Taking My Community’s Story to the Capitol
By: Saleena Kalra, July 2026
My Hayward Community 💖
I grew up in South Hayward and watched my neighborhood change before my eyes. My local park was torn down, the bowling alley became a Starbucks, and expensive townhomes replaced spaces that once served working families. As housing costs continue to rise, I saw more AAPI, working class, and immigrant families face displacement! I knew I had to help my community in any way I can.
Getting out the vote with Lead Filipino (AAPI FORCE network org)!
That’s what led me to canvass with Lead Filipino during the Primary Election, talking with neighbors about the issues affecting our communities. I quickly realized that elections shape everything from deciding if we have rent control to passing policies that protect our immigrant families. Wanting to make an even bigger impact, I joined the AAPI FORCE Sacramento AAPI Advocates program and participated in the Volunteer Leadership Development Series (VLDS), a three-day training on policy advocacy and lobbying.
Everyone in the cohort was incredibly welcoming and supportive, making it easy to connect with one another. The storytelling training stuck with me the most. Amy, AAPI FORCE Capacity Building Director reminded us that legislators hear about bills every day, but what truly sticks are the stories of constituents living these realities.
Our Sacramento VLDS Crew at the Capitol with Amy (Capacity-Building Director)! P.S. our first time lobbying ever
By day three, we put our training into action at the Sacramento Capitol. I walked in nervous, expecting lobbying to feel intimidating, but the conversations with legislative staff were genuine and welcoming. My team from Filipinos Advocate for Justice Action Fund supported me every step of the way, giving me the confidence to share what I’d seen in my own community. Speaking with staff from Senator Wahab’s and Assemblymember Ortega’s offices, who represent my community, reminded me that our stories and lived experiences belong in these conversations.
Speaking to my representative Assemblymember Ortega staffer with my lobbying team!
The policies we advocated for are exactly what communities like mine need. I spoke in support of SB 1091: Community Anti-Displacement and Preservation Program, which would help prevent displacement by preserving long-term affordable housing, and shared how rising rents are pushing families in my community to the brink. I also advocated for AB 2465: No Taxpayer Dollars for Family Separation Act, which protects workers from immigration-related threats in the workplace. I’ve seen people in my own community live in fear because of anti-immigrant rhetoric and ICE raids. No one should have to choose between their safety and their paycheck, and I had the privilege of sharing that directly with the people who could vote on these bills.
This experience was such an eye-opener for me. I realized how rewarding it can be to step outside of your comfort zone and speak up for what you believe in. As someone who proudly represents Hayward, it meant so much to be surrounded by people who grew up in the same communities and share the same commitment to making them better. Being involved with AAPI FORCE has also brought me closer to my cultural community and deepened my understanding of our shared experiences. I’m just getting started, and I hope others will get involved too, because real change happens when everyday people organize, raise their voices, and fight for the communities we love.
Building Power takes ALL of US!
Here’s what you can do 🫵:
Stay updated and join our AAPI FORCE volunteer network: aapiforce.org
Support the We Are California 2026 Policy Platform: bit.ly/supportwrcapolicy
Email your state senator to vote YES on the No Taxpayer $$$ For Family Separation Act: bit.ly/support-ab2465
Saleena Kalra (she/her) is a South Hayward native and San Jose State University senior, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Global Studies. She just graduated from our Sacramento AAPI FORCE Advocates Program. Saleena is excited to continue learning more about grassroots organizing and how she can better support her community. Recently, she canvassed during the Primary election to get out the AAPI vote!
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders for Civic Empowerment (AAPI FORCE) is our 501(c)(4) network of grassroots Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) organizations across California dedicated to strengthening and expanding democracy while growing the political participation of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.