NaFFAA Hosts 8th Seattle Empowerment Conference

Philippine President Macapagal Arroyo to Deliver Gala Keynote

NaFFAA — This month, about 1,000 community leaders and advocates throughout the United States and other countries will gather in Seattle to discuss how to "Forge a New Filipino American Agenda for the 21st Century" and promote the welfare and well-being of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans by fostering unity and empowerment.
The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) will hold its 8th National Empowerment Conference, a three-day event on September 26-28, 2008, at the Westin Hotel in downtown Seattle. Since its founding in 1997, leaders from across the nation and now around the world will convene to discuss how Filipinos can anchor their contributions to society and build on the countless accomplishments that benefit not only the Filipino communities but all communities.
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will deliver the keynote address at the Conference Gala on Friday, September 27.
"We are honored to have the presence of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo," says Alma Q. Kern, NaFFAA national chair. "We have this opportunity to report on NaFFAA’s success in the dual citizenship program, the progress we have made in civil rights and political empowerment, as well as our continuing fight for the Filipino Veterans Equity campaign." "We look forward to her remarks and the message she will bring to our community, because as Filipinos and Filipino Americans we remain attached to our culture and country no matter how far back we can trace our Filipino ancestry or how long we have lived in this country."
"Equally important is the opportunity to hear from the campaign representatives of presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain," states Kern. "We must know the issues and understand the reasons of where both candidates stand – to vote intelligently."
"The conference also offers a youth workshop that focuses on leadership development, identity and culture, and how the younger generation can today – and not 10 years from now – take part in the 21st century dynamic and strong Filipino bloc," states Ian Puruganan, Region 7 Youth Chair. "There are also educational trips to various Filipino and Filipino-American sites of historical significance such as the Carlos Bulosan Exhibit, Jose Rizal Park and the Jose Rizal Bridge."
Mariela Fletcher, the Overall Conference Chair, adds, "We have planned the workshops so that there is something for everyone from discussions on how to enjoy your retirement pension in style to a workshop on health and alternative medicine to domestic violence prevention, and much more." "This conference is rich with intellectual stimulation, and still another opportunity to network with community leaders, activists and trailblazers like Dolores Sibonga, Bob Santos, Pio de Cano, Dorothy Cordova."
NaFFAA’s aims to monitor legislation and public policy issues affecting Filipino Americans, and work in coalition with other national groups around common issues and concerns. It is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and recognized by policy-makers, private industry and national advocacy groups as the voice of Filipinos and Filipino Americans throughout the nation. It is a non-partisan, non-profit national affiliation of more than 500 Filipino-American institutions and umbrella organizations. Its 12 regions cover the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the Marianas.
The Filipino Chamber of Commerce in the Pacific Northwest, a member organization, is offering workshops designed to help new and existing businesses to make their millions. Topics such as Access to Capital, IT Infrastructure for Small Business and Supplier Diversity are among the many topics being offered.
The registration fee is $195 per NaFFAA delegate, which includes all workshops, materials, meals, and a gala dinner. Registration for business tract is $ 125. including lunch.
To attend the conference, be an exhibitor or for more information, contact Mariela Fletcher, the conference chair, at marielfletch@ msn.com or call 206-892-0075 or visit www.naffaapacnw.org /MP