AJSOCAL is a social justice organization that protects and strengthens the rights and dignity of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities, especially those that are most disadvantaged.
AJSOCAL is a social justice organization that protects and strengthens the rights and dignity of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities, especially those that are most disadvantaged.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) is the nation’s largest legal and civil rights organization for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Founded in 1983, AJSOCAL supports over 15,000 individuals and organizations annually. By offering free legal help, engaging in impact litigation and advocating for policy change, AJSOCAL prioritizes the most vulnerable members of AAPI communities while fostering a robust advocacy for civil rights and social justice.
Our work has strong focus in the following areas: Anti-Asian discrimination, housing preservation, immigration & citizenship, health access, domestic violence and family law, and voting rights.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California offices are located in downtown Los Angeles and Orange County, with presence in Sacramento, ensuring accessibility for all.
The ideal candidate will be able to meet or exceed the following expectations:
Expectations:
1. Perform your fiduciary duty as a Board Member by providing financial and ethical oversight and
representing AJSOCAL with transparency and integrity.
2. Participate in organization-specific policy decisions at AJSOCAL (e.g.. succession planning).
3. Attend 75% of board meetings, in-person or virtually. Give advance notice of any absences.
4. Attend and promote the Anniversary Gala (e.g., buying a table, securing sponsorships, inviting
dinner guests, donating silent auction or raffle items, etc.)
5. Contribute to AJSOCAL’s fund development:
a. Give/get $25,000 to sustain the financial health of the organization.
b. The “give” is a personal donation at a level that is meaningful to you, but we expect 100% board
participation in the personal giving.
c. The “get” is by leveraging personal and professional networks to support various fundraising
efforts, including the Gala, year-end giving campaign, peer-to-peer fundraisers, etc.
d. For new board members in their first term who may find the give/get challenging at first, they
may request to lower the initial goal to $15,000 so that with support from the other board
members and staff, they can work their way up to $25,000 by their third year. In special
circumstances and by mutual agreement between the board member and the Board Governance
Committee Chair, the give/get may be reduced to another amount that is still meaningful to that
board member.
6. Leverage personal networks to recruit prospective donors, board members, Executive Advisory
Council members, Pro Bono Advisory Council members, or other supporters.
7. Consider a planned gift to AJSOCAL.
8. Commit to a 3-year board term that can be renewed for additional 3-year terms.
9. Serve on a minimum of one Board of Directors committee: Development & Gala, Investment &
Finance, Audit, Building, Planned Giving, etc. (excluding the Executive Committee).
Other Opportunities to Support:
• Provide in-kind donations or expertise (e.g., marketing, technology, pro bono).
• Help AJSOCAL get on cy pres lists.
• Organize mini fundraisers for the organization (e.g., host a housing party, ask for donations on your
birthday, get race sponsorships).
• Volunteer to make “thank you” calls to donors.
• Be profiled on our website or in newsletters.
• Accompany staff on major donor visits or calls.
• Make “the ask,” especially if it is a person with whom you have a relationship.
Resources:
• Staff and fellow board members are available and eager to help in your fundraising efforts
AJSOCAL’s board membership offers an opportunity for passionate, service-oriented individuals to join forces with other like-minded advocates to make a true difference in the community.