Participate in your Community!

As you know, I'm trying to do community service with every book I publish. So for GIRL OVERBOARD (my next novel coming out January 2008), I'm co-sponsoring a Go Overboard Challenge Grant with Burton Snowboards and YouthVenture to fund the best youth-led ideas to change the world. We have 12 grants of $1,000 each available for young adults ages 12-20. All the details will be up at the end of next week on www.burton.com/positiveturntour and www.myspace.com/girloverboardtour. It would be great if some Taiwanese-American youth had some wonderful idea to change the world!

~From Justina Chen Headley

Upcoming Announcements!

NATWA II served as LEAP's community partner -

NATWA II joined LEAP as a community partner to sponsor national leadership conferences held in major cities across the U. S. (Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Chicago, and Houston). Jean Cheng, NATWA II's representative in San Francisco, served on the planning committee. LEAP is a non-profit organization devoted to leadership and enpowerment for the Asian Pacifics. The leadership training is well attended and received every year.

Announcements

1. The NATWA II website will soon start "NATWA II SHOP". The goal is to promote arts, services or projects led by NATWA II members. It will be a win-win situation because partial proceed will go to NATWA II while helping good causes. For more information, please e-mail Karen Lee at hikarenlee@gmail.com. Stay Tuned!

2. Save the date: NATWA's 20th Annual Convention will be held in Los Angeles on April 18-20, 2008. NATWA II is calling for panel topics and programming ideas. Please submit to Tsuann Kuo at natwa2@natwa.com

3. Share your good news: Please contribute to NATWA II e-newsletter by sharing your family recipes, recent accomplishments, or family news, etc. You can e-mail Annie Chen at anniekin11@gmail.com

4. Volunteers needed to host a NATWA II local get-together (in USA and Canada): Be creative and do something fun and relaxing! Ideas include film screenings, Taiwanese cooking party, golfing or hiking, BBQs, or simply taking a coffee break. Cities with large numbers of NATWA II members include Boston, New York, San Francisco, Toronto, and Los Angeles. If you are willing to be a host, please e-mail Joann Lo at natwa2admin@natwa.com

Engross yourself in a good read!

Alvina Ling recomments some great books to read over this cozy holiday season:

Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! The Beatles, Beatlemania, and the Music that Changed the World by Bob Spitz:

This is a gorgeous, 234-page fully illustrated, beautifully designed book about the Beatles, and the perfect gift for Beatles fans of all ages. With an easy-to-read, conversational tone, you'll learn all of the inside stories behind the group and the songs, including the inspiration behind the song "Yesterday"--did you know that the original lyrics involved scrambled eggs?! This book is appropriate for ages 10 and up.

The Fabulous Bouncing Chowder by Peter Brown

This is a picture book for ages 3-8, but even adults will laugh out loud at the funny text and hilarious illustrations about a slobbery bulldog who goes to camp and doesn't quite fit in. Until one day, he discovers a trampoline... This is a sequel to Chowder which came out last year. Great for dog lovers!

Impromptu Golf Lesson!

On Saturday, November 3, NATWA II held a golf lesson event at Heartwell Golf Course in Long Beach, CA. A total of six NATWA members attended, including the two golf instructors for the event, Lisa and Linda Chen. Everyone had fun and got to learn a lot about golf. The lesson included learning about the basic golf setup, how to grip the golf club properly, how to swing the clubs, and putting. There was quite a bit to learn, but everyone enjoyed the experience of learning a new sport. After the 1 1/2 hour lesson, we proceeded to Guppy Teahouse in Cerritos to relax and have some snacks. It was great to see some familiar members again and was a pleasure to meet the new ones too.

"Made in LA"- an inspiring story for all

Having once worked at Forever 21, one summer in college, I was aware of the rumors surrounding the sweat shops and exploited labor forces that were in play to produce the clothing there. Being Asian-American, I was also told early on that the president of Forever 21 was Korean and as a worker, we were always informed to be on the lookout for a "Mr. Chang" who would periodicially make stops at his stores throughout the LA region. However, the realities of these conditions and the management at these retail stores didn't hit me until I watched "Made In LA", a documentary following the lives of three immigrant women as they struggled to overcome the difficulties of starting a new life in America.

