About Us
In January 1972, Governor Evans created The Governor's Asian Advisory Council by executive order. On February 26, 1974, the 43rd Washington State Legislature formally created The State of Washington Commission on Asian American Affairs as a state agency. On April 17, 1995, Governor Mike Lowry signed a bill to change the Commission's name to The State of Washington Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA) to include Pacific Islanders.
The CAPAA’s 28 year history marks a legacy of advocacy, community education, and outreach, as well as interagency and community collaborations to improve the well-being of the APA communities. Among its past and current activities are:
- Helps establish and maintain APA organizations and coalitions to address APA issues (i.e., Asian Pacific Islander Women & Family Safety Center; Asian Pacific Islander Coalition of King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties, etc.).
- Organizes and helps coordinate APA conferences and community forums to identify, prioritize and address APA issues (APA Leadership Conference, Asian MBA's National Conference, legislative community forums, etc.).
- Works with state agencies and community organizations to address federal and local legislation that concerns immigrants (welfare reform, refugee assistance, naturalization, etc.).
- Issues reports on the state of APA affairs in the State of Washington. Provides legislative and policy updates.
- Serves on committees and task forces that focus on APA and people of color issues.
- Coordinates statewide APA Heritage Month of May celebrations.
Building Relationships
CAPAA is committed to cultivating and nurturing relationships among APA communities, other ethnic communities, and state government. We respond to the needs of the community by working with the Governor, the state legislature, state agencies, the private sector, and the APA communities on issues that concern APAs to bring about positive change and long-term solutions. We inform the APA communities about legislation, policies, and programs concerning employment, education, housing, social services, and other areas.
Focus Areas
- Access to quality, affordable, safe and culturally inclusive education.
- Access to quality, affordable and culturally appropriate health and social services.
- Equitable participation in economic, community and workforce development.
- Just human and civil rights, including immigrant and refugee justice.
CAPAA’s Functions
In order to meet its mission, CAPAA serves several functions and roles. Among them are:
- Research and analysis. To examine and define APA issues and to make recommendations to the governor, legislators, and state agencies with respect to desirable changes in program and law.
- Advisory. To advise the Governor, state and local public officials on the development and implementation of comprehensive and coordinated policies, plans, and programs focusing on the special problems and needs of APAs.
- Education. To educate APAs about laws, programs, and policies that affect its well-being.
Conduit and consultant. To make government more accessible by serving as a conduit and consultant between APA communities and state agencies. - Resource. To serve as a resource through research and educational materials, technical assistance, agency referrals, casework, community forums, for example.
