The Diversity Makes a Difference scholarship program 2008 celebrates young people who are committed to reaching out across cultural lines. This newspaper believes that diversity is an asset to our community, and so we encourage young people to take action to instill this belief in others.
The primary mission of the Northwest Asian Weekly Foundation is to provide leadership training to a culturally diverse population of young people and adults. This will be accomplished through communication training, practical experience, and accessible and personalized programs designed to increase self-esteem, practical skills, cross-cultural awareness and understanding.
There are three units to the Foundation: The board, advisory board and Friends of the Foundation. Board members must be graduates of the Northwest Asian Weekly Foundation’s Summer Youth Leadership Program. The board meets every month – except for March and September when it meets twice a month. The board is made up of college graduates, undergraduates and high school students. The advisory board consists of community leaders – from the mainstream community as well as communities of color. It meets twice a year to provide resources and input to the Foundation. Friends of the Foundation is made up of past members, past advisory board and anyone who wants to volunteer for the Foundation.
Diversity has always been a goal of the paper. Leading by example, the Northwest Asian Weekly reports on issues that affect all people of color. Coverage is not limited to Asian American issues.
The Northwest Asian Weekly has always been more than "just a newspaper." It sponsors events and has founded important groups in the community. Many newspapers have a foundation that works for the benefit of the community they serve, but few have foundations dedicated specifically to serving young people.
As a former teacher, Ng believes it is important to promote, encourage and inspire our young people. The Foundation emphasizes community building, leadership development, networking, diversity, resource building and services so students can help build a better tomorrow.
The Northwest Asian Weekly Foundation empowers young people. The Foundation is not limited to Asian American youth; it promotes diversity and leadership among all young people.
There are three units to the Foundation: The board, advisory board and friends of the Foundation.
Board members must be graduates of the Northwest Asian Weekly Foundation’s Summer Youth Leadership Program. The board meets every month – except for March and September, when it meets twice a month. The board is made up of college graduates, undergraduates and high school students.
The advisory board consists of community leaders – from the mainstream community as well as communities of color. It meets twice a year to provide resources and input to the Foundation.
Friends of the Foundation is made up of past board members, past advisory board members and anyone who wants to volunteer for the Foundation.
The Northwest Asian Weekly raised money for the Foundation before it was formed. Donations and corporate sponsorship are received through its annual events, such as the Living Asian American Pioneer Dinner and Auction. In 1993, the Northwest Asian Weekly organized a dinner event called Diversity at the Top, which honored women and minority CEOs in Washington State. The proceeds became seed money and helped the Foundation hire its first staff members in 1994.
In 1994, a steering committee was formed to organize a board for the Foundation. By January of the following year, the board was formed. Board members have been instrumental in building and developing the Foundation.
In 1995, Ida Cole, president of Seattle Landmark Theater, offered to hold a benefit showing of “Miss Saigon” for the Northwest Asian Weekly Foundation. Proceeds were used to start the Summer Youth Leadership Program. An advisory board made up of leaders from the city and Asian community was formed to help fund the program. It was able to raise $55,000. Since 1995, the Foundation has served nearly 1,000 students.