FAJ ACTION FUND
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 4th, 2022
Contacts - Sam Joseph Chavarria: comms@fajaction.org
Filipino Advocates for Justice Launches Sibling Organization: FAJ Action Fund
Oakland, CA — FAJ Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) Alameda County-based non-profit organization, launches during the first week of Filipino American History Month. Its purpose is to advocate for Filipino interests on all aspects of life that affect the general well-being of Filipinos in America, especially in the State of California by educating, empowering, and mobilizing our Filipino progressive voter base.
Fred Pinguel, FAJ Action Fund Board President and Former Filipino Advocates for Justice Lead Organizer highlights that “After years of organizing for tenant and worker rights, implementing integrated civic engagement, and building future leaders, this entity allows us to extend our reach and become even more impactful in our community.”
In the last decade, the Asian population in CA grew by 25% with Filipinos being the third largest group. While Asian populations continue to rapidly grow, BIPOC are experiencing diminishing access to decision-making, political power, and resources (voter restrictions, wealth gap, declining worker/tenant protections). We have a critical opportunity post-2020 election for a BIPOC progressive base to show and build electoral power as we move into the presidential election cycle in 2024. AAPI voters are consistently progressive and align with candidates in the Democratic Party, but aren’t as outreached enough to be mobilized to go out and vote during election years.
Geraldine Alcid, Filipino Advocates for Justice’s Executive Director mentions that “Filipinos have the power to impact decision-making and decision-makers where our safety, lives and futures are at stake. We are excited to launch FAJ Action Fund, a home for Filipinos demonstrating progressive values in their advocacy, organizing and with their vote. FAJ AF is a sibling organization of Filipino Advocates for Justice, who for almost five decades, has served the Filipino community in the East Bay Area working on issues that matter most to our immigrant community.”
“It’s about time that we take this next step to advance our advocacy and play a bigger role in local and statewide legislation as trusted messengers in our community,” exclaimed Nadine Navarro, a Filipino Elder Campaign Volunteer.
Coming from different social economic demographics in all sectors, Filipinos have been an integral part of California. From working in healthcare to domestic work, we are essential workers. We should be able to exercise our power to be key policy influencers. FAJ Action Fund will utilize its deep roots in the community to demonstrate progressive Filipino political power. Join us in our movement by visiting https://fajaction.org or follow our social media platforms @fajaction.