Links to: Tsunami Relief Efforts in the APA Community
Introduction
The Governor's Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs was established on June 25, 1992 by Executive Order 01.01.1992.14. The seventeen members of the Commission are filled by gubernatorial appointments, with members representing the major Asian Pacific American population groups in the State. Members are appointed for three-year terms. The Chair of the Commission is designated by the Governor from Members within the Commission.
Part of the duties and responsibilities of the Commission is to serve in an advisory capacity to the Governor on issues of concern to the Asian Pacific American community's interests and needs. The Commission also serves in an advisory capacity to the Governor's Office on Asian Pacific American Affairs, which is established in the Maryland Department of Human Resources.
The Governor's Office on Asian Pacific American Affairs holds unique status as a legislatively created entity, being permanently established in 1991. Another law that directly affects the Office is Section 2701 of the State Finance and Procurement article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, passed in 1992, which allows the Office to receive funds directly from individuals and organizations. The duties and responsibilities of the Office include advising the Governor on activities intended to promote the social and economic development of Asia Pacific Americans, representing the Governor in any matter related to the community, and assisting and advising executive agencies on program that develop Asian owned or operated business.
The Commission meets six times a year, on the third Tuesday of January, March, May, July, September, and November. Meeting sites alternate around the State. Meetings and events at different locations and times are announced on the website as they are being planned.
On a daily basis, the major functions of the Office include keeping abreast and reporting on legislation of relevance to the community, working and exchanging information with community based organizations, maintaining relations with other government agencies, promoting a positive and fair image of Asian Pacific American, advocating and protecting individual rights, and providing information to the community at large.
The Office relies heavily on student interns who have a demonstrated interest and dedication to assisting the State in promoting Asian Pacific American affairs. Those who have an interest in working as an intern, or sitting on the Governor's Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs, should forward their names to the Office.
