Each year, AJSOCAL hosts an annual anniversary dinner that celebrates AJSOCAL’s accomplishments throughout the year and highlights its year-round programs and services. Additionally, we honor those who have made a significant impact on the community. The theme is for this year’s gala is United in Action: 41st Anniversary. Join us for a night of celebration and social justice by becoming a sponsor today!
Our Mission in Motion
AJSOCAL is the leading civil rights advocate for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. We combat discrimination, offer free legal services and workshops in Southern California, and drive policy change from local to national levels. Rooted in the legacy of our immigrant forebears and fueled by modern advocacy, we remain steadfast in our pursuit of justice.
After decades of unwavering advocacy, our journey speaks volumes.
Dive deeper into our mission and witness the difference we make.
Watch our three pivotal videos on Anti-Asian Discrimination, Citizenship client case story, and our tireless Advocacy efforts.
Let their stories inspire, educate, and motivate you.
The Latest
Press Release
AJSOCAL Announces Honorees, Presenters, and Performance For 41st Anniversary Gala
AJSOCAL announced today its 41st Anniversary Gala: United in Action on October 10 at Vibiana in DTLA. This annual event, emceed by journalist David Ono (he/him), brings together Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) leaders in civil rights, social justice, public office, business, entertainment and the arts.
The 2024 Public Image Award will be bestowed to veteran entertainment executive Fritz Friedman (he/him) for his decades-long commitment to celebrating AAPI representation. Award-winning actor Lou Diamond Phillips (he/him) will present Friedman with his award.
The gala this year commemorates the 25th Anniversary of the murder of Filipino American hate-crime victim Joseph Ileto, along with an in-memoriam tribute to his mother, Lillian Ileto, for her anti-violence advocacy. That tribute includes performances by actors/recording artists Jennifer Paz (she/her) and Anthony Fedorov (he/him). Mental health professional and LGBTQIA+ activist Eddy Gana (they/them), LCSW, will be receiving the 2024 Joseph Ileto Courage Award, which annually recognizes unsung heroes for exceptional courage and resilience in the face of adversity. Executive Director of Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) Kimmy Maniquis (she/her/siya) and wife of the late Eric Swing, Ellen Rodgriguez Swing (she), will present Gana with their award.
Blog
Protecting Our Right to Vote This Election Cycle
Through time, AJSOCAL expanded voter access and involvement in the electoral process for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs).
Over 30 years ago, we launched one of our free legal service programs to address one of the first challenges to AAPI voter participation–the naturalization process. Today, our citizenship program is still the largest within our wide legacy of non-partisan work that includes redistricting, policy advocacy, and impact litigation in voter protection cases.
Webpage Launch
Voting Rights Tools and Resources
AJSOCAL is dedicated to protecting you from any violation of your voting rights. This includes ensuring language access, challenging illegal voter ID requirements, responding to voter intimidation at the polls, and combating election misinformation.
Featured News
Blog
Read critical pieces, get the latest updates on local rallies and events centered on Asian civil rights, and view staff statements on current issues.
In The News
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Announcements
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Events & Workshops
Citizenship Clinics
Every Friday
In partnership with local community organizations, Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California hosts free citizenship application workshops where our staff and volunteers help verify eligibility for citizenship, complete the citizenship application, and prepare a fee waiver request for individuals who qualify.
41ST ANNIVERSARY GALA
Each year AJSOCAL hosts an Anniversary Dinner, which is a signature event that benefits AJSOCAL through the generous support of individuals, companies, and foundations.
The gala celebrates AJSOCAL’s accomplishments throughout the year and highlights its year-round programs and services. Additionally, we honor those who have made a significant impact on the community. The event includes elected officials, community partners, members of the Asian American bar associations and leaders from the arts, culture, and media as well as corporate, legal, and nonprofit sectors. It has become one of the most anticipated fundraising events in the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.
BYSTANDER INTERVENTION TRAININGS
In these virtual workshops hosted on Zoom and co-sponsored by Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California and Right To Be (formerly known as Hollaback!), you’ll learn how you can intervene effectively as a bystander without ever compromising your safety.
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