Civic Engagement
At KACS, we envision a vibrant and empowered Korean American community actively engaged in civic life and contributing to the fabric of society.Our vision for Civic Engagement/Citizenship Assistance is to foster a sense of belonging, advocacy, and civic responsibility among Korean Americans.
We strive to provide comprehensive citizenship assistance services to empower individuals on their journey to becoming U.S. citizens. Through education, resources, and support, we aim to facilitate the naturalization process and empower immigrants to fully participate in the democratic process.
KACS has carefully compiled a set of resources to assist families in preparing for situations where a loved one may be detained or deported by immigration authorities. These resources include valuable information from other nonprofit organizations that support legal professionals and community-based advocates working with immigrants nationwide.
While KACS cannot guarantee the accuracy or quality of the advice provided within these materials, we hope that they will serve as a trusted guide during these difficult times. Our goal is to provide support and empower families with the information they need to navigate these challenging circumstances.
California Unemployment & Paid Family Leave Benefits
California is committed to supporting individuals and families during times of financial need. Whether you are experiencing job loss or welcoming a new child into your family, the state provides essential benefits to help ease financial stress and ensure stability.
Unemployment Benefits
Losing a job can be a challenging experience, but California’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) program offers financial assistance to eligible workers. Qualified individuals can receive weekly benefit payments ranging from $40 to $450 to help cover living expenses while they search for new employment.
Key Features:
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Weekly benefits ranging from $40 to $450 based on past earnings
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Direct deposit available for faster, more secure payments
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Support for individuals who are unemployed through no fault of their own
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Assistance with job search and career services through EDD
🔗 Learn more and apply for Unemployment Benefits
Paid Family Leave for New Parents
Welcoming a new child is a joyful yet financially demanding time. California’s Paid Family Leave (PFL) programprovides up to 8 weeks of partial wage replacement for eligible new parents. This benefit allows parents to take time off from work to bond with their newborn without the added financial strain.
Key Features:
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Up to 8 weeks of paid benefits for new parents
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Available for mothers, fathers, and adoptive parents
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Direct deposit for quicker and more convenient payments
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Helps ease financial stress so you can focus on bonding with your child
KACS Civic Engagement Promises
KACS empowers Korean Americans in Santa Clara County to reach their full potential through essential services, cultural heritage appreciation, and active civic engagement. We create environments that encourage civic participation, ensure our community’s voices are heard, and contributions are recognized. By fostering connections, promoting education, and advocating for equitable policies, we strive to make Korean Americans leaders and change-makers in a unified society.
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A Call to Action
Know Your Rights:
Anti-AAPI Hate Awareness
Standing Strong: Addressing and Preventing Hate Crimes
In recent years, hate crimes and discrimination against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) have increased significantly. These acts not only harm individuals but also instill fear within communities, undermining our diverse society. It is crucial to unite and take action through education, support, and reporting mechanisms.
Our goal is to empower the AAPI community with knowledge and resources to protect themselves and others. Understanding their rights and knowing how to respond if they witness or experience hate is vital. Reporting hate crimes is critical as it holds perpetrators accountable and highlights the prevalence of these incidents, prompting further action and support.
We provide comprehensive resources on Know Your Rights Training, the demographics of those affected, and information on how to report hate crimes and seek support. Together, we can make a significant impact in combating hate and discrimination, ensuring every community member feels safe and respected.
Resources for Victims
Reporting Hate Crime: Key Information
Identifying
characteristics of the
attacker/perpetrator
Date, time and
location of incident
Witnesses and their contact information
Detailed account of the entire incident including exact words spoken
Photos, video footage, audio recordings of the incident, injuries or
property damage
Medical records from
injuries sustained, including mental health treatment
Hate Crime hotlines:
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Call 911 for immediate assistance
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Santa Clara County Anti-Hate Hotline: (408) 279-0111
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Alameda County Stop Hate Crime Hotline: (510) 208-4824
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San Francisco Hate Crime Hotline: (628) 652-4311
Report to Stop AAPI Hate (https://stopaapihate.org/) which is a coalition of organizations that track and keep statistics of anti-AAPI hate incidents and hate crimes.
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Know Your Rights Training
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Know Your Rights Training
How Do I Register to Vote? (From Santa Clara County Voters Website*)
Use the California Online Voter Registration System
Paper registration forms are available at the Registrar of Voters Office, U.S. Post Offices, Public Libraries, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and other government offices. Signed & completed forms must be returned in person or by mail. They cannot be faxed or e-mailed.
Address: Registrar of Voters, 1555 Berger Drive, Building 2, San Jose, CA 95112
Mailing Address: Registrar of Voters, P.O. Box 611300, San Jose, CA 95161-1300