NATWA II Newsletter

Announcements!

2008-05-25T19:08:00.000-07:00

***The NATWA Mid-Year Conference will take place in Charleston, SC. October 17-19, 2008. check back for more information!

***NATWA II is looking for members in Atlanta, GA, to become our local representatives for the 2009 NATWA Convention (April 18-20, 2009). Please contact natwa2@natwa.com if you can help.

***FAPA YPG National Conference 2008

What: Advocacy training for Taiwan

When: Friday, July 18, 2008 at 6:00pm through Monday, July 21, 2008 at 12:00pm

Where: Capitol Hill, Washington, DC

For more info, check http://www.fapa.org/

NATWA 3 Corner

2008-05-25T18:55:00.000-07:00

To celebrate NATWA 2 turning 3 years old, we are going to start a "NATWA 3 Corner".

To get us started, let us just introduce a few exciting programs and books for parents to consider:

Summer Camps for Taiwanese Americans....

West Coast:

The Taiwanese American Youth Leadership (TAYL) Summer Camp in SF Bay Area focuses on strengthening leadership skills and fostering involvement in the Taiwanese American community (for Grade 6-12).

This camp will be held from Thursday 6/19/2008 to Sunday 6/22/2008 at the beaches of the Marin Headline Institute in Sausalito, CA.

For more information or to download registration forms, check out http://www.tayl.org/.

Mid-West:

The Taiwanese American Foundation's Annual Summer Camp is the longest and biggest summer camp for Taiwanese Americans from Grade Schools all the way to College.

This camp will be held July 27 - August 3, 2008 in Manchester, Indiana.

For more info, check http://www.tafworld.org/.

East Coast:

The Taiwanese American Next Generation (TANG), known as part of a larger organization known as TACEC (Taiwanese American Conference - East Coast), will hold its program on June 19-23 on a Cruise to Canada.

For more info, check http://www.tacec.org/tang/index.html.

Children and Young Adult Books

NATWA II's very own Justina Chen Headley (http://www.justinachenheadley.com/) and Grace Lin (http://www.gracelin.com/) have exciting books out this year.

Check the websites for their latest works or www.natwa.com/natwa2 to read their intimate debut sharing with NATWA ladies from the 2006 NATWA Convention!

Application for 08-09 Internship Program

2008-05-22T08:45:00.000-07:00

North America Taiwanese Women’s Association Internship Program

2008-2009

North America Taiwanese Women’s Association (NATWA) was founded in Los Angeles in 1988 as a non-profit organization. To learn more about NATWA, please visit our website at http://www.natwa.com/. In 2002, the NATWA Board passed an initiative to recruit members from younger generations to form “NATWA II.”

The purposes for establishing NATWA II are as follows:

To establish a network- and support-based group consisting of young Taiwanese American and Canadian women.

To create a database for young Taiwanese American and Canadian female professionals.

To embrace and cultivate various talents of young Taiwanese American and Canadian women.

The objective of this internship program for NATWA II is to help develop the technical, communications, and organizational capacity for the NATWA II program. Our website is www.natwa.com/natwa2.

Candidate qualifications:

To apply, candidates should meet the following requirements:

1. 1.5 or 2nd generation Taiwanese American/Canadian Women in or post college study
2. Recommended by NATWA Chapters, board members, or ally organization
Appointment and Duties:

This is a twelve-month (mid-July 2008 to mid-July 2009), part-time appointment. During the term, the intern will commit at least 16 hours per quarter to help the NATWA II Committee.
Under the leadership of the NATWA II Committee Co-Coordinators, the intern will assist in organizational planning, member recruitment, and program development, particularly for the NATWA annual convention April 16-19, 2009, in Atlanta.

The intern will take the lead in producing and editing the NATWA II e-newsletter and website, along with NATWA II’s other intern. The intern will also assist with maintaining the NATWA II listserv.

The intern is required to participate in planning and conducting the NATWA II program at and to attend the 2009 NATWA convention. NATWA will supplement expenses up to US$300 for the intern to attend the 2009 convention (meals will be paid for by NATWA).

The intern should attend the NATWA mid-year leadership meeting October 16-19, 2008, in Charleston, South Carolina. If the intern cannot attend, she must notify one of the NATWA II Committee Co-Coordinators. NATWA will supplement expenses up to US$300 for the intern to attend the mid-year meeting (meals will be paid for by NATWA).

Progress and final reports from the intern to the NATWA president are due on at the mid-year meeting and the convention, respectively.

Stipend:
US$1,000 ($500 at the mid-year meeting in October 2008 and $500 at the convention in April 2009.)

