hallway lobbying, lunch, and visit to the Assembly Chambers. Several elected officials stopped by the committee room to speak with constituents, including some members of the Joint Asian Pacific American Caucus.
“I remember when this was a Caucus of one. Those were lonely days in Trenton,” said Senator Raj Mukherji. “When Senator Gopal was elected it was a Caucus of 2. And now we’ve grown to 7 members.”
The Caucus introduced an AAPI trailblazer, educator and influencer Payal Desai, whom they would be honoring during the General Assembly Session.
“My mission is to raise my sons in a world that refuses to be confined by outdated notions of gender and patriarchy,” said Desai. “I speak not only as a mother, but as a former educator who knows that our classrooms are sacred spaces where the seeds of equity and justice are sown.”
Sally Chen, a middle school student, decided to attend after hearing about the trip from one of her mother’s friends.
“I thought it would be a great way to learn about things that are happening in New Jersey and how the political process works,” said Chen. “I really wanted to see the State House, all of the Senators and Assembly Members, and how they make laws and pass bills.”
The visit left participants feeling hopeful and energized for a more inclusive future that allows for active participation from constituents.
“I learned today that it really just takes going up to someone and talking about issues to get the ball rolling,” Shasha Peddaboina, Youth Committee Member, League of Women’s Voters NJ.
AAPI New Jersey is planning another Advocacy Day in the Fall. If you are interested in partnering or participating visit please reach out to advocacy@aapinewjersey.org.