With opening sequences that detail the poverties of the fashion district and contrasting images of the "American Dream" with the grafitti present in downtown LA, the themes of determined faith and apprehension in the face of the unknown are constantly displayed. Maria, a mother of 3, Lupe, who came to the States at the urging of her sister Esperanza, and Maura, who left her family behind in El Salvador, come together when they discover their common enemy in the garment industry that works to deny their connection with the sweat shops. Having nothing to lose and everything to gain, these women march forward to spread the word on having their rights taken from them, whether it was attending discussions in campus classrooms (such as Georgetown University) marching in protest in front of stores or even bringing the fight to Forever 21 President Do Won Chang's door, who resides comfortably in Beverly Hills.

Watching the women work from the ground up, it's a truly touching story of how this community unites on a common front against their enemy as they all struggle to stop the downwards spiraling economic conditions they're forced to live in. Joann Lo steps in to educate these workers, using drawings and examples to demonstrate her points. Kimi Lee, the Director at the center, also speaks out and in time, their fight reaches the LA Times, La Opinion and numerous news stations. The labor claim, assisted by attorney Julie Su, is shot down, however, and Forever 21 even turned the tables on the workers, claiming defamation.

As months pass, Joann brings these workers to Washington DC and Baltimore, as the group continues to keep up their spirits. In New York, they got a chance to visit their fellow struggling immigrant workers in a historic context at Ellis Island. 21 months in to their protest, the workers must deal with their own personal issues on top of everything else, such as Maura wondering where her son had gone since he attempted to cross the border. Just shy of 3 years into the protest, the court appeal comes back positive and the group gets a 2nd wind as they realize their dreams could come true. Within months, Mr. Chang finally signs an agreement and the families finally relieve themself of this burden that had been on their backs for years.

Coming from an immigrant family, I felt one of the more personally touching points was when Maura noted that she just wanted her children to have a life that was better than hers. With grander opportunities and the potential for an education and job that she didn't have, I could see the parallels between my own family and many others I know. These notions are dismissable because being raised as 2nd Generation Taiwanese-Americans, the surrounding benefits of an American childhood are easily taken for granted. Having a home with running water and eletricity, a school I didn't have to walk to in all weather conditions, and a college fund prepared for me in advance, I was challenged to take a second glance at the rights I assumed were mine. These women have gone through so much, sacrificing for their families and future, and I feel the least I can do is to thoroughly understand and be grateful and remain determined to make the most of what I have as well.

If you'd like to purchase the film, you can buy a copy for $25 plus $3 for shipping and handling. E-mail Joann Lo at natwa2admin@natwa.com to order it or find out more information at http://www.madeinla.com/

Tai Ke, United Nations, and Childhood Dreams

(Above) The stage at the September 15, 2007 rally in New York

Working in the Taiwanese American community in New York, I am always absorbed in the preparation for the “UN for Taiwan” grassroots movement every September. The annual peace rally and march at the Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, located in Manhattan across from the United Nations, is organized by the Committee for Admission of Taiwan to the United Nations (CATUN), which was established in 1992 through the Taiwanese American Council of Greater New York and represents more than 20 Taiwanese American organizations in the states of New York and New Jersey.

For 15 years, CATUN has been raising the voice for Taiwan on the topic of membership in the UN. It has been promoting Taiwan’s United Nations membership through peace rallies, marches and demonstrations, as well as cultural activities such as musical concerts and art exhibitions. Through articles in Taiwanese-American publications, Dr. Hong Tien Lai, chairperson of CATUN, emphasizes the importance of pushing on with the grassroots movement each September. However, due to the current condition in the international society and the past standpoint of the Taiwan government, the peace rally each September has become a routine annual event that comes across as perfunctory and presents no visible breakthrough opportunities.

(Right) Protestors,mainly NATWA members, including President Darice Lee from L.A., stand their ground in New York.

September of 2007, however, marks a historical milestone for the Taiwanese American’s “UN for Taiwan” grassroots movement. For the first time in history, the Taiwan government began using “Taiwan” instead of “Republic of China (ROC)” for the membership application, inspiring more than 3000 people, including Taiwanese Americans and non-Taiwanese Americans who support the issue, to join the peace rally and march on September 15th, 2007 at the Hammarskjold Plaza. This number of participants more than doubled the past record.

