Third Thursdays

Thursday, October 16
7-9:30pm
Locus
1640 Post Street
San Francisco

Despite constituting 10% of the total Asian American population, South Asians are rarely involved in Pan Asian community organizations. There is a long history of South Asian migration within Asia, as well as cultural, religious and economic exchange with Southeast and East Asian countries. In fact, the original meaning of “Orient” referred to South and Southeast Asia, not China or Japan. Yet in the United States, some East Asians question whether South Asians are actually Asian!

This workshop will explore attitudes of both East and South Asians towards participating in an all-inclusive Pan Asian movement, as well as barriers that South Asians have perceived in entering predominantly East Asian organizations. Panelists include South Asians who have been active in the political, arts, and media, and community service realms in both non-profit and for-profit organizations. We hope the audience will walk away with a greater understanding of diversity issues within the APA community, as well as concrete ideas for how to address barriers to the goal of increased involvement, on both sides of the barrier.

Panelists include:

• Victor Hwang
  Managing Attorney
  
  
• Vinay Patel
  Administrative Director
  Asian ImprovArts
• Vivek Patel
  Program Coordinator
  Alliance of South Asians Taking Action

Moderated by:

Neela Banerjee
Managing Editor
Youth Outlook Magazine
Former Editor-in-Chief
AsianWeek