On September 28th, KAGC participated in an intercollegiate virtual workshop on civic engagement with Korean American student organizations across 14 universities. KAGC’s program director Sungkwan Jang spoke on the importance, ways, and means of civic engagement in the Korean American community, alongside Grace Choi, Director of Policy in the New York City Mayor’s Office and Co-Chair of Korean Americans for Biden.
In the event dubbed Intercollegiate Voter Registration KAmpaign, KAGC shared tips and tricks on engaging Korean American students and community members in the civic arena, as well as answered questions submitted by more than 120 students in attendance.
To the question on any advice for the students interested in leading civic engagement initiatives, Sungkwan remarked: “Keep in mind that you may not see the outcome that you wish in one exchange or one election cycle. People overestimate the rate of change and underestimate the impact of change. So, start having uncomfortable conversations and keep trying. By engaging in civic matters yourself, not only are you making a difference, but also you are shattering the stereotypes of the model minority cast upon us.”
The event was hosted by the Harvard Korean Association, in collaboration with Korean American student organizations at Boston College, Boston University, University of Notre Dame, Columbia University, Duke University, Yale University, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy, New York University, Johns Hopkins University, University of Michigan, Brown University, and Northwestern University. KAGC applauds the proactive organizing led by these students and supports any future efforts to lead civic engagement initiatives on the campus. KAGC also sends special thanks to Jane, Timothy, Sandra, and 2020 KAGC Congressional Fellow Yvette on the Harvard Korean Association’s executive board.