Stories of Local Activism #9
APIA Vote Michigan
Empowering the Asian American Community Across Michigan
Hamtramck, Michigan
APIA Vote Michigan is a pan-Asian American organization that works to educate, strengthen, and mobilize Asian and Pacific Islander American communities in Michigan.
Established in 2007, APIA Vote Michigan describes its approach as rooted in “people power and community connectedness” and carried out through grassroots mobilization, civic engagement, leadership development, and strong partnerships with local and state coalitions.
Mission
To advance justice and equity for the Asian American community through grassroots mobilization, civic engagement, leadership development, and coalition building.
About APIA Vote Michigan
Source: APIA
What They Do
1. Voter Engagement
Voter registration and education, plus nonpartisan turnout efforts (e.g., phone banking, tabling, and canvassing) to expand access and participation
2. Community Engagement
Community-facing civic events, such as Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Capitol Day and connecting residents directly with legislators and community leaders
3. Leadership Development
Training and pipeline programs, including youth leadership (e.g., the LEAD Fellowship) and other development opportunities designed to grow advocacy and leadership skills
4. Community Resources & Mutual Aid
Resource guides and community support (including multilingual materials during crises) and community drives (food, school supplies) as part of broader engagement
APIA Community Outreach
Source: APIA
How They Do It
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Field + community outreach: candidate forums and voter contact efforts (phone banking, tabling, canvassing)
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Voter education infrastructure: a Michigan voting guide and “Know Your Rights” information (early voting, vote-by-mail, Election Day rules)
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Civic convenings: Capitol Day and other engagement events that elevate community issues with policymakers
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Leadership & skills-building: workshops/seminars and mentorship opportunities for emerging leaders
Theory of Change
People Power + Civic Participation + Leadership Pipeline →
Community Representation and Equity
APIA Vote Michigan describes “people power and community connectedness” as the framework for democracy and community service, and links that framework to an informed, socially conscious community unified for greater representation and power.
IMPACT
2024 Outreach
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21,543 voters registered
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20,238 doors knocked
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267,000 texts sent
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Nearly 1.5 million phone calls encouraging civic participation
reported on the donation page
In 2022 …
APIA Vote Michigan’s collaborative efforts helped pass Proposal 2, a vital step in expanding voting accessibility and protecting democratic rights.
APIA's Partnerships
APIA Vote Michigan leverages its people power by coordinating with other community-based organizations to mobilize Michigan voters.
I'm with APIA Vote Michigan and I am working with More Equitable Democracy in order to bring proportional representation to Michigan. I would explain proportional representation as a chance for our political representatives to mirror how we are, not just by race, gender or age, but along a whole host of socioeconomic factors and opinions.
—Curtis Fernandez
Take Action
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Share this story with your network.
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Attend events: Follow and join upcoming community events
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Volunteer: Sign up to support nonpartisan voter engagement work
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Donate: support voter education, engagement, and leadership development programs
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Stay up to date: Subscribe to APIA's newsletter for updates and opportunities
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Connect with APIA Vote Michigan
Website: https://www.apiavotemi.org
Instagram: @apivotemi
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apiavotemi
Contact APIA-MI Team: contact@apiavotemi.org
