Filipino Americans Coming Together Conference hosted by PSA UIUC
Filipino Americans Coming Together Conference hosted by PSA UIUC
Founded in 1992, the Filipino Americans Coming Together Conference, or FACT, has established itself as the premier student-led Filipino-interest conference in the Midwest. With an annual attendance of over 1,000 delegates from across the United States, FACT has become a highly anticipated event. Held at the University of Illinois at
Filipino Americans Coming Together Conference hosted by PSA UIUC
Founded in 1992, the Filipino Americans Coming Together Conference, or FACT, has established itself as the premier student-led Filipino-interest conference in the Midwest. With an annual attendance of over 1,000 delegates from across the United States, FACT has become a highly anticipated event. Held at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, this conference serves as a platform for youths to engage in workshops, discussions, panels, and speaker presentations. Our organization’s mission is to foster and maintain relationships through the education and awareness of Filipino identity and culture, as well as to develop academic and leadership skills in order to positively impact the self and the community. The FACT conference is hosted to ensure that conference delegates leave with a sense of enhanced knowledge, stronger connections, and overall fulfillment. By providing a vibrant space for cultural appreciation, FACT aims to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of Filipino heritage. Additionally, we recognize the importance of intersectionality and warmly welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds, not limited to those of Filipino descent.
About the Organization:
Founded in 1992, the Filipino Americans Coming Together Conference, or FACT, has established itself as the premier student-led Filipino-interest conference in the Midwest. With an annual attendance of over 1,000 delegates from across the United States, FACT has become a highly anticipated event. Held at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, this conference serves as a platform for youths to engage in workshops, discussions, panels, and speaker presentations.
Our organization’s mission is to foster and maintain relationships through the education and awareness of Filipino identity and culture, as well as to develop academic and leadership skills in order to positively impact the self and the community. The FACT conference is hosted to ensure that conference delegates leave with a sense of enhanced knowledge, stronger connections, and overall fulfillment. By providing a vibrant space for cultural appreciation, FACT aims to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of Filipino heritage. Additionally, we recognize the importance of intersectionality and warmly welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds, not limited to those of Filipino descent.
organizational budget
$0 - $50,000
existence for
31+ YEARS
Organization benefits AAPIs residing in the following state(s):
Hawaii
organizational budget
$0 - $50,000
existence for
31+ YEARS
Organization benefits AAPIs residing in the following state(s):
Hawaii
The Issue:
Migration from the Philippines to the United States began in the 1900s, and during that time, assimilation to American culture was a common experience for many Filipino immigrants. Unfortunately, this assimilation often led to a loss of Filipino culture among the immigrant population. According to an LA Times survey of 750 Filipinos in six Southern California counties, “more than two out of five said they have integrated so well into the mainstream culture that they have lost their identity as Filipinos”. The primary drivers of assimilation were social integration, which aimed to increase economic opportunities, and second-generation considerations, which focused on providing better prospects for their children. As said by the Philippines-born assistant director of the UCLA Asian American Studies Center, “[i]dentifying with the United States and believing in the superiority of American culture is very strong among the Filipinos.” Consequently, subsequent generations had limited knowledge of their Filipino heritage. According to the same LA Times survey, nearly half (47%) of younger Filipinos don’t speak Tagalog well, quantifying the growing loss of Filipino identity within our community.
To address this cultural loss, it is essential to create spaces that celebrate both the accomplishments of the Filipino American community and the beauty of Filipino culture. These spaces can play a vital role in teaching newer generations about their Filipino heritage. By incorporating inclusive practices and representation, we can foster a respectful and diverse society.
In this world riddled with systemic inequalities, FACT aims to cultivate a sense of belonging and empower our delegates to embrace and appreciate their Filipino heritage. We recognize that inclusion and representation are crucial in achieving this goal, and we strive to provide opportunities for learning, celebration, and cultural exploration.
The Solution:
Our primary mission is to ensure that conference delegates leave with a sense of enhanced knowledge, stronger connections, and overall fulfillment. We understand that witnessing diverse representations of cultural identity at the conference can be an empowering experience on an individual level. By showcasing and celebrating the richness of cultural backgrounds, we aim to foster a sense of pride, unity, and personal growth among participants.
One of our key objectives is to motivate and inspire participants to overcome challenges they may face on their journeys towards their goals. We believe that the conference should serve as a catalyst for resilience, perseverance, and determination. Our conference offers interactive workshops covering cultural identity, social justice, and career development. Delegates engage actively with these topics, gaining valuable insights and participating in meaningful discussions. Additionally, we provide networking sessions and career panels to foster professional skill development. Delegates can connect with industry experts, mentors, and fellow attendees, expanding their networks and gaining industry-specific knowledge. These sessions empower delegates to enhance their professional skills and navigate their career paths successfully. Through engaging sessions, informative workshops, and networking opportunities, we aim to equip participants with the tools and support they need to navigate obstacles and achieve their aspirations.
We also want delegates to recognize the invaluable sense of belonging and support within our community. Our conference aims to create a tightly-knit network where individuals can find guidance, mentorship, and friendship. We encourage participants to take advantage of the connections they make and understand that they have a strong community that can assist them in various aspects of their lives.
In summary, we advance FACT’s mission through the impact we have on the community, the satisfaction of our community members, and the meaningful experiences provided during our events. Our ultimate mission is to ensure that conference delegates leave with a sense of increased knowledge, stronger connections, and overall fulfillment. By creating an empowering and supportive environment, we strive to motivate participants to overcome challenges and recognize the strength of our closely-knit community.