Current president and members of NTAWA devoted their time and energy for Taiwan to be in a four-day sit-in rally at the Hammarskjold Plaza from September 18th to 21st. The group, an average of 20 people, caught the attention of Americans and the English-speaking media, causing a breakthrough in the media coverage of the UN for Taiwan movement. Additionally, from friends I have also received emails about similar peace rallies held in countries around the globe, including Japan, the United Kingdom, and Europe. At the plaza in front of the Council of Europe, Taiwanese in Europe distributed educational materials in such diverse languages as English, French, Dutch, and German.

(Left) Traditional dances and outfits show authentic Taiwanese pride and culture

“I am Tai-Ke”
I am very touched by the passion and devotion of the many transportation coordinators across the US and Canada; their commitment inspired and encouraged many people to embark on the long rides to New York, taking as long as 15 hours one way, long enough to return to Taiwan from New York.

Among the most impressive UN-for-Taiwan emails I have received are actually two amazingly pleasant surprises. A couple of Caucasian owners of a lovely inn in New Jersey emailed me a supportive email with two pictures, showing bright blue sky and sky-typed words in white: UN FOR TAIWAN. The pictures were taken on their way to the JFK airport while sending off to a friend to China, who was told not to talk about the Taiwan/China relationship during his stay there. The few words in the sky prompted them to do some research and learn about Taiwan’s plight in the international society.

The other email came from a graduate student in England asking me if there are events he can join in the U.K. His name disclosed his Middle-Eastern ethnicity, and he mentioned that most of his knowledge about Taiwan came via a Caucasian friend teaching in a college in Taiwan. I visited the professor’s blog, entitled “The View from Taiwan” and enjoyed reading his analytical articles about his observation on Taiwan, including trips and travels, history and culture, the economy and politics, government policies, Taiwan and the world. In an article entitled “Why Hsieh Will Win”, he further provided his perspective on the 2008 presidential election.

As I was enjoying the blog, I was shocked when the graduate student in the UK emailed me in fluent Chinese characters to share with me his own blog. It is not an exaggeration to say that my jaw dropped as I read the eight Chinese characters in the name of his blog (the first four in Mandarin, the second four in Taiwanese): Wou De Wang Chi! Gua Si Tai Ke! (My blog! I am Tai Ke!) The bilingual blog’s content ranged from traveling in Taiwan, the rights of Taiwanese aboriginals, to music from soap operas that feature young Taiwanese idols. The term “Tai Ke,” while hard to find an appropriate translation in English due to the term’s rich cultural connotation, refers to local Taiwanese with strong grassroots characteristics. In a travel-related article on Taiwan in February 2006, The New York Times described “Tai Ke” as part of the country’s “vibrant cultural movement.” I certainly appreciate all the inspiration created by non-Taiwanese people who care about the island country.

(Right) Different chapters from the US came to represent their Taiwanese American

communities

Childhood Dreams

“UN Membership for Taiwan.” Is it simply a glorious dream or an achievable goal with a long journey? While I am not able to provide a definite answer now, I would like to share my impression regarding a speech that I heard recently. A week ago, I had the chance to watch a recorded speech by Professor Randy Pausch from the Carnegie Mellon University. While many universities invite soon-to-retire faculty members to talk at “The Last Lecture” speech series, Pausch’s talk is unique because the slim, humorous, and friendly professor, who is in his forties and has made outstanding contributions to the technology of virtual reality, is diagnosed with cancer and was told by doctors that he has only a few months left to live. It could literally be his “last lecture.”

The topic of the lecture is “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams.” Pausch shared with the audience the process, the people, and the incidents that occurred while realizing most of his childhood dreams. The speech is not filled with doctrines of the secrets of success, but rather a sensitive and humanitarian description of the process, the people, and the incidents involved while realizing most of his childhood dreams.

Toward the conclusion, Pausch purposefully and sincerely pointed out that the main point of the speech was not directed at how to realize your dreams, but more importantly, how to “lead your life.” If done appropriately, eventually the dreams will come to you. His conclusion reminded me of some words that a first-generation Taiwanese American told me while I shared with him my dream of some day doing cultural work in Taiwan: “Sometimes you can not even imagine” he said, “some of the things that can happen in life.”

