Not mere spectators but becoming involved

Last Updated on Tuesday, 30 November 1999 00:00 Written by Ricky Rillera Monday, 17 February 2003 00:00

NEW YORK --- In January of last year, Nelsie Parrado, former president of the Filipino American Association in Fair Lawn, Inc., had thought of holding an event for young professionals to meet with Consul General Linglingay Lacanlale.

Parrado's novel idea captivated the hearts and minds of then Philippine Independence Day Committee organizers that getting their blessings to run the project was a piece of cake.Hence, the plan proceeded smoothly without a hitch.

With the outstanding project management of Jocelyn Bernal, past president of the Philippine-New York Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) Inc., who served as co-chair of the project, the Consul General Night with Young Professionals event turned out to be a huge success. First, it attracted about two hundred young people; and second, it raised about $5,000 that went to the PIDC general fund.

Come to think of it. The event accomplished tangible results but what's more interesting to know is the motivation that drove these young professionals to such an event. Surely, it wasn't just the networking aspects of it that mattered but the need or desire to belong ---- to be considered a relevant sector in an evolving community of ours. For truly, as the consul general said then, "these are the next generation of community leaders."

Parrado's idea was simple. Give them the opportunity to network and learn from and about their peers. And that's how it was, a free-flowing getting-to-know-you, where-do-you-work type of environment. No programming.Except for a brief but inspiring speech of the consul general, the young professionals were on their own: observing, listening, and conversing and exchanging business cards with one another.

Although not in a similar beginning, the Campus Compact ---- a national coalition that started in 2001 of more than 850 college and university presidents ---- invited a group from across the country to a conference for a discussion of civic engagement.

The 33 young people who participated represented a diverse cross-section of higher learning institutions, race, religion and intellectual interests.The Wingspread Summit---as the conference was called ---- illustrated the power of student volunteerism, and the role that higher education plays in democratic life.

As a result of this summit, "The New Student Politics" report came out and far more important, a national action and involvement plan ---- based on suggestions from participants -- was established.

Serving politics, a bond between community service and political engagement in a way the "service" is not seen as an "alternative to politics," but rather as "alternative politics" is what emerged. A "Raise Your Voice" campaign was conceived to remind people that we have a choice to make.

We can sit back, wait and watch, or we can become informed and learn about the issues that impact our world.The campaign is an effort to encourage college students to become active, informed and responsible members of their communities and heed President Bush's caution that they avoid becoming a "nation of spectators."

Applying the same concept to our community's group of young professionals, they, too, can become more than spectators by being involved in our community.

On March 7, 2003, a Consul General Night with Young Professionals takes a different format. No longer under the auspices of PIDC, a group led by VeeJay Manuel, chair of the event, will be offering a discussion of issues that lead to community empowerment.

Successful Filipino Americans have been invited to talk about their own experiences in the areas of media, investments, entrepreneurship, management of non-profit organizations, and politics.

The idea that Parrado came up with has taken a new dimension. It has evolved into a different level --- one that has more impact to our community. One that brings out the young professionals --- neither students nor youth any longer --- from being mere spectators in our community into becoming involved.

And yes, someday it could become a national organization like the Campus Compact, ready to engage in civic activities that benefit our community.

Ricky Rillera can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it