I’m the first to admit that I’ve lived a pretty sheltered life from the cause of the Asian Pacific American; but since moving to D.C., I’ve been bombarded.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining. It’s great and quite satisfying to see and learn about the several APA national advocacy groups. The only thing I can complain about, I guess, is the vast number of acronyms I have to remember.

Here’s one: CAPAL–the Conference on Asian Pacific American Leadership.

Founded in 1989, CAPAL is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building leadership and public policy knowledge within the APA community.

So if you like supporting APAs and programs that promote diversity in the public service workforce, then you should check out CAPAL’s 19th Annual Benefit Gala on Tuesday, November 18 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, D.C.

Secretary Norman Y. Mineta, Mr. James C. Ho and Rep. Mike Honda (CA-15) will speak at this year’s event. All proceeds from CAPAL’s primary annual fundraiser will go toward its programs.

CAPAL is committed to attracting young APAs into public policy careers through nationwide outreach and education programs such as: the summer Washington Leadership Program, volunteer drives, community service events, social networking activities, scholarships, mentorship programs and young professional programs.

I know it’s a shameless plug, but if you are in town and would like to support CAPAL’s efforts–which directly support young APAs–then buy a ticket to the event, with the theme of “Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders Today.”

–By Leslie K. Tamura, Masaoka Fellow