In the face of achieving dreams and goals, from personal ones to those as grand as fighting for Taiwan to be part of the United Nations, it is, after all, the accumulation of every single step that counts and matters. Not only regular and routine steps but creative ones as well. At a speech on the topic of the UN and Taiwan at Columbia University, I met a second-generation Taiwanese American. She volunteered to organize a trip to Taiwan so the students at the School of International and Public Affairs would learn more about the country and the challenges it faces. Also, a Taiwanese-American artist had an installation project at the Hammarskjold Plaza for two days in mid October, expressing UN membership for Taiwan from a different angle. Through the actions of people expanding the movement by way of creative and diverse events, I feel certain it will then be possible, like the pursuit of all dreams and goals, to witness another historical milestone for the movement.

By Yi-Miao Huang

** Yi-Miao Huang would like to acknowledge NATWA for their efforts

Mid Year Meeting in Las Vegas

In sunny Las Vegas, the music is always blasting, people are always smiling and events are always happening. It was no exception the weekend of October 11-14, when NATWA held their semi-annual conference in the grand ballrooms of the Bellagio hotel and casino. Starting off with boxed meals and a night of introductions and ice breakers on Thursday, the members were all just excited to have made it safely. On Friday and Saturday mornings and afternoons, there were more workshops dedicated to “Conflict Management” interspersed with generous buffets for lunch and breakfast.

In between, numerous members and their families got to enjoy the luxuries that Las Vegas offers. Whether it was watching the Broadway musical “Producers”, lounging at the various pools or strolling down the Strip, everyone got to relax during their weekend getaway. The representing NATWA II members also brought out the philanthropist aspect to many members as they contributed items and bought other goods from our table in front of the ballroom to raise money.

All in all, this conference was a great way to mingle with other NATWA members from around California and out of the state and I’m sure the annual conference in Los Angeles will be even better!

By: Annie Chen

Perspectives on Taiwan and the United Nations: A Personal Journey

On September 15, I will be in New York to take part in the “UN for Taiwan” rally that will take place simultaneously with the one held in Taiwan. I have been looking forward to this event and am excited to see many friends there!It has been 35 years since the people of Taiwan have had any representation in the United Nations. Accordingly, Taiwan is not a member of any other UN-affiliated organizations, such as the World Health Organization, which failed to provide any medical assistance to Taiwan when SARS took 80 Taiwanese lives a few years ago. Year after year, the UN voted down proposals submitted by Taiwan’s diplomatic allies to discuss Taiwan’s UN representation in its annual gathering every September.

This year, the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon rejected Taiwan’s UN application outright without forwarding it to the Security Council as mandated by the council’s rules and procedures.Throughout my life, international relations have always been my passion. I pursued a minor in international relations for my undergraduate studies at National Cheng-chi University in Taipei. I was fascinated by the history, the grand missions and the humanitarian accomplishments of international organizations, such as the United Nations, as taught by my Taiwanese professors and from what I read in the text books. I memorized with enthusiasm everything we learned about all the good deeds done by the United Nations. My dream was to work in the United Nations one day. In my junior year in college, I had a chance to live in Cambridge, UK for a summer.

One weekend, all my friends planned to visit Spain, however, I was the only one from Taiwan and the only one who had to apply for a visa. The Spanish consulate told me that because Spain and Taiwan did not have diplomatic relations, I could not get my visa in time before my friends left for Spain. I was left alone in a big empty house while my friends waved goodbye and were on their way to drink Sangria, dance the Flamenco and visit the famously unfinished Sagrada Familia Cathedral in Barcelona. I then realized that, as a Taiwanese national, I would never be able to work for the United Nations – simply because Taiwan is not a member state.

I had believed that the United Nations existed to protect the weak, to right wrongs and injustices, and to assist those in need. I thought all people around the world could belong to the United Nations as the organization claims in its Charter. Apparently this did not apply to the people of Taiwan.

(Left) The UN Rally in Westwood

This year, for the first time ever, the Taiwanese government attempted to apply for UN membership under the name "Taiwan." Over the past decade, Taiwan's government pushed for the Republic of China's "returning" to the UN. Anyone with a tiny sense and understanding of world affairs would know that the older approach would never work. Today's Taiwan is a democratic and prosperous nation with a population larger than two thirds of the members of the UN. The name "Taiwan" is associated with many success stories known throughout the international community. Acer, BenQ, Chien-Ming Wang and many more – all "Made in Taiwan."