Application requirements:

Application form (see following page)

Most up-to-date resume
A short essay on community service experience
Letter of recommendation from a NATWA chapter, board member, or ally organization

Application deadline: June 30, 2008

Please email the application package to: natwa2@natwa.com. NATWA II Committee Co-Coordinators are TsuAnn Kuo and Joann Lo.

North America Taiwanese Women’s Association Internship Program
2008-2009
Application Form

Name: __________________________

Birth Date: _________________
SSN# _______________________________
e-mail address: ______________________
Address: _____________________

__________________________

__________________

Current School (if applicable): ___________________________________

Major: _______________________

Expected Completion Date: _________________

Field of work (if applicable):_____________________________________

Recommended by: NATWA ________________

Chapter or NATWA Board member _____________________________
NATWA ally organization _______________________________

Recipient will be notified by July 13, 2008.

Icebreakers and Introductions

2008-05-20T09:13:00.000-07:00

By Cynthia Liao

(a big THANKS to Shu-Jon Mao for the amazing photos used in this article!)

I got to the Westin Bonaventure at around 3:30 pm, right as the NATWA II programming was scheduled to start. After getting lost a couple of times looking for the NATWA Convention in Los Angeles’s most confusing hotel, I finally had my nametag, my registration packet, and a hotel employee’s directions to the San Gabriel Room on the first floor, which would serve as NATWA II’s home base for the weekend.

There were only four or five NATWA II ladies there at first, accompanied by three first-generation women. However, as people started trickling in, I realized with pleasure that about half were familiar faces I had seen at last year’s Convention in Seattle while the other half were newcomers, some who had heard about it through email and others who had been brought in by friends and relatives. Being a student myself, I was glad to see that there were at least two other college students there, Sherry and Carolyn. And coming from both the Bay Area and Cerritos, CA, I was surprised but pleased to see that both places were well-represented.

After going around one round of introductions, Tsuann (re-)introduced us to NATWA II and asked for our input on how to get more 1.5- and 2nd-generation Taiwanese American and Canadian women involved. Afterward, we broke out the chips and drinks (water and juice for us under-21’s, of course) for happy hour and played Annie’s cartoon-character guessing game. In between asking yes-no questions to figure out what cartoon character’s name was written on a nametag that we couldn’t see, we caught up with old friends and met new people. All in all, an easy time, a relaxing hour before the first convention’s banquet and our performance at NATWA Night.

Balancing Act: NATWA II Session, NATWA Annual Convention, April 2008

2008-05-12T17:12:00.001-07:00

By Stephanie Yang (shown on the right)

(a big THANKS to Shu-Jon Mao for the amazing photos used in this article!)

Somedays I feel like a broken record is following me around in those moments I get a glimpse into a stranger’s life while fighting for personal space on a crowded bus or at the local hipster coffee shop in a line that tumbles out the door. I overhear conversations that eerily mimic those I continue to have with friends, with my siblings, with peers. What does it mean to have balance? How do we really find the point when life, work, family, art, passion and love are all able to strike equilibrium in our lives?

As a single woman in my mid-30s, I have been confronting this question head on for several years now, with ferver and determination. I have found some answers that fit for my reality, however may questions still remain. At the recent NATWA Annual Convention in Los Angeles in April this year, Michi Fu, a NATWA II member, deftly facilitated a interactive discussion on these precise questions with the NATWA II group. Michi’s skill in coaxing questions, strategies and stories out of each of the session participants helped to create an open and safe space in which the often daunting nature of defining how to achieve balance in our lives started to become an attainable goal for many of us in the room. Specific strategies were shared, such as online resources and tools (ie. www.worklifebalance.com) to books that have been written within a variety of sectors to support this journey.

The discussion was about finding ways to take a step forward – through telling stories and building community. As the group discussed the deeply shared experience of the challenge we meet in learning how to say „NO“, to the childhood (and also adult) realities many of us also shared of needing to be „perfect“ as our parents compared us to other people’s daughters, relationships within

the group began to deepen…we all began to recognize ourselves in the other women in the room. Though each of us face different challenges to balance – some of us have children, some of us are partnered, some of us are still in school, others are artists, physicians, non-profit professionals, or finance professionals – the space provided by NATWA II at this year’s conference helped me achieve a much needed deep breath, knowing that I am not alone on this journey. The myriad stories that were shared helped ground the conversation in the reality that balance is not nearly as elusive as it may at times seem, however, what it looks like will inevitively shift throughout our lives, as our priorities and interests evolve. As we build community among second generation Taiwanese-American women through this work, we are building a network of support and encouragement for each of us to find the tools we need to create the balance and change we seek in our lives.

As we all prioritize ourselves in taking care of our needs, we are ultimately taking care of each other and our community. Having this open space at the NATWA conference met a growing need in me to connect with other Taiwanese American women in real and authentic ways. I look forward to future spaces to expand and deepen these conversations and relationships – and to keep learning from one another about how the game of finding balance continues to be played.

