June 11, 2009 | Yvonne Lim Wilson
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George Luc is interested in local politics, including Asian American politics, but found none of his friends were too interested in talking about it. So he joined CAAAD, the Capital Area Asian American Democrats.
“There are a lot of Asians interested in talking about this stuff,” he said, happy with meeting others to talk politics with.
Member Eugenia Beh echoed similar sentiments.
“When I found this group and Ramey [Ko], it was a breath of fresh air. Here is a place where I can grow,” Beh said.
CAAAD was founded by Ramey Ko, Jennifer Kim and Nick Chu in 2007. Back then, there were many Democratic clubs but not one Asian American political club in Austin, Ko recalled.
“We started with three or four people and now about 12 to 15 people come to the monthly meetings,” Ko said. “We got Hubert Vo to come speak at the first meeting.”
The core of CAAAD is about supporting democratic officials who are supportive of Asian American issues and the community, as well as promote issues of importance within the Democratic party, Ko said. Other goals include expanding the number of Asian Americans in elected office and also organizing Asian Americans in support of the Democratic party.
The group meets monthly over dinner, family style, of course. Sharing a meal while talking politics and other topics is a fun and informal way for people to come check out the group.
“The Asian American community is only going to get more interesting and exciting as time goes by,” Ko said. “We’ll see the community have a powerful impact on what’s going on in Austin.”
CAAAD is always accepting new members. Check them out at their monthly meetings held on the first Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at First Chinese BBQ, 10901 N. Lamar.
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