Frequently Asked Questions

 

Do I have to be a resident of the city or region where the RLA is hosted to attend?

Since all 2021 trainings are virtual, you are welcome to attend any of the RLA trainings regardless of where your hometown is. Please note: regional trainings use area-specific case studies and feature speakers from that geographic region.

Partnering with local organizations, RLA two-day programs deliver interactive political training with topics including: developing your campaign plan; communications; digital organizing; power mapping; volunteer recruitment and management; and fundraising.

 

Who Should Apply?

RLA is a dynamic non-partisan learning program for those who identify as an AAPI. Attendees come from different backgrounds and political spectrums, but all gather under the common goal of creating change in their communities. This program provides the tools and resources for current elected officials, individuals seeking to run for public office, and community stakeholders. At each of our RLAs, we strive to bring together a bipartisan group of promising AAPI political leaders from state legislatures, city councils, and local governing bodies from across the region.

 

Is RLA limited to specific political parties?

No. APAICS is a non-partisan organization. Our RLA trainings have been attended by Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. Our goal is to provide the best training possible to the AAPI community regardless of party affiliation.

 

What should I consider before applying?

Before attending a Regional Leadership Academy Training, applicants should know why they want to attend and what they want to achieve from the training. Applicants should have a good grasp of their motivations, values, and concerns. If you need assistance in determining if you should attend RLA, please contact us and we can provide guidance if RLA is the right program for you.

 

Is RLA an AAPI Political History Training?

No. RLA is not an AAPI political history training course. Because of the limited time, APAICS does not include an AAPI political history component in its training. For a comprehensive timeline of AAPI political history, please consult our website.

 

Our Curriculum:

• Campaign Planning

• Communications

• Online and Digital Communications

• Campaign Finance and Compliance

• Volunteer Management

• Fundraising

• Power Mapping

• Public Boards and Commissions

• Guest Speakers

 

Our Facilitators:

• Madalene Mielke

• Cheryl Hori

• Joon Kim

• Christina Kuo

• Mario Salazar

 

Our Partners

APAICS works with community leaders and partners to identify locations for each regional training. We work with our partners to create a unique program for each community, and to identify potential program participants.

Alumni Network and Programming

After completion of the program, participants will gain access to the APAICS alumni network that includes participants from all our programs, advanced webinar trainings, and access to our alumni events.

 

Guest Speakers

APAICS invites AAPI electeds and those who have run for office at the local, state, and national levels to speak about their campaigns, the strategies they’ve used, and allow time for Q&A. Although APAICS invites guest speakers at every level of the political spectrum, guest speakers do not represent APAICS or the views of the organization. All remarks from guest speakers are solely attributed to them.