在美国，只要愿意，任何人都可以有所作为。作为少数民族，亚裔美国人及太平洋岛民后裔面临许多挑战，但我们拥有的最大武器之一就是我们的投票和呼声。无论是学生、专业人士还是其他任何人，您都可以通过倡导影响日常生活的议题来对社会产生影响。
2018年6月27日，俄亥俄州亚裔美国人及太平洋岛民后裔（AAPI）的组织在俄亥俄州哥伦布市市中心的州议会大楼成功举办了第八届立法日活动。早上7点左右，我整装待发，登上（从辛辛那提）去往哥伦布的巴士。在这一天之中，许多AAPI当选官员和社区组织者畅谈了他们的经历和所参与的社区活动。我也有幸聆听了由俄州AAPI社区投票决定探讨的两个主要议题：精神健康和枪支管制。讲演者们都非常精通他们讨论的主题，作了非常精彩的演讲。
后来，所有的参与者又根据自己的兴趣分成了不同的小组。我选择加入枪支管制小组，有幸与2018年俄州AAPI立法日主席Ronald Katsuyama一起讨论。我们参观了众议员Glenn Holmes、John Becker及参议员William Coley的办公室。遗憾的是因为众议院正在开会，Coley参议员及两位众议员均无法与我们见面。
令人欣喜的是， 我们分别会见了Holmes和Becker议员的法律助手：James和Michalowski先生，我们与他们进行了精彩的对话。民主党人詹姆斯先生同意我们提出的许多概念，例如支持普遍背景调查和反对“不退让”法案。
然而，共和党人Michalowski先生与我们的观点有些差异并坚持自己的立场。尽管大家在哲学和理想方面存在许多差异，但Katsuyama主席教会了我一点：寻找共同点，因为我们可以在共同的基础上建立更进一步的关系。尽管有些时候人们之间存在着一些差异，但我们总可以找到一些共同点来进行良好的沟通。
当我心情愉悦地坐到回程巴士座位上时，才意识到自己已经筋疲力尽。这紧张忙碌的一天，让我学到了很多东西，我意识到：我们的呼声和投票具有非常强大的影响力，任何美国公民都可以发声和（在达到年龄要求后）投票。尽管很累，我已经决定明年还要再来，因为这是一次非常奇妙的体验。
（中文版）
(English Version)
Use Your Voice
by Andy Gao
Anyone can make a difference. Though there are many challenges as an Asian American/Pacific Islander minority, one of the biggest weapons we have are our votes and our voices. Whether you are a student, professional, or anything in between, you can make a difference through advocacy on issues that affect everyday lives.
On June 27th, 2018, Ohio AAPI successfully held their 8th annual Legislative Day at the Ohio Statehouse in downtown Columbus Ohio. Around 7:00 in the morning, I put on my suit and tie and boarded the provided charter bus. Throughout the day, many AAPI elected officials and community organizers spoke about their experiences and involvement within the community. I also attended two of the offered sessions, which featured speakers well versed on important topics, as voted on by Ohio’s rapidly growing AAPI community, of mental health and gun control.
Later that day, all participants were split into groups based on their selections for legislative visits. Accordingly, I was put into the gun control group, where I worked with 2018 Ohio AAPI Legislative Day Chair Ronald Katsuyama. We visited the offices of Representatives Glenn Holmes and John Becker, and Senator William Coley. Unfortunately, Senator Coley was unable to meet with us, and both representatives were unavailable because the House was in session.
Unfazed, we met with the legal aides of Representatives Holmes and Becker: Messrs. James and Michalowski, respectively, with whom we held wonderful conversations. Mr. James, a Democrat, agreed with many of the concepts we presented, such as support for universal background checks and opposition to the “Stand Your Ground” Bill.
Mr. Michalowski, however, a Republican, stood his ground. Though there were many differences in philosophies and ideals, Mr. Katsuyama taught me to always find the common ground, because, from there, you can build a relationship. Thus, despite the differences, similarities were found and a good conversation was had.
As I took off my suit jacket and relaxed into my seat on the bus, I realized I was exhausted. A day of running around took its toll on me. But I learned a lot: the voice is very powerful and influential. And anyone can use it. Despite the fatigue, I had already decided to go again next year, for it was a truly amazing experience.

【编者按】本文仅代表作者观点，不代表APAPA Ohio及OCAA官方立场。更多精彩文章，请点击“阅读原文”查看我们公众号的主页。欢迎大家积极投稿！所有图片均来自网络。如果存在版权问题，请与我们联系。
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关于APAPA Ohio 公众号
APAPA Ohio公众号是APAPA Ohio在俄亥俄华人协会(OCAA)的支持下办的公众号，旨在为俄亥俄的亚裔群体、尤其是华人群体提供一个分享、交流、互助的平台，宣传APAPA Ohio 、OCAA和其他亚裔团体的活动，促进亚裔社区对美国社会、政治、文化、教育、法律等的了解。APAPA的全名是Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association (美国亚太联盟)，是在美国联邦政府注册的501(c)(3)非营利组织，网址：OhioCAA.org。
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