Established in 2004, the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs serves and celebrates the various communities within Iowa’s Asian and Pacific Islander populations through advocacy and education. Section 216 A of the Code of Iowa charges the commission with studying the opportunities for and changing needs of the Asian and Pacific Islander persons in this state and serving as liaison between the office and the public, sharing information and gathering constituency input.

The Office of Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs, in the Department of Human Rights, is the permanent agency to advocate for Iowans of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage. The office supports the commission’s efforts and works with other state agencies and private organizations to address the needs of Iowans of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage in participating fully in the economic, social, and cultural life of the state.

The main goals are to:

ADVOCATE for Iowans of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage.

SERVE, through coordination and cooperation with the efforts of state departments and agencies, the needs of Iowans of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage in participating fully in the economic, social, and cultural life of the state, and provide direct assistance to individuals who request it.

ASSIST, develop, and coordinate other public or private organizations which serve Iowans of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage.

INFORM on programs and agencies operating to assist Iowans of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage.