The Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA), AFL-CIO, will host “The Rising American Electorate: Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders at the Forefront of Political Action,” a briefing and dinner reception, on Thursday, Oct. 6, at 6 p.m. at the UCLA Downtown Labor Center, 675 S. Park View St. (at Wilshire Boulevard), Los Angeles.

The event, which recognizes the growth of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities and highlights the history of AAPIs in politics, is being held in conjunction with the APALA National Executive Board meeting that is taking place Oct. 6 to 8.

This timely briefing will feature addresses from AAPI elected officials, and highlight results from 2010 Census and the redistricting process as the community prepares for important elections in 2011 and 2012.

“AAPIs, especially in Los Angeles, have played instrumental roles in electing candidates that support working family and immigrant issues, while running for office as well,” APALA said in a statement. “In Los Angeles alone, AAPIs now number over 1.34 million, and deserve a chance to make their voices heard on key issues, including the budget, jobs, health care, and education.”

Speakers will include:

State Controller John Chiang

Rep. Judy Chu (D-El Monte), chair of Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus

State Sen. Ted Lieu (D-Torrance)

Assemblymembers Warren Furutani (D-Long Beach) and Mike Eng (D-Monterey Park)

APALA President Johanna Hester

APALA Los Angeles Chair Raahi Reddy

Kent Wong, UCLA Labor Center

Admission is free. RSVP to jant@ucla.edu.