NATWA II's participation in NATWA Night

2008-05-12T11:14:00.001-07:00

By Tina Lo, Ohio

(a big THANKS to Shu-Jon Mao for the amazing photos used in this article!)

NATWA Night was quite entertaining – at least what I saw of it (and can remember of it). Watching women from our mothers’ generation sing and dance on stage was a blast! I was quite impressed with how much preparation some of the groups went through – from matching outfits, elaborate costumes, choreographed routines, and props. I cannot read Chinese, so I do not know which groups performed when, but I was especially impressed by the singer that was accompanied by violin and piano, the groups that danced with umbrellas, and the group that danced with hand-held baskets.

Of course, I cannot forget to mention Jen Shyu and her performances. I had no expectations concerning her singing, since I had never heard her sing or seen her perform before. Though NATWA II practiced our song with her prior to our singing, we only heard her singing as she stood with us. Her music, though quite different from the other songs performed at NATWA Night, was unique, her performances quite moving. Even though I did not understand a word of what she was singing (I really had no idea in what language her songs were sung, except for the one we sang with her), I was moved by her art – which her performances really are – as I think just about everyone in the audience was.

I wish I could have been in the audience when NATWA II sang with Jen Shyu. My initial reaction upon learning that we would have to get on stage and sing was, “No way! How am I supposed to learn this song in such a short period of time? I can’t even read Taiwanese.” But, after practicing together Friday afternoon and, again, before our turn on stage, I thought we actually sounded pretty good! But, what did I know? I sing with preschoolers all day long; there’s a reason I don’t sing when other adults are around. How did we sound to our aunts, uncles, mothers, fathers, and others in the audience? All in all, I think we did do a great job and, for that, we should undoubtedly be proud!

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to review NATWA Night and Jen Shyu’s performance with NATWA II.

Silent Auction: “Made in Taiwan” – Art Exhibit

2008-05-08T12:52:00.000-07:00

By: Carolyn Jao

The silent auction began on the second day of the convention, Saturday morning. The previous night NATWA II members packaged the donated items and organized them into an inventory. All the items were donated by NATWA and NATWA II members and included some aboriginal furnishings and clothing (mugs, hats, bags) as well as journals, pens, key chains, picture frames and even original art work.

“Made in Taiwan” used to be perceived as those items that were of cheap, mass production quality but Taiwan has evolved to producing quality items that embodies our identity. The exhibit is a proud statement of an accomplishment that Taiwan has achieved – “Made in Taiwan” no longer is perceived with a negative connotation.

Freddy Lim -Stepping outside the conventions

2008-05-08T12:40:00.000-07:00

By: Winnie Wang, Ph.D.

Director of Sponsored Research, Claremont McKenna College
Lecturer, University of California, Los Angeles

Setting: Westin Bonaventure Hotel, Los Angeles April 19, 2008

(a big THANKS to Shu-Jon Mao for the amazing photos used in this article!)

On April 19th, 2008, I arrived at the Bonaventure Hotel’s Japanese Restaurant with Freddy Lim for lunch. This lunch and receiving a generous scholarship from the North American Taiwanese Women’s Association 2 (NATWA2) were transformative experiences that have affected my sense of identity. I was born in Taipei, Taiwan and came to Los Angeles when I was seven years old. At the time, my neighborhood was largely Caucasian with a handful of Asians and Latinos. Now it is heavily populated by Asians and Latinos. My best friends in elementary and high school were Korean and Cantonese and I did not know any other Taiwanese person in my class. It was only in my graduate school at the age of twenty four that I began to have an awareness of my own cultural identity. I finally found my own voice, identity, and understanding of who I am and where I came from.

When I was little, my father spoke to me about Taiwanese history, politics, and his love for Taiwan and I would nod and feign interest in what he was talking about. That led to many arguments and unhappiness. He didn’t understand why his daughter had become so “Americanized” and didn’t seem to care about Taiwan or know anything about Taiwanese history. Since I would only see my dad for four months of the year, every year, he felt that it was very important for him to educate his daughter about Taiwan. I only became interested in the conversation when I started delving into Asian American history myself.

(drawn by Carolyn Jao)

I began reading about Asian American history because of a class in UCLA during my fourth year in college. I continued that interest in graduate school and eventually graduated with a Ph.D. in Higher Education with an emphasis in Asian American Studies. Then, I began teaching undergraduate and graduate classes at UCLA that were cross-listed in both Asian American Studies and Education Department. Don’t you just hate it when your parents turn out to be right about certain things in life? All those lectures from my parents turned out to be extremely useful in my teaching.

