Even though Koreans, Chinese and Japanese bear a physical resemblance and are often compared with each other, they have completely different histories in the United States. These days, Koreans are realizing that the Chinese in America have been integrated and have become active in mainstream politics. As a result, the Korean community in America, especially in New York, is following in the footsteps of the Chinese, encouraging Korean political candidates who are knowledgeable of the history and background of Koreans in the United States to step up to the plate.

The Chinese community in New York has progressed further than the Korean in the political sphere. Many Koreans, influenced by the Chinese model of participation and action, are seeking to increase the community's political power, knowledge, and activity by introducing and supporting Korean candidates. What are some of the major lessons to be learned from N.Y. Chinese community?

One of the pivotal tasks of the community is to begin nurturing politicians at an early age. New York City's first Asian councilman, Chinese-born John Liu, began his political career during college, volunteering for local politicians and assisting in fundraising and campaigning. Despite his early failed attempts to win a seat on the New York Board of Education, he did not give up and was eventually elected to the City Council. He is an excellent role model for all Asian politicians and candidates in New York.

Equally important is a candidates party loyalty; candidates need their party's recognition and support. This does not advocate blind loyalty to party positions, but it does mean assessing them in intelligent ways. In the case of John Liu, losing elections did not push him away from his party; instead, he diligently supported other Democrats, including John Choi who is a candidate for a City Council seat in the 20th district.

Politicians must also recognize the power of voters. The Chinese community had this realization following the elections for City Councilman in 2001 when Liu was elected. The Chinese community has a strong tradition of voter participation with the number of registered Chinese voters increasing annually in tandem with the growing influence of Chinese politicians. The benefits of Asian voter participation are therefore becoming visible in the political world.

Members of any group should ensure that their candidates are funded, and that means giving donations. Chinese Americans, from all socio-economic backgrounds, engage in local politics by raising funds for the candidates and the issues they support, thus demonstrating the passionate support of the Chinese community.

Lastly, communities should not focus on the number of candidates of their ethnicity. Sometimes the New York Chinese community has several candidates for the same seat, yet voters are never asked to unite behind one specific candidate. The Chinese clearly understand that each candidate needs to have experience, gain public recognition, and establish his or her political career. The number and variety of candidates gives all voters a range of options.

With these lessons from the Chinese community in New York, Korean Americans can foster an environment that promotes increased political participation in their community.