The Hapa, Asian, and Pacific Islanders of Portland (H.A.P.I.) Affinity Group commits to:

• Form a professional network and provide development opportunities
• Create a supportive environment for members to exchange information and ideas and to discuss challenges to the H.A.P.I. community
• Advocate to strengthen community inclusiveness through public outreach toward policies, plans, and investments
• Collaborate with community organizations and institutions on shared goals
• Highlight contributions made by H.A.P.I. communities

The group will work with the City to advocate and educate on behalf of H.A.P.I. employees, and develop ways to attract, support, and retain H.A.P.I. employees. The H.A.P.I. Affinity Group welcomes and celebrates Hapa, Asian, Pacific Islanders, and allies who are and have been City of Portland employees regardless of their native language, religion, culture, or tradition. 

What does HAPA mean?

Hapa, meaning “half” in Hawaiian, is used today by many multiracial individuals of Asian or Pacific Islander descent who have embraced the word as a term of prideful self-identification. Historically, the term was used derogatorily to describe people of biracial ancestry. Although some object to the term’s appropriation and perceived misuse outside of its traditional Hawaiian context, Hapa has been widely adopted by the Asian and Pacific Islander multiracial communities. For the purpose of this group, the term is used to represent our intention to be inclusive of multiracial City employees. The use of this term, of course, does not exclude City employees who identify as multiracial but use a different term to identify themselves.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month – a celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. A rather broad term, Asian and Pacific Islander encompasses (but not exclusive to) all of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji, and the Solomon Islands), Micronesia (Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, and the Federated States of Micronesia), and Polynesia (New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia, and Easter Island).

Upcoming Community & H.A.P.I. Events:

Honoring Asian American and Pacific Islander Artists and Cultural Groups in Portland - May 7th, 2019 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

In 2017, Simon Tam’s nearly eight-year quest to trademark his band’s name, “The Slants,” culminated with a unanimous decision from the Supreme Court in his favor. Join us as we feature musician, activist, and author, Simon Tam as he discusses his journey as detailed in the just-released memoir: “Slanted: How an Asian American Troublemaker Took on the Supreme Court.”

Lunch will be provided. Seriously.