One day, I was debating with my father whether I should go back to Taiwan before the Presidential election or after the Presidential election. My father’s response was if you do not arrive here before the Presidential election, do not bother coming back! I was shocked by my father’s response and gave the issue some serious thought. My father counts down the days before my arrival to Taiwan every year and looks forward to the visits with eager anticipation. Why would he respond like that? I came to understand on March 15, 2008; the day of my arrival. We immediately took the high speed train from Taiwan to Kaohsiung to participate in the Presidential rally in Frank Hsieh’s mayoral city. My parents are not the most active people in the world, but when it comes to Taiwan’s future, they get up and participate in street rallies that form a human chain from the northern tip of Taiwan to the southern tip of Taiwan. I was moved to tears from the passion and plight of my people.

Freddy Lin was the most inspirational figure to me. I saw him on TV every day campaigning for Frank Hsieh. While about forty TV stations and all the major newspapers supported the Kuo Min Tang (KMT), only two TV stations and one newspaper spoke for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Freddy came out in support of Taiwanese Independence, by giving back all the money he raised to support the DPP party.

Freddy Lin is the leader of a popular Taiwanese black metal band called Chthonic. The band’s mission is to bring to light the tragic history and unique myths of Taiwan to the modern era. The themes of the songs revolve around the defiant spirit of the early indigenous Taiwanese people, fictional war between aboriginal gods with Han gods, Taiwanese folklore and mythology, and historical events such as the 228 incident. For more information about the 228 incident, please visit

http://www.romantization.com/books/formosabetrayed/index.html.

The text, “Formosa Betrayed” written by George H. Kerr, has been made available free for download. Freddy stated that, “95% of the youth in Taiwan do not know about the historical events that occurred less than 60 years ago.” He believes that without educating the youth about these events, history is bound to repeat itself. In 2007, Freddy along with other artists organized an international music festival to commemorate the sixtieth anniversary of the 228 incident. The festival was entitled, “Spirit of Taiwan: with justice we cure this nation.”

Thanks to my good friends Lee-May Huang and Linda Kuo, I got to sit next to Freddy during lunch and had the opportunity to interview him for this article. I asked Freddy, “Why would you fly all the way from Taiwan and come to Los Angeles for only a day to meet with us?” He candidly replied, “Because I love Taiwan. I want Taiwan to prosper. I have no intentions of leaving Taiwan. I will be living in Taiwan for the next 40-50 years and I plan to have children there as well. This is what motivates me for greater change. I want Taiwan to prosper.” He asked me, “Why do you care about Taiwan? You live in America. You found an avenue to leave Taiwan, so why do you still care? I’m not so sure I would care if I lived in America.” I said, “I care because it is my homeland. My parents live in Taiwan. For me, even though I live in the U.S. and am an American citizen, I do not identify as being American. I’m Taiwanese American.” I asked him what does he think needs to be done in the future? He said, “So many DPP politicians keep asking me to recruit more DPP youth to join the party. My belief is that the DPP party needs to clean itself out and get rid of the corrupt self-serving politicians before new blood comes into the party.”

He continued, “I believe in Taiwan independence. I’m very open to any kind of new ideas on how to achieve that goal. I believe that Taiwan should be a sovereign nation and we need to have entrance into world organizations such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization. We may have different ideas on how to get to that end goal but the common denominator is that, as long as we all believe in that goal, any avenue in which we reach that goal is a possibility that needs to be explored. I’m willing to collaborate with people with different ideas and work together to reach that goal.” Freddy stated, “I’m encouraged to meet so many young Taiwanese professionals who care and love Taiwan. No matter whichever profession you are in, we can cooperate and make Taiwan prosper.”

Witnessing the passion this man has for Taiwan, makes me ashamed of my lack of participation in the Taiwanese Independence movement. However, I intend on changing that. According to the bible, Jesus states, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Luke 9:11) Does it really matter how I got motivated to do something about this issue? Yes, a wonderfully inspirational Taiwanese singer with a social agenda moved me to tears. I invite you to join us in the Taiwanese Independence movement. Thank you NATWA 2 and especially Tsuann Kuo and Joann Lo for extending me this opportunity to learn more about myself and my community.

The NATWA speakers: Chinling's thoughts

2008-05-08T12:34:00.001-07:00

By: ChinLing Chen

This is my first year attending the NATWA annual conference. I got this information through the FAPA Young Professional Group mailing list. Since my mom was never active in Taiwanese women societies, I didn’t know what to expect. I applied for a NATWA II scholarship and I was very fortunate to be funded. Not long after the cherry blossom festival here in DC, I landed in LA and stayed with a high school friend of mine. On the first day in the conference, I didn’t know anyone, but quickly I made acquaintances with around twenty young Taiwanese American women, some were born here and some immigrated to this country like me.

