What is the APIO?

The Asian Pacific Islander Organization, a non-profit organization, was established in May of 1998. The purpose of our organization is to provide a forum for employees to exchange ideas, network, mentor, train, and add value to the agency by being a linguistic, cultural and ethnic bridge to our communities and other employee organizations.

The organization will focus attention on the under-representation of Asian Pacific Islander employees and serve in an advisory role to address methods of recruitment, retention, and promotion. In assisting the agency to achieve workforce diversity goals, this organization will help to enhance outreach, as well as promote access and delivery of agency programs to historically under-served communities.

Vision

A committed Asian Pacific Islander leadership to transform the way we do business with the Asian Pacific Islander community.

Mission

Establish an Asian Pacific Islander leadership council to enhance program delivery and staffing such that our community would promote legislation of new programs that would link our rich cultural heritage to other groups.

Purpose

•   Training opportunities
•   Networking and facilitation skills
•   Outreach to other agencies/groups
•   Link to National Food & Agricultural Council as association leader
•   Meet/interact with leadership in agency

Accomplishments

•   Mentored members on retention and promotion.
•   Assisted in establishing a National Asian Pacific Islander Program Manager.
•   Assisted in drafting the first Asian Pacific Islander Strategic Plan.
•   Held its 1st Annual training conference which showcased workshops on
•   International Opportunities; writing KSA's and Resumes; Information
•   Technology; Advancement in the Workforce; Civil Rights; Building Stronger
•   Partnerships; and other topics.
•   Counseled and advised employees to enhance career growth and development.
•   Provided job announcements to members.
•   Assisted in establishing Asian Pacific Islander Liaison in the West Coast.
•   Linked to community-based organizations and informed those groups of
•   NRCS services and programs.
•   Assisted in the recruitment of students to enter the workforce with NRCS.

Important Documents

APIO FY 2011 Business Plan (updated 8/25/2011)

APIO Bylaws and Constitution (Oct. 2011) 

APA Strategic Plan 2007-2012 (draft)  

USDA Recognition of APIO

Other Helpful Links

Employee Organizations - Contact List (provided by USDA Human Resources, 2010)

Guide to Scholarships for New Americans and Minorities

Contact Information

APIO Mailing Address
The new APIO mailing address as of Oct. 4, 2011, is:

APIO

PO Box 6054

Olympia, WA 98507

Click here for a printable version of the APIO brochure (Oct. 24, 2011).