Filipino American Civic Employees of Seattle

Filipino American Civic Employees of Seattle (FACES) is a nonprofit association of Filipino American Civic employees and their friends and supporters.  FACES is inclusive and fosters collaboration among all backgrounds. Since it’s inception in 1990, this organization continues to provide intrinsic and extrinsic values in many levels.  FACES have given voice to the voiceless and helped to bring courage to those who might have felt they had nowhere to turn.  Furthermore, FACES works with the Filipino American community and other people of color to influence policies that affect our common causes.  Many great things continue to happen behind the scene since its inception to support of its members and community effort.  

Mission

Our mission is "To champion dignity, rights and privileges to all Filipino Americans".

Vision

¨       Continue and strengthen the Race & Social Justice efforts

¨       Empower members at all levels

¨       Strengthen network & connections

¨       Increase visibility within the City and greater community

¨       Help promote leadership and upward mobility for qualified candidates

¨       Encourage mentorship, career navigation and succession planning

 FACES membership is open to all diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Accomplishments to date (2006 & 2007)

Raised Funds for Leyte Relief Efforts-Mudslides

Tragic mudslides killed hundreds of people in Guinsaugon (Southern Leyte, Philippines).  About 1500 or more were missing.  FACES board of directors were proactive in helping the kababayans.  Members worked with the Filipino Community of Seattle (FCS) and National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) on disaster relief fundraising efforts to help the people in Leyte affected by the mudslide disaster.  This resulted in a citywide urgent appeal as well as King County efforts.  All monies were donated to those affected by the disaster.

Hosted Filipino-American Educators from the Philippines

FACES hosted eleven visitors as part of the international Filipino-American educators exchange program sponsored by the Filipino-American Educators of Washington.  Through FACES and their supporters, the Filipino educators were able to meet Seattle City Council Members (Honorable David Della and Honorable Richard McIver), and several key staff including Department Directors and Program Directors.  Along with a few informational meetings, the international educators were also able to tour city buildings as well as discuss key educational issues affecting Philippines and USA.

First Annual Joint Asian Pacific American Celebration (FACES, City of Seattle & King County)

FACES was the main organizer for the first joint Asian Pacific American Heritage Month event that was co-hosted by FACES, City of Seattle and Martin Luther King, Jr. County. “Thousands of Journeys: Building Community” held in May 2006 at City Hall. This first-time event brought together the Filipino-American Civic Employees of Seattle (FACES), the City of Seattle, and Martin Luther King, Jr. County to acknowledge, educate and celebrate the contributions and struggles of immigrant, refugee and American-born Asian and Pacific Islanders. (View the video footage of this event at (www.seattle.gov/asianpacificamericans/).  FACES established the first “Uncle Bob Santos Community Builder Award” to honor Mr. Santos for his leadership in uniting people to pursue constructive change and commitment to socio-economic justice.

Race & Social Justice Committee

FACES RSJ committee has been in existence for a few years.  This was a response to the great need for its members who a few felt they didn’t have a place to turn.  FACES supports and is proactive about Race and Socio-economic justice.  The committee developed and disseminated surveys to listen to the voices of its members concerns, comments and questions.

Career Coaching/Mentoring Program

The FACES Career Coaching Program is a career strategy program to support the employee development, career navigation, personal enhancement and upward mobility of FACES members.  The purpose of this program is to provide career guidance for members who wish to prepare themselves for workplace changes such as new technologies, departmental reorganizations, or for those who want assistance with their long-term career goals.  The program will help to empower individuals to take personal responsibility in their own professional success by working collaboratively with their coach and together design a plan of action.  Part of the Career Coaching Program is to also develop measurements of success.  More information to follow!

16^th Annual Educational Conference- The Westin Seattle, October 20, 2006

“Bayanihan:  Working Together to Make a Difference”

In Tagalog, which is a major dialect in the Philippines, the word bayanihan carries great significance.  Originally, it referred to neighbors carrying a hut or house to a new location.  People now use it to describe an outpouring of community spirit-as people give their all to the common good, without expecting recognition or personal gain.  This year’s FACES conference captures this theme addressing some of the challenges and issues we encountered in our continued quest to make a difference both in our workplace and in society.  In support to the Mayor’s Race & Social Justice Initiative, the 16th FACES conference brings the bayanihan spirit closer to you.  Together, we can make a difference.

Scholarships

FACES is committed to helping to train and develop leaders in the City as well as our greater community.  In 2006 two $500 scholarships have been awarded to members to help offset the cost of their tuition for leadership development and to attend a premier training program through Executive Development Institute.  Two scholarships were also awarded at the 16^th Annual Educational Conference to two individuals pursuing post secondary school and on-going educational and training/classes.

FACES is excited to announce that $3,000 has been committed to the scholarship programs to assist FACES members and their immediate family in pursuing higher education; to support leadership and career development of FACES members; and to provide FACES members and the Filipino American community the opportunity to attend the FACES Training Conference.

Community Sponsorships

Several community sponsorships have been awarded this year which include NaFFAA, FCS, FANHS, Inter*Im, Gawad Kalinga, Hate Free Zone and a few others.  FACES commitment extends well beyond the city and the community.  All of these organizations supports FACES mission and vision.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

FACES Board of Directors and members continue to reach out to the community.  We’ve continued to solidify our partnerships and effort to improve the quality of life of many others as well as strengthen our journey for socio-economic justice efforts.

"You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   — Woodrow Wilson