A United Voice: Empowering Filipino Americans Through Collective Action

Las Vegas, NV – Filipino Americans in Southern Nevada have long faced significant challenges, including immigration hurdles, limited healthcare access, and educational inequities. These issues have deeply impacted our community, affecting our families, livelihoods, and overall well-being. To address these pressing concerns, local organizations like the Filipino-American Political Organization With Equal Representation(Fil-Am P.O.W.E.R.) and the National Federation of Filipino American Association(NaFFAA) have emerged as powerful advocates for our community. One notable example of their collective impact was the "Election 2024: Your Voice! Your Choice!" event held at the +63fifty Events Center. With a sold-out crowd of over 300 attendees, this forum provided a platform for Filipino American voters to engage with candidates from all levels of government. Senator Jackie Rosen, Assemblywoman Erica Mosca (District 14), and Las Vegas Justice Court Judge Dept. 5 Judge Cynthia Cruz along with numerous other candidates, participated in the event, outlining their plans to address the community's top concerns. Despite differing political affiliations, all candidates demonstrated a shared commitment to improving the lives of Filipino Americans through effective policies and programs. To address the persistent voting barriers faced by many Filipino Americans, community leaders have launched a comprehensive initiative. This includes "Election 2024," a dedicated two-page column within the Philippine Times of Southern Nevada, serving as a valuable platform for information and resources. Additionally, community-wide events such as the "Meet Your Candidates" forums in Henderson and North Las Vegas have been organized. These initiatives, spearheaded by The Philippine Times of Southern Nevada in collaboration with FAMAN, FACCGN, Fil-Am TV, and PHLV Radio, aim to provide essential information and resources to voters, empowering them to participate fully in the electoral process. With approximately 200,000 Filipino Americans in Nevada, a collective voice is essential in shaping the future of their community. By actively participating in the electoral process and casting votes, Filipino Americans in Nevada can empower themselves and drive positive change. In a recent data released last August by AAPI Data- a leading research and policy organization producing accurate data for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities , 90% of Filipino American voters are planning to vote in November — with 74% being absolutely certain they will vote. (2024 and 2020 Asian American Voter Surveys). This demonstrates their unwavering commitment to being heard. Beyond voting, Filipino Americans have also been actively involved in various community initiatives. Numerous organizations have worked tirelessly to provide essential services, support local businesses, and promote cultural understanding. These efforts have strengthened the community and helped to foster a sense of belonging. However, there is still much work to be done. We must continue to shed light on policies and issues that impact Filipino Americans in Nevada, such as affordable housing, mental health services, and support for immigrant families. Additionally, we must strive to bridge the gap between generations, ensuring that our younger members are connected to their heritage and empowered to become future leaders. By working together and leveraging the power of a collective voice, members of the community can create a more equitable and inclusive future for Filipino Americans in Las Vegas. Let us continue to inspire and empower each other, and build a community that is strong, resilient, and united.