Ugly politics and naked Chinese intimidation stand in the way of Taiwan's accession to the UN. What upsets me even more is that the United States, the country where I reside today, repeatedly rejects Taiwan's plans of holding a referendum on this issue next spring. A referendum is the most basic democratic mechanism representing a people's will. It was the generation of Taiwanese democracy activists before us who sacrificed their lives and freedom, so that the people in Taiwan today could participate in peaceful referendums and free elections. How can the United States, while it champions global freedom and democracy, not support a referendum in Taiwan? If China were OK with the Taiwanese UN referendum, would the US then be OK with it as well? If the answer is yes, when did the redline of China become the redline of the US?

(Above) NATWA II Intern Annie Chen on the far right, along with mother and LA chapter board member Grace Chen on the far left with the grandparents in the middle


Getting Taiwan into the United Nations is hard. In a way, we have the whole world against us. But I believe in the spirit of Taiwan – the determination, the perseverance and the fortitude of the people of Taiwan. I yearn for the day when Taiwan is admitted to the UN and when a future generation with the same passion for international affairs as I have, will be able to serve in the United Nations, proudly, for Taiwan. If you are equally passionate about Taiwan’s membership in the UN or other international organizations, I encourage you to send an email to the US Government through www.capwiz.com/fapa or join me and other community members at the rally this Saturday in front of the United Nations in New York.

by Iris Ho

Iris Ho grew up near Snake Alley in Taipei. She holds a Masters degree in International Affairs from George Washington University and currently works at the Formosan Association for Public Affairs' Headquarters in Washington, DC. FAPA is a grassroots organization that promotes support for Taiwan on Capitol Hill.

San Francisco Get Together

Approximately 15 people, including two NATWA members, joined the get together at Jean Cheng's place. Jean cooked delicious snacks and people mingled for an hour. The get together was attended by old friends and new people. It brought together many Taiwanese American women who used to be active in the Taiwanese community but now are busy raising families or advancing their careers. Many new people, including daughters of NATWA members and people who had recently moved to the Bay area, also got to meet each other and expanded the social network.

The highlight of the get together was to screen Anita Chang's new documentary film called the Joyful Life. The Joyful Life is a feature documentary in collaboration with Hansen's disease (Leprosy) patients residing at Taiwan's Lo-Sheng ("Joyful Life"), one of the few remaining sanatoriums in the world, on the verge of disappearing. The film not only described an important part of Taiwan's public health history with regards to Leprosy but also revealed a unique survival story of the patients who depended on each other through this common disease.
Anita shared the touching journey of producing this film. Anita was one of the filmmakers that NATWA II showcased at the 2006 NATWA Convention. She now teaches film classes at both San Francisco State University in the United States and the National Dong Hua University in Hua Lien, Taiwan.

By Tsuann Kuo

Summer BBQ get-together!

Without a doubt, LA traffic is a cause for headache. Naturally, a trip from the San Fernando Valley to Long Beach would run into the infamous road blocks, traffic accidents and bumper-to-bumper wait in the heat and smog of summer in LA. For that reason, I was a little bit late to the summer barbeque event at Darice Hong's home, a beautiful home with a wide grassy backyard. The 15 members or so were joined by Darice's son in law and his family, completing our multi-ethnic barbeque. From babies to grandparents, there was also a large age gap which added to the liveliness of the gathering.


Darice and the other assisting women who showed up from NATWA graciously prepared many good things to eat, including donuts, watermelno, meat and vegetarian skewers and all assortments of drinks. Then we were given the opportunity to make our own egg rolls, wrapping the already made stuffing in the wrappers to enjoy later on.

Meanwhile, indoors, Tsuann and Joann showed a spoken word video featuring Kelly Tsai and directed by Karen Lin titled "Bystanding: the beginning of an American experience". It was followed by a music video short called "Perfection" starring Ming Na, detailing the struggles of Asian-Americans to constantly strive towards perfection in the eyes of our culture.

New members signed up to be a part of NATWA II and Tshirts were sold on behalf of TaiwaneseAmerica.org with patterns that reflect culturally authentic Taiwanese American foods. It was a fun afternoon, and on behalf of everyone present, we thank Darice for opening up her home to us and making it a great get together!