Among the several NATWA II programs that I liked, I especially want to share my experience listening to the presentation of the former vice president in the Executive Yuan in Taiwan, Ing-Wen Tsai. Her inspiring speech focused on her specialties: politics and economics in Taiwan. She was also the former director of the Mainland Affairs Council (陸委會). The issue of China was discussed, since many people believed that Taiwan’s economy will better if the relationship between China and Taiwan is strengthened. Speaking of the growing Chinese economy, Ms.Tsai said that there are many other industries that don’t need to rely so heavily on China, such as research and development or tourism. Many strong economic partners with China didn’t put all of their eggs in one basket. Taiwan should not devote the majority of resources and investments in mainland China; if so, the increased risks are inevitable.

Over the past eight years, the international economy in general has not been in very good condition. Under these circumstances, Taiwan has managed to have an annual economic growth rate at around 3 to 5 percent. In her opinion, this is very successful. Though citizens in Taiwan are not fully satisfied with this achievement, from an economist’s perspective, our government has done a great job in terms of stabilizing the economy and gradually changing the structure of the economy.

The DPP held office for eight years, but starting from May this year, the KMT will be in office and the DPP will be the absolute minority in the congress. Many new legal and economic infrastructures implemented during the past eight years of the DPP regime will not be carried on for at least the next four years. It is a pity that the DPP cannot implement its ideas for a longer period of time. The DPP developed a long-term plan, and only eight years is too short to see some significant changes in our economy.

After Ms. Tsai began her service in the government, she urged strongly for government reform. One observation is that there are too many layers in the government. From local, county, regional to state level, resources have been distributed down to a smaller scale, which means each level only receives little money. That money is too little to bring in major changes, but if that money is not used or cannot provide change, the public opinion may not be in favor of a certain officer, so he or she may have difficulties in seeking reelection. Another problem is that the government didn’t train enough qualified individuals to make important decisions. Since each local office is only in charge of relatively trivial things, public servants don’t have broad vision or skills to serve in higher level decision-making agencies. Lack of qualified politicians cannot contribute to any healthy democracy. Taiwan needs more experienced politicians to lead the county to a new era in the 21st century.

At the end of her presentation, she expressed her worries about the newly elected president and the newly formed government. The right of self determination should not be lost to the short-term economic gain. Business interests and governmental interests should be viewed differently. Taiwan has its sovereignty and Taiwanese people have made it very clear that we are separate from China.

The other keynote speaker was Freddy Lim. His band, ChthoniC (閃靈), a rock n' roll band categorized as black metal, consisting of five local young Taiwanese people who have travelled worldwide and received quite a lot international media coverage. Earlier this year, before the presidential election, Freddy decided to form a group and raise awareness of public involvement among younger generations. These voters may be disappointed in politics and hence have come to a point of not caring about public affairs anymore or feeling a sense of deep helplessness. Freddy successfully brought the younger voters together and this force became a strong one in the last stage of the campaign process.

After the great battle resulted in the defeat of the DPP, Freddy admitted that he was depressed for at least three days. During those days, he didn’t give up on Taiwanese democracy. He is confident that once the citizens on the island persist in fighting for our own future, hope will never be lost. He wants to continue on bringing together younger generations and making public issues more relevant to each individual at a personal level.

He mentioned that many current public issues had high thresholds for the general public to understand fully or to easily enter public discussion. His goal is to incorporate as many issues as possible and make these issues become easy to understand and discuss. Another example that he gave is about the media. Media is undoubtedly very biased in Taiwan, and his strategy is to create a trend that believing all what media says is outdated. Everyone should have a sense of responsibility in what they receive and believe.

He has great hope that Taiwan, the country he loved, will be a better place if each citizen takes a part and does what he or she is good at doing in helping this country to be on its own one day. I am impressed that he, at such a young age, has a very clear road map and clearly articulates his ideas about the future campaign. His warm encouragement is very much needed at this dreadful moment not long after the election. I admire his courage and appreciate his every effort to fight for Taiwan. We do share very common goals and we will all keep doing what we have been doing in supporting Taiwan in anyway possible.

Attending NATWA II is such a worthwhile experience. I benefited from not only the keynote speakers, but each one of the members in our group. Sessions like how to balance your life, brainstorming for recruiting, or singing together were such joyful memories that I will never forget. I will try my best to spread out the word and look forward to seeing a bigger, better, stronger community of North American Taiwanese Women. At the end, I want to give special thanks to Joann, Tsuann and many others for organizing such a great event.

Where Jazz, Taiwan, and the Vocal Stylings of Jen Shyu Fuse

2008-05-07T14:27:00.000-07:00

(a big THANKS to Shu-Jon Mao for the amazing photos used in this article!)

