Speak Your Peace

This past week, I attended SEARAC's (Southeast Asian Resource Action Center) Leadership Training in DC. Over three days, we developed an advocacy agenda and took it to Capitol Hill. I couldn't believe how easy it was to waltz right into Capitol Hill and speak your peace. If the Congressperson's staff is smart, they should be eager to hear what you have to say.

Our group of six spoke to Sen. Hillary Clinton and Rep. Al Green's office about the problem of mental health in the Southeast Asian community.

I met a lot of wonderful people at the training. And out of it, two projects have been birthed:
1. a Cambodian American women's professional group called Bong Srei: Khmer Sisters
2. a how-to guide on how to honor your parents in the traditional Khmer way.

What It Takes To Make a Film

Sometimes when I feel overwhelmed by this project, I think to myself that I'm doing this all alone. It's my responsibility to make the story work. It's my responsibility as the director to make a great compelling film that people will remember.

Yesterday Charles and I created the credits list for the film. There were 194 lines! We couldn't possibly acknowledge everyone who has ever volunteered at a fundraising party or given an hour of time.

I saw in the document the support it took to make this film happen. How presumptous of me to ever think that I am alone.