VOICES of VU: MICHELLE KIM, SEAMAAC, Inc.

As one of the oldest and largest refugee-founded agencies in the Philadelphia area, SEAMAAC serves individuals and families from 20 distinct linguistic populations. SEAMAAC services include advocacy, community organizing, social services, and civic engagement work.

During the election season, VU volunteers had the privilege of conducting outreach to AAPI voters to remind them to get out and vote!

This months VU partner spotlight with none other than Michelle Kim. Michelle is the Civic Engagement Coordinator who led us in our morning of voter outreach. Learn more about Michelle here:

Tell us about SEAMAAC and the civic engagement work your team does for the agency.

 The civic engagement team is dedicated to addressing low-income Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Southeastern Pennsylvania that have had a history of low voter-turnout and civic engagement. SEAMAAC is changing this narrative through voter registration, voter education, voter protection, language access, and get out the vote activities with community partners throughout five Pennsylvania counties: Philadelphia, Montgomery, Allegheny, Bucks, and Delaware. We envision a Pennsylvania with AAPI voters registered, voting and participating in the electoral process, and building power and leadership in Pennsylvania. The Civic Engagement Program also conducts community education to encourage AAPI participation in the 2020 census.

How did you get involved in civic engagement work and ultimately with SEAMAAC? 
Before I arrived at SEAMAAC, I was an educator, both in traditional settings as well as museum settings. I taught Social Studies at the highschool level where civic engagement was integral in my work and lesson planning to ensure the concepts my students learned were grounded in real-world application. I also ran civic engagement programming for youth at the National Liberty Museum. I always knew about the important work SEAMAAC was doing as I live in South Philadelphia and saw its presence, particularly with its food distribution work during the pandemic. I became interested in finding ways I could further impact my own direct community in regards to civic engagement. This led me to refocus my goals in a way that very much fit this role and space. 

What is the most rewarding aspect of working with and for AAPI Philadelphians? 

To me, the most rewarding aspect of this type of work is following people through the process of civic empowerment. It is amazing to register someone to vote and then be able to provide them support at their polling place as they vote for the very first time. Language access and cultural barriers were always challenges for my family growing up, and I am glad that I can be part of an organization that addresses these hurdles for families.

What advice would you give to Philadelphians who are wanting to support minority and/or refugee communities in the city? 

 My advice would be that it is important to recognize the language and cultural barriers when working with immigrant and refugee communities. There is a power dynamic that exists and must be acknowledged. As well as this, sometimes communities may not always be open to the help and support you are providing. That’s okay - when doing this work, it’s essential to still give autonomy to community members even if you are providing aid.

 What is your favorite part of Philly to explore? 

I love South Philly - it’s my favorite part of the city. It has the best food, and I really love the sense of community within neighborhoods.

What has been your go-to local restaurant in the city?  

My go-to local restaurant in the city is Manakeesh in West Philadelphia for amazing Lebanese food, Nam Phuong in South Philadelphia for my favorite Bo Luc Lac, and Murphs in North Philly when I’m craving a good pasta.

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Thank you to Michelle and the SEAMAAC’s Civic Engagement team for your work in the community. We are looking forward to continuing our partnership!