Moderated by Hochie Tsai

"It doesn't matter if you don't know the music well, I just want you to sing it loud and proud," Jen Shyu declares, as she teaches a traditional Taiwanese folk song to a group of her peers at the North American Taiwanese Womens Association's 2nd Generation program in Los Angeles. This is, after all, a conference where the focus is on connecting the community, bridging this generation with the ones before, and taking pride in their collective sisterhood. During this session, Jen easily captures the group's attention both with her glowing, forceful stage presence as well as her beautiful and captivating voice.

Officially, I am here on behalf of TaiwaneseAmerican.org to support NATWA II and to raise funds for their excellent array of year-round programs and scholarships. But secretly, I feel privileged to be surrounded by a group of talented and amazing women representing various professions, from community organizers to industry executives, from physicians to filmmakers. Artists certainly abound in this unique group of 2nd generation Taiwanese American women. Vocalist and composer Jen Shyu is certainly no exception, as her name is familiar among the modern jazz circles around the world.She is here at this conference to perform at the closing night dinner and to share her stories with at least three generations of women of Taiwanese heritage. I'm fortunate enough to chat with her briefly to find out more about her dynamic career.

H: How do you describe your music? Does “jazz fusion” correctly capture the essence of your style?

J: Well, I would say my music is a combination of who I am starting with the classical training I received, similar to many Asian Americans who are the children of immigrant parents. In this generation, there are many like me who pursued piano and violin, but in high school and college, I also studied opera. Then, I went through a rebellion period after college graduation.

H: Rebellion?

J: Yes, I had met a group of Asian American jazz musicians, and that was my entrance into jazz and “creative music.” They inspired me to draw from my ancestry as an influence on my music.Moving to New York was my full entrance into the tradition of jazz and also the rupture of my illusion of what I thought was “jazz,” which is what they say critics called it back in the day before musicians started calling it that. I began to learnthe real meaning and spirit of jazz. What it means to me now is a gestalt and complete unity of influences, from the music of Taiwan that I began to research, from classical to straight-ahead jazz, and from traditions around the world such as in Brazil and Cuba. From this process of self-discovery comes my music.

H: I must admit that I am quite impressed by your music and all the great musicians you've worked with, including Francis Wong and Jon Jang who are certainly well-recognized as musicians and activists!

J: Yes. I think what they taught me as well as other creative artists in the Asian improv circles in the San Francisco Bay Area was to widen our range. The artists in the Asian Improv community weren’t just Asian - they were any creative artist searching for their roots, whether they were Native American, Egyptian, Puerto Rican - we were all in touch with this part of expressing ourselves. As Francis advised, “you should find out what your job is in this world, this universe.” Both Jon and Francis were mentors that offered such sacred wisdom. Even as I moved from San Francisco to New York, their influence was and still is strong. They were my “creative parents” since my real parents weren’t musicians or artists and couldn’t give that specific advice to me. Jon and Francis were so politically active, and they inspired me to be as well.

H: : Talking about people, places, and time… you're so well-traveled! You've been to Holland, France, Italy, England, and Germany. You tour regularly through other parts of Europe. And currently, you’re in New York singing with Steve Coleman and Five Elements, right?

J: Exactly. That was another big change for me. I had lived in San Francisco for three years prior to meeting Steve Coleman. I was introduced to Steve by a Cuban drummer friend when I was visiting New York. At that time, I was just considering moving to New York, but I was still a little scared. When I met Steve and gave him my jazz CD, he said to me later, “well you have a nice voice, but what do you want to do with it? Do you want to just sing jazz standards or do you want to put yourself into the music?” What he was saying to me was that I should work harder to create and compose music that included my background. He thought that I had more potential than singing other people’s jazz songs. He pushed me to go further. He also pushed me to go back to Taiwan – the last time I had been there was when I was 7 yrs old.

H: Tell me more about that, the desire to find Taiwanese influences.

J: Working with Asian Improv gave me the initial desire to investigate Taiwanese folk songs. Before I went off to college, my dad had stuffed a collection of folk songs into my luggage. But because I was into musical theater, opera, Western classical music, and other music,I never looked at it. Francis and Jon inspired me to check out that Taiwanese music and see if I could do something with it, which they often did in their music. So that was when I realized I need to go back to Taiwan in order to see the land, be among the people, and speak the language to really understand where this music was coming from. But I was floating, riding on the standards CD I had just produced, waiting for a grant which I didn’t get... and I knew that I eventually wanted to move to New York and also go to Taiwan, but I had this apartment lease, this teaching gig, a car, all these other excuses. So during this in-limbo period, I took some lessons with Steve, who was conceiving an album with voices and he was interested in my voice. When I told him of my desire of going to Taiwan as I knew it was the only way for me to get inside of those folk songs, he simply said, “Why don’t you just go? You could get hit by a bus tomorrow, and then what? You have to go now!” I took him seriously. During those lessons, he introduced me to the music of Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, Von Freeman, in that he had me listen to their improvisations by ear and sing it back by memory.

