The legitimacy of a pluralistic Democracy rests on the equitable participation of each of its national, ethnic, and racial components and the accelerating pace of modern life requires that historically and traditionally under-served groups progress at different rates to participate in the mainstream of American society. Our Nation’s founders intended that the Government embody the most enlightened interests of the community as a whole and of its parts.

There exists a need for an organization within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promote the interests and wellbeing of the people therefore the FEDERAL ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN COUNCIL – USDA CHAPTER (FAPAC-USDA) is formed.

Serve as an interagency employee association within USDA providing a focus for over thirty ethnically distinct groups from Asia and Pacific regions and islands as recognized by the United States Bureau of the Census.

• To assist USDA in promoting, establishing, and maintaining an effective and equitable participation of Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in the Federal workforce.
• To promote overall awareness of the impact of AAPI cultures, contributions, work ethics, and behavior as related to USDA’s mission.
• To promote a better understanding of, and to seek solutions for, the particular problems, including Equal Employment Opportunity, for AAPI in USDA.
• To establish and maintain channels of communication and goodwill open between AAPI and other individuals in USDA.
• To promote the career development and advancement of AAPI in USDA, and to do so through such vehicles as the sponsorship of training conferences, Asian and Pacific American Heritage observances, and developmental workshops.
• To fully implement the Memorandum of Understanding between USDA (including its constituent agencies) and FAPAC.

FAPAC-USDA is a voluntary, non-profit, certified USDA employee organization authorized by this constitution and bylaws, and in conformance with DPM Chapter 712, Subchapter I of the regulations of the USDA.

Membership is open to all USDA employees or retirees, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability or sex, under such rules and regulations not in conflict with the provisions of the constitution and by-laws, and to any individual who subscribes to its objectives and policies. Once accepted, members shall continue in good standing as long as membership eligibility requirements are met and the regular dues are paid.

The membership of this organization shall be composed of Regular, Associate and Honorary members.

• Regular membership shall be granted to any eligible applicant who is a USDA employee and has paid the required dues. Only Regular members in good standing shall have the right to vote on motions proposed during a meeting of the regular membership and in any election of officers.
• Associate membership may be granted to USDA retirees and to representative of non-profit organizations, agencies and institutions subscribing to its objectives. Associate members are eligible to vote but are NOT eligible to hold any office. Honorary membership may be bestowed upon any individual for outstanding contributions to the organization and its objectives.
• All honorary memberships must receive majority approval by the membership. Honorary members shall be non-voting members, exempt from all dues, and ineligible to hold any office.

Membership dues are $14 for USDA Chapter and $36 for national FAPAC (combined $50). Any local chapter member has to join the national chapter.

By-laws and constitution (pdf/155KB): DOWNLOAD

Authorization/Recognition letter (pdf/769KB): DOWNLOAD

Membership Brochure (pdf/344KB): DOWNLOAD

Membership Form (doc/87KB): DOWNLOAD