Listeners producer Kaiya Laguardia-Yonamine speaks with Duncan Hwang about the importance of local organizing and turning inward to sustain our communities. In a time where federal cuts, mass political chaos, and daily threats are imposed on marginalized communities, it is more important now than ever to advocate for neighbors and what’s happening immediately around us. Duncan reflects on his experience as the Community Development Director at APANO, as well as his role as an elected official for the Metro Council.

Show notes & links:

• APANO – one of the largest nonprofit organizations serving Asian and Asian American communities in Oregon today. Duncan has worked at APANO since the organization’s origin in 2013.
• APANO Action Fund – a sister organization to APANO that focuses on political advocacy, legislative action, and electing BIPOC and progressive leaders into local office.
• Metro Council – the regional government collaborating between Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington counties. Metro supervises the waste management systems, some housing developments, and major tourist attractions in the Portland Metro area.

Community Podcasting Microcredential – This 12-credit, graduate-level certification helps you build professional skills in podcasting, interviewing, and audio production to tell meaningful community stories.

Thanks to Leif Olsen for composing the music for the series of Oregon Speaks: Voices from this moment.