It was difficult at first, like learning a new language. This is where it really begins - listening and getting inside of the music, the era, and the mentality - this is how you begin studying improvisation. And one of the most sophisticated traditions of improvisation is this jazz tradition which was developed by African Americans, which inspired me to find myself. After those lessons, I broke my apartment lease, quit my teaching gig, and went straight to Taiwan.

H: That is amazing! Share some of your experiences in Taiwan.

J: I went for two months on a low budget. I visited my father’s relatives who gave me some leads to finding some folk music singers like Tsai Chen Nan and aboriginal scholars and singers, like this urban Amis tribe choir managed by a government councilman and activist named Song Jing Tsai. These were great leads since I basically started from zero, just hanging out, learning Mandarin by immersion. I took some conversation lessons and tried to get a feel for things culturally. It was amazing. I came back, sang on a recording with Steve. And after that, I went off to Cuba to research the Chinese community and the history of Chinese laborers in Cuba, which was another desire lying dormant. I planned this trip when I planned the Taiwan trip, following Steve’s advice - his advice was basically the catalyst for me to do all the things I wanted to do. He always said that “Success is doing what you want to do. It doesn’t have to be fame or money like how most people see it.” I remember him also telling me that “money is an illusion” in that you don’t need a lot of money to do what you want to do. I really found that to be true on my trip to Taiwan, and those words have since been liberating. After that, he asked me to sing on some gigs in Europe, so then I moved to New York and have been in his band ever since.

H: What's it like being a Taiwanese American woman in the world of jazz? I know I certainly can't name any other person doing what you are doing right now.

J: Well I think it is powerful thing for me. My father is Taiwanese, my mother is from East Timor. I’ve related in the sense that I believe in freedom and human rights. Liberty - it seems Taiwan has been robbed of that time after time with a history of being colonized. It’s something that speaks to me very strongly. So I try to create my own sound, my own path. I don’t want to just go straight classical, straight jazz or pop. Or just to make money. It’s an underground venture, not just about money or popularity. It’s the whole Taiwanese fight as the underdog. I feel a certain resonance with that. Even what I’m doing is a political statement in itself. I’m not following what most parents are expecting, pursuing that safe job, doing something more mainstream. In going against that, it is a political statement. It is a natural part of who I am. A lot of it stems from racism, growing up in the Midwest, and my desire for justice and to break stereotypes. Going through all of this, I realize that I am proud, and that I really want to share this pride with and influence other Taiwanese Americans.

H: It’s your first time at this NATWA conference. Are you enjoying yourself?

J: I love it. It is amazing to meet such amazing women with whom I instantly feel such symbiosis. It’s such a revelation that we’ve been through the same thing. It’s so great! It’s also great that the older generation is here at same time. It’s very inspiring. It’s a great reminder to me as well. As an artist, even though I love people, it’s easy to become engulfed by your art, and since I compose best in solitude without distractions, the act of creating can be a lonely activity. So it’s good to be in touch with fellow Taiwanese Americans.

H: You’ve got your CD entitled For Now out. What's next for you?

J: I have another album that I want to put out; it’s my own original music, not jazz standards. It was cultivated over the past three years with my band called Jade Tongue in New York. The album includes some of these Taiwanese arrangements that I’m performing here at NATWA, and it’s my desire to share Taiwanese culture to mainstream America through these songs because the music and culture are embedded in each other. You can’t separate them. With my dad and cousin’s help, I translated the songs into English or Spanish, and I perform them in a modern and improvisational context. It’s still an ongoing project, and I hope to involve other languages to expose even more people to Taiwanese culture and music.

I also have a community project I want to start. I want to gather children of immigrants who just moved to the Bronx, which is where I live in New York. I plan to hold workshops where these children of immigrants will have to learn folk songs from their parents first and then teach and learn songs from each other. Imagine that - Generations communicating culture through music, teaching each other, finding commonalities through music, learning from differences, promoting peace and understanding. It’s such a beautiful thing.

H: One last question: Stinky tofu or bubble tea?

J: Definitely bubble tea.

H: Sweet!

J: Oh, one more thing I wanted to share; it is advice that I live by, or at least try my best. In the words of filmmaker John Cassavetes to Martin Scorcese: “Film what you want to film, what you need to film, not what you CAN film.” As with music, if you have the skills, it’s very easy just to execute the styles that have been well established, but it’s much harder work to do or create something that is really you.

