November 2023
Greetings APALA!
We’re about four months into the year, and all our APALA committees and task forces are ready to go. This go-round, about 115 of you answered the call to volunteer your time, energy, and service to APALA. Our regional chapters are also in full swing, bringing us closer together and building community. I couldn’t be more humbled or grateful for the enthusiasm and talent you all commit to our organization.
In July, we announced the recipients of the 2023 APALA Scholarship and the new Sage & JCLC Inc. NALCo Student Scholarship Award. The Media & Publicity released their second podcast episode that highlighted the artist behind the new Talk Story logo. And for the first time, the APALA Executive Board provided funds for four members to attend the International Indigenous Librarians’ Forum in November.
Over the last year, the Engagement Task Force identified engagement opportunities with Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian, and South, Southwest, and Central Asian American library workers within APALA and in the field. The task force released its findings culled from the survey and interviews, culminating in a virtual presentation available to all APALA members.
I would be remiss not to acknowledge the tragic events that have come along with the successes. In August, devastating and destructive wildfires raged through Lāhainā, displacing and killing residents and destroying homes. Pasifika people are an important part of the APALA community and were among those most heavily impacted. APALA donated $1,000 to Lāhainā relief efforts, and offered resources for others to donate if able. More recently, the militarism in Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel has claimed thousands of lives, and displaced a million more. Our organization represents Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders whose communities have survived the ongoing violence of imperialism, colonialism, and displacement, and we stand firmly against the continued oppression affecting Jewish, Arabic, Muslim, and West Asian communities. We continue to call for an immediate ceasefire. Take action with us with this toolkit. More terrible events around the world invite us to pay closer attention to the systems rooted in oppression and white supremacy that continue to create hostility and violence against people of the global majority.
In spite of these crises, I hope that we are still able to find joy and hope while we continue to raise awareness and advocate for others in need.
Working with APALA has always given me hope. I admire all the amazing work you accomplish every day. And I am forever grateful for the connections and friendships I’ve made through our organization. I thank you all for being a part of that.
Jaena Rae Cabrera (she/her/siya)
APALA President 2023-2024