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【時報訊】
美華協會全國總會第27屆年會7月28日至31日在拉斯維加斯舉行，全國各地分會代表五百餘人與會，今年大會主題為多元面貌「Faces
of Diversity」研討亞太裔美人在美國社會中的成長與變化，地主美華協會拉斯維加斯分會會員包括有韓裔、日裔、菲律賓華裔、菲裔、越南裔及華裔等，充分代表了美華協會及美國社會的多元面貌。聖路易美華協會由前會長Austin
Tao(陶公鐸)代表參加，他曾任美華協會全國總會會長。
在四天的會議中，討論了美華協會會員的吸收及需要、會務未來發展、各項展示、求職面試會、青少年領導才能訓練及頒獎晚宴，並舉行有亞太裔美人在今日美國所面臨的挑戰之研討會。
今年的大會主講人為明尼蘇達州參議員Mee Moua和美國太空總署太空人Leroy Chiao，他們鼓勵在場美華協會會員勤奮努力，懷有摘星的夢想就沒有不能實現的任務。
在年會頒獎晚宴上，傑出成就獎頒予國會議員Robert Matsui及前華盛頓州州長駱家輝(Gary Locke)，表彰他們對亞太裔社區的貢獻與建樹。會中同時頒發美華協會通用汽車義工獎和UPS獎學金。
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| 前華盛頓州州長駱家輝 |
美華協會在華盛頓特區之全國總會會址建築 |
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美華協會全國年會主席團，
右一為聖路易前會長Austin Tao陶公鐸 |
青少年獎學金得獎同學合影 |
Washington, DC - To the resonating beats of taiko drums, rhythmic
clapping of bamboo poles and soulful sounds of a jazz guitar, OCA's
27th Annual National Convention kicked off on July 28 in the "City
that Never Sleeps." As National President Ginny Gong and convention
co-chairs Mia Youhne and Duy Nguyen of the OCA-Las Vegas Chapter
welcomed nearly 500 attendees at the Welcome Reception, there was
much excitement and anticipation for what the next four days would
hold, beginning with the unveiling of an artist's rendering and
announcement of the establishment of the National Center for Asian
Pacific American Leadership in Washington, DC.
This year's convention was held on July 28-31 at Bally's Hotel,
and the convention theme, "Faces of Diversity," very
much reflects the Asian Pacific American community in Las Vegas
and that of the OCA-Las Vegas chapter, whose members comprise
Americans of Korean, Japanese, Hispanic-Chinese, Filipino, Vietnamese
and Chinese descents.
"Over the years, the Convention has evolved and expanded
to meet the needs and demands of OCA members and convention participants.
The workshop sessions, and the job fair and corporate exhibits
are free to the public and this year's programs and activities
added new components and offered something for everyone to enjoy,"
said OCA National President Ginny Gong.
The convention's opening session, "Changing Faces of Diversity,"
gave attendees an overview of the Asian and Pacific Islander population
and the challenges and opportunities in today's society. Other
workshops offered a wide variety of topics relevant to the APIA
community, including: the history of APIAs in Nevada; mental health
issues; technology; financial literacy; responding to stereotypes;
and the impact of the media.
The convention also had keynote speakers who inspired and motivated
the attendees. Minnesota State Senator Mee Moua and NASA astronaut
Leroy Chiao encouraged their audiences to reach for the stars
and to think that anything was possible with hard work and perseverance.
The State of Asian Pacific America Summit provided an Oprah-like
talk show setting for a discussion on the importance of running
for elected office and the impact of the 2004 elections.
And there was more. Nearly 1,000 participants visited the free
job fair and corporate exhibits, where over 80 government entities
and public and private sector companies were given an opportunity
to recruit potential employees from the APA population. Companies
also had a chance to showcase their products and services.
The highlight of the convention was the Gala Awards banquet,
attended by over 800 guests who watched as OCA presented its highest
honor, the Outstanding Citizen Achievement Award, to the late
Congressman Robert Matsui and to former Washington State Governor
Gary Locke, for their contributions and commitment to the APA
community. Also presented with awards were recipients of the OCA/General
Motors Unsung Hero Volunteer Awards, and the OCA/UPS Gold Mountain
Scholarship recipients. The evening culminated with the live auctioning
of a one of a kind poster, a composite of five mosaics faces pieced
together with over 900 photos donated by photographer Corky Lee.
With all the interns on stage cheering and encouraging the bids
to soar, and thanks to the fast talking emcee and auctioneer David
Louie, the poster was sold for $3,888. All proceeds from the auction
of the poster went to support the internship fund.
"I am amazed at the diversity of the participants and attendees
of this year's convention," said Gong. "We've come a
long way from our beginnings as a national organization of and
for Chinese Americans, to one that is now nationally recognized
as a major pan-Asian American organization headquartered in our
nation's capital," she added.
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