As I sit here and listen to her share her journey through the fusion of life and music, it’s clear to me that life and music are one and the same for her. She knows that challenges lie ahead of her in this very unique and stylized path through the world of jazz. I can see in her eyes that she realizes it is not going to be immediately rewarding materially or by mainstream standards, but I can already tell that she has succeeded in discovering what is most important - living life with passion.

Visit Jen Shyu's website at: JenShyu.com

Listen to some of her work at: www.MySpace/JenShyu

Purchase Jen's latest solo CD: JenShyu.com/order.html

Human Rights Panel review

2008-05-06T16:41:00.000-07:00

By Lisa Chen

(a big THANKS to Shu-Jon Mao for the amazing photos used in this article!)

Most people probably don’t get the opportunity to learn and understand about the different types of human rights. So, it was great that at this year’s NATWA II Convention, we were able to hold a human rights panel. There were four speakers, and each of them works in a specific area of human rights. The four topics brought up at the panel were: domestic violence, immigration, workers’ rights, and youth and health.

Chun-Yen Chen from the Asian Pacific Women’s Center spoke about domestic violence and emphasized that power and control are the basis for domestic violence. Domestic abuse comes in various forms, such as emotionally, physically, spiritually, psychologically, verbally, and financially. Chun-Yen said that domestic violence isn’t just a bruise, it’s the heart.

Chia-Chia Wang from the American Friend Service Committee talked about immigration. She mentioned that there are push-pull factors for people to migrate. The push factors can consist of economic or political persecution. The pull factors may consist of trying to get a better education or a better life. Immigration rights include the right to an education and the right to vote. Chia-Chia spoke of how public policy should be influenced the most for those who needs it the most.

(on the right: Chia-Chia Wang)

Betty Hung from the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles talked about workers’ rights. She mentioned that 93% of domestic workers in Los Angeles make only about $5 an hour and work about 64 hours a week. In Koreatown alone, 97% of the shops and restaurants are breaking labor laws. Betty mentioned that it was crucial that we all should try to comply with the labor laws and give and show respect to everyone.

Jennifer Kuo from the Orange County Asian Pacific Islander Community Alliance spoke about youth and health. She has worked on voting rights projects for Asian and Pacific Islander youths. Jennifer has been an integral part of the OCAPICA through the youth and internship programs that she coordinates.

All four speakers at the panel are truly dedicated to their work and in raising a voice for the specific human rights area that they are involved with. Human rights was truly an eye-opening topic that I enjoyed learning about.

(on the right: Jennifer Kuo)

A reflection on Asian-Americans and their role in serving the human rights' community

2008-05-04T10:05:00.000-07:00

(a big THANKS to Shu-Jon Mao for the amazing photos used in this article!)

by: Sherry Liou

Sitting in a room full of first generation Taiwanese American women (and a few men), listening to the many second generation Taiwanese American women discuss their works in various human rights issues, instilled in me a great sense of appreciation and admiration; appreciation for the interest that the older generations have in the issues that we face in the current society, and admiration for the women who are making a change and fighting for the human rights goals that they hope to achieve.

By focusing on and catering to the Asian American population here in the United States, these women are not only providing great resources for the Asian American community, but they are also breaking down the stereotypes which often fall heavily on the Asian American community – namely through demonstrating that issues regarding domestic violence, immigration issues, worker’s rights, and LGBT issues do occur in Asian American community.

(on the right: First speaker Chun-Yen Chen from the Asian Pacific Women’s Center )

Furthermore, through providing support for the Asian American population in various ways, these women are also demonstrating that the Asian American community is very tightly knit, and that we do provide support for one another regarding issues like the ones listed above. The panelists have inspired me to learn more about issues that I am passionate about, and have showed me that the Taiwanese American community is becoming more and more proactive in various issues regarding not only the Taiwanese American community, but the society in general.

(drawn by Carolyn Jao)

The panelist that I thought was the most inspiring was the women’s issues advocate/director of the Asian Pacific Women center. Although I have always known that domestic abuse is a very prevalent issue in the United States, I never realized that it was of such great importance in the Asian American community as well.

(on the right: the moderator)

I believe that this is often the result of very traditional relationships between the Asian couples, often with the husband being perceived as the dominant provider and the wife being subjected to the stereotypical ‘stay-at-home’ role. I believe the panelist did a wonderful job breaking down these perceptions and emphasizing the need for women to take control of their own lives and to learn about the laws which apply to them in order to free them from abusive relationships.

(below: the third speaker, Betty Hung from the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles )

Participate in your Community!

2007-11-15T20:36:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-11-15T09:34:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-11-14T20:59:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-11-14T12:37:00.001-08:00

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

2007-11-07T12:02:00.000-08:00

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

2007-10-15T23:58:00.000-07:00

(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

2007-10-15T23:36:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-15T22:03:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-15T19:40:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-09-10T11:28:00.000-07:00

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!