Immigrant Leadership Forum

2nd Immigrants Leadership Forum

Finding Ways to Becoming an Integral Part of America
미국의 실세로 발전하는 지름길을 찾는다

June 18, 2011 / Atlanta Marriott Gwinnet Place, Georgia

Acknowledgements

Good Neighboring Foundation (GNF) wants to help the United States benefit from the valuable skills that immigrants bring to this country. We also want to help immigrants appreciate and take advantage of the opportunities that their new nation has to offer.

The United States is the only nation on Earth that offers true freedom and opportunity for all people. Ultimately we strive to maintain American values so that people can continue to enjoy the United States and its opportunities well into the future. This forum was organized to brainstorm better ideas and a more effective formula to achieve GNF’s goals.

We want to thank the dedicated participants for their wonderful discussion and unique opinions. We are deeply grateful for the three guest speakers: Mr. Marty Kogon, who shared

some early immigrant history of Jewish Americans; retired General Larry Ellis, who provided the forum with some detailed history and a vision for immigrant communities; and Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens, for his strong impact on the community. We are honored to have had these national leaders share their valuable time for our community’s benefit.

For their insight and commitment, we are grateful for the panelists: Chaiwon Kim, for sharing her own experiences to guide fellow immigrants; Pastor Chongho Kim, who made unforgettable remarks for immigrant youth; the first Asian American state representative of Georgia, BJay Pak, for challenging the community to do what is most important first; Joanne Kim, for showing us the wish list for the students in the community; and Pastor Billy Park, who helped us see the positive side of the community.

We would like to thank the sponsor, General Building Maintenance, for its generous financial support for this forum.

The forum was very successful and effective; most significantly, we found the answer, Five Ways for Korean immigrants to become an integral part of America. We are excited, energized, and better prepared for the future of the immigrant community. GNF is committed to publicizing the Five Ways, and encourages the community to diligently practice the method.

Our deep appreciations to those who helped us publish this report: General Larry Ellis; U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Charles Chang; reknown freelance editor Bob Land; Jisun Yoon, president of the Korean American Association of Fort Lee, NJ; HB Cho and Gahee Lee intern reporters of KAmerican Post, and volunteers Shawn Choi, Juhee Chung, Mia Myung. Special thanks to Joshua Lee director of Good Neighboring Foundation for his dedicated efforts for several months.

October 14, 2011

Sunny K. Park
Founder/Executive Director
Good Neighboring Foundation

Executive Summary

Immigrants arrive in the United States from around the world every day. Each immigrant comes to America’s doorstep with high expectations of doing well in the land of opportunity. Because many Korean Americans have been very successful in their education and careers, Korean immigrants continue to come in large numbers.

Their hard work has earned them recognition as “American dream achievers” and they as individuals earned to be celebrated. However, there are a few important agendas lacking if they wish to become an integral part of their new neighborhoods and the nation as an ethnic group. We want to find practical answers to fulfill the lackings to help the community transform as a true American community.

We also found that Korean Americans need to understand that their achievements can be even more valuable when shared with others in American society. Ultimately, we will win while our neighbors and the Nation win.

The major issue with the community is isolation. Isolation is the reality of the Korean immigrant community. Generally speaking, Korean immigrants stay detached from mainstream America more than other ethnic groups. Many immigrants remain confined to communities where they work long hours. A number of older-generation immigrants have lived in America for decades and still do not speak fluent English.

A surprising percentage of Korean immigrants are not involved in community affairs and political activities. History teaches that America can’t reach its full potential unless immigrants emerge from their isolation. We need to find ways to develop and utilize the full potential of all American citizens. The mixture of cultural beliefs, ethnic backgrounds, and holidays—traditional as well as those that come from overseas—is what helps mold the attitudes, personalities, and lifestyles of all Americans.

In 2000, Good Neighboring Foundation (GNF) established two major goals: (1) to stimulate Asian Americans and motivate them to become an integral part of American society, and (2) to encourage Asian immigrants, starting with Korean Americans, to use their heritage, values, and resources for the enhancement of the United States.

Good Neighboring Foundation has set a plan in motion to transform the Korean American community into an essential part of American society. GNF held the 2nd Immigrants Leadership Forum on June 18, 2011, in Atlanta, Georgia. The purpose was to bring together community leaders and develop ideas to help change the Korean American community.

The forum comprised a panel of nationally recognized guest speakers as well as prominent Korean leaders who are familiar with the community’s issues. The panel, guest speakers, and passionate audience members brainstormed concerns and discussed matters to create the best methods for guiding community members to participate in the affairs of society.

The following pages show the issues discussed and a framework for pending action. Essentially, the future of the Korean immigrant community depends upon integration. The Five Ways shown here are essential for Korean immigrants to become part of the American fabric.

1. Get involved. Korean Americans must be present in the community—politically, civically, culturally, and economically.

2. Learn English. Korean Americans must actively immerse themselves into situations where speaking English is a necessity.

3. Become good citizens. Korean Americans must be responsible citizens by following the laws of the United States.

4. Understand America. Korean Americans must learn American history, values, and current affairs.

5. Guide the next Korean American generation. Korean Americans must lead their children and families in learning how to become outstanding American citizens and enjoy the American way of life.

