Leadership and Advocacy Training 2026
When: July 14 – 16
Where: Washington, DC
“Leadership and Advocacy Training gave me the gift of community — a space to connect deeply with incredible Southeast Asian leaders and to advocate on the Hill for immigrant justice during a critical moment. I want others to have that empowering experience too, to find their voice and feel the strength of our collective resilience.” – Frederick Tran, LAT 2025 participant
Our Impact
Each year since 1999, SEARAC’s LAT program has educated participants on the immigration, education, and health policies impacting their communities.
Since 1999, more than 1,500 community members have passed through SEARAC’s leadership pipeline.
We strive to ensure diverse geographic representation with each cohort. Over the years, we have hosted community members from 41 states.
Program Overview
What is the Leadership Advocacy Training?
SEARAC’s Leadership Advocacy Training (LAT) is a three-day immersive training program that builds the advocacy and leadership skills of emerging Southeast Asian American (SEAA) advocates. Participants of the program will learn how to uplift their community’s stories and build collective power as they learn how to become effective advocates for policy change.
Timeline
January 15, 2026 – Application for 2026 cohort opens
February 8, 2026 – Application period closes
March 2026 – Selected cohort is announced
July 14 – 16, 2026 – Program dates
Frequently Asked Questions
WHO SHOULD APPLY FOR LAT?
Our ideal LAT 2026 candidate is …
- a beginner in federal advocacy and organizing (i.e., political engagement with the US Senate and/or House of Representatives),
- interested in learning about policies that affect the SEAA community,
- looking to connect with other SEAA community members from across the US,
- at least 18 years old
We welcome applicants from all 50 states and especially encourage historically underrepresented individuals from states in the South (e.g., Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, and Florida) to apply.
IS THE TRAINING FREE TO ATTEND?
Yes — there is no cost associated with registering for the Leadership Advocacy Training.
DO I HAVE TO BE SOUTHEAST ASIAN AMERICAN (SEAA) TO APPLY?
No, you do not have to be Southeast Asian American to register for the Leadership Advocacy Training. We welcome anyone to apply who is passionate about adovcating for SEAA communities.
Please note that SEARAC defines “Southeast Asian American” as a person from/with ancestry from the following countries: Vietnam (e.g., Vietnamese, Khmer Kampuchea Krom, Montagnard), Cambodia (e.g., Khmer, Cham, Khmer Loeu), and Laos (e.g., Hmong, Lao, Mien, Khmu, Tai Dam, Tai Leu, etc.). This definition of SEAA is a political identity derived from the shared experiences of people who were displaced by American occupations of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, and subsequently came to the United States as refugees.
HOW DO I FIND MY CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT?
You can find your Congressional district by visiting this page on the House of Representatives website. Enter your zip code, and you will be directed to your Member of Congress, their political party, and the Congressional district they represent (e.g., California District 47 or Hawaii District 1).
WHAT ARE THE POLICY PRIORITIES WE’LL BE LEARNING ABOUT?
Education
- Data equity
- Ethnic studies
- Higher education equity
Health & Aging
- Mental health
- Supporting Southeast Asian American older adults and their caregivers
Immigration
- Ending Southeast Asian deportations
- Supporting the family immigration system
You may read more about SEARAC’s policy priorities here.
WILL I MEET MY MEMBER OF CONGRESS?
Typically, participants will meet with staffers of their members’ offices who handle the specific issue area (e.g., education, health, immigration) of the meeting. In some cases, representatives and senators have been available to take meetings themselves.
Thank you to our program sponsors!
Interested in sponsoring LAT 2026? Click here to view sponsorship information.