by David Siu: Board Member and Legislative Action Lead
Change in government doesn’t only come from good intentions alone. It comes from a collective will demanding accountability and showing authority to what the public wants. In many cases, legislative bills need support from the general public to launch its potential.
I have written numerous letters of support to government officials supporting a legislative action I believe in. Each small action we take, including signing a quick petition, can lead to great measures. When thousands of people sign petitions, send letters of support, or show up at hearings, decision-makers see that this isn’t a niche issue: this is a demand of the people itself.
Why public support matters
When a bill is introduced in Congress or in the state legislature, it does not instantly become law. It takes time for elected officials to pass any piece of policy no matter what the bill entails. One thing that members of the public can do is sign petitions, send letters of support, or even speak at public hearings to show the government that it’s an action that the community wants.
Legislation you can help support
- S.1844 – Teaching Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander History Act of 2025
This federal bill would provide funding and resources for K–12 schools to teach Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) history nationwide. It addresses the widespread lack of AANHPI representation in textbooks and curriculum, ensuring students learn about the contributions and struggles of AANHPI communities. By embedding this history into classrooms across the country, it combats stereotypes, promotes understanding, and validates the experiences of millions of Asian Americans.
Learn more about this bill here
- New York Senate Bill S3334 / Assembly Bill A4638 – AAPI Education in NY
At the state level, this bill would require New York public schools to integrate Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) history and civic contributions into their curriculum. The bill focuses on not just history, but also the role AAPI communities have in shaping American democracy. If passed, it would guarantee that future generations of New Yorkers learn a more inclusive version of American history, one that reflects the diversity of its people.
Learn more about this bill here
Recent Successes
- AB 2448 (Ting) Expanding Civil Rights Protections at Businesses
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill requiring the CA Civil Rights Department to create a pilot program recognizing businesses for creating safe and welcoming environments, free from discrimination and harassment of customers. This originated from a motion introduced after a rise in xenophobia and hate against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders during the COVID-19 pandemic. The hate crimes against the AAPI community included brutal attacks against elderly Asian Americans in San Francisco Chinatown, online threats, and hate speech posted on social media.
Learn more about this bill here.
Take Action Now!
For help with writing letters of support, visit the California Asian American and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus. This organization makes it easy for anyone to support AAPI causes by providing letter templates and fact sheets on what each bill entails. Visit their website and learn about bills to support.
Join us to take action now!
If you want policies that reflect the rights of AAPI youth, learn about legislative actions being passed and support bills. Legislation without support is vulnerable to compromise and decreases the chance of a bill passing. When community voices rise, and when organizations, parents, teachers, and youth come together, we create a collective power that pushes change across the finish line.
Questions? Reach out to me (David Siu) or the AAPI Youth Rising Team.