By learning methods to systematically implement the Five Ways, Korean Americans can take a strong step forward in making the American Dream theirs. In doing so, they will contribute not only to their own community but to a better America.

Korean American Forum 2005

The Americans of Korean Ancestry in 2025
Searching for a practical action plan to become an integral
part of the American system

Good Neighboring Campaign conducted the first Korean American Forum in Atlanta, Georgia, September 22-24, 2005.

The forum was composed of a few passionate leaders of different ages and backgrounds from various cities across the United States.

The Forum was divided into two groups to have discussions both in Korean and in English. Eight panelists in each group discussed identical agendas and formulate d an action plan at the joint final session. (Please refer to below participating panelists)

At the forum,Georgia State Governor Sonny Perduerecognized the efforts of the Korean American community.Ambassador James Laney, who served as the U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, gave the keynote address andMr. John Grant, Jr. executive director of 100 Black Menspoke about the perception of the Americans of Korean ancestry. Dr. Betty Siegel, president of Kennesaw State University,laid out the values the Korean American community brought to this nation.

Korean American Forum 2005 Panelists (in alphabetical order)

Lincoln Group Panelists, presenting in English only

1.	Moderator, Rev. Charles Kim, Pastor, JAMA, Los Angeles, CA
2.	Mr. Brian Hwang, GNC Essay Contest Winner/college student, Williams College
3.	Ms. Jane Hyun, author of best seller, Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling
4.	Ms. Hyepin Im, Pres., Korean Churches for Community Development, LA, CA
5.	Rev. David Lee, Associate Pastor, New Church, Atlanta, GA
6.	Mr. Byung-Jin BJ Pak, Assistant U. S. Attorney, Atlanta, GA
7.	Rev. Billy Park, Associate Pastor, Open Church, Atlanta, GA
8.	Rev. John Parker, Vision Ministry, Flushing, NY

Dosan Group Panelists, presenting in English and Korean

1.	Moderator, Mr. Se Chul Ok, Senior Editor, Korea Times, LA
2.	Dr. Kenny Ki-hyun Chun, publisher, Asian Herald, Charlotte, NC
3.	Mr. Kwang-dong Jo, Vice President, Korean American TV, Chicago, Il
4.	Rev. James Chongho Kim, Senior Pastor, Korean United Methodist Church, Atlanta
5.	Rev. Grace Kim, Associate for Korean Adults Curriculum Development, Presbyterian Church (USA)
6.	Rev. Sun Bai Kim, Executive Director, National Korean Presbyterian Council, PCUSA., Louisville, KY
7.	Rev. Henry Koh, Presbyterian Church in America, Mission to North America, Atlanta
8.	State Senator Paull Shin, Washington State Senator

Subjects of 5 sessions in forum

1. Goals and current status of Americans of Korean ancestry

2. Discussion on vision and goals for Americans of Korean ancestry in 2025

3. Review of current status and issues of the American community of Korean ancestry

4. Setting practical solutions and an action plan to achieve goal

5. Joint discussion to formulate final action plan

Forum Summary

"Let's become respectable American citizens of Korean ancestry in the US"
This summarizes panelist's various and invaluable opinions at Korean American forum 2005 .

What are respectable American citizens like? In other words, who are the hero in the US? Rev. Charles Kim at this forum said 9*11 tragedy showed who were respected as heroes in American society: those who rushed to Ground Zero and risked their lives to save others. They are selfless and put others, the communities, and the nation ahead of themselves. It means Americans of Korean ancestry should be like these heroes to become respectable Americans.

Non-Korean leaders attending this forum had a similar position: "I hope you serve bigger one than yourself and act for community and nation"(Dr. Betty Siegel), "Did you participate? did you vote? did you make friends? Growth comes from being uncomfortable. Don't get comfortable. Plant trees. Otherwise you may not enjoy shade"(Mr. John Grant), "Be involved in American community and contribute to community betterments. There has been too much hesitation. Now is time to act"(Amb. James Laney)

For this purpose the first thing to do is for Americans of Korean ancestry to take ownership of America, which means being able to truly say: 'America is my country. I am owner of this country, not a guest'

This ownership issue is especially urgent for 1st generation of Korea immigrants, who are actually Koreans living in the US, not Americans and always looking back to Korea. As a result, they have stuck together instead of jumping out of their 'comfort zone', which lead to the negative perception by others in society (e.g. 'they are “less patriotic” and “clannish”.)

How does the 1st generation of Americans of Korean ancestry become genuine owner of US, feeling the skin-splitting pain when the nation is in trouble?
Panelists say they need to increase the understanding of US strengths and values including freedom, justice, volunteering, patriotism, democracy which can inspire immigrants to take pride in being US citizens.

Their children's success in the US can be a great motive to jump out of 'comfort zone' and to be more involved in mainstream communities.

GNC Director General Sunny Park described that he has been told by many parent of Americans of Korean ancestry that they want to their children to be the leaders of the community and some even wish for their children to become the president of the United States.

He said, however, parents who want their children to lead the community need to better train them to love the community, serve community and volunteer in the community. Children won't be able to grow up to govern the community if they are not trained first to love and care for people. He emphasized, "to train your children, the most important step is to become a model for your children. We must show them before we teach them"