Speeches by Secretary Elaine L. Chao

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Remarks Delivered by
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao
YWCA Queens
New York, New York
Sunday, April 30, 2006

I am so pleased to be here tonight to help celebrate the YWCA of Queens' second anniversary as an independent chapter.

As an immigrant myself, and former President and CEO of the United Way of America, I know how important volunteer organizations are to the community. This organization provides many services to the entire community.

Many of your programs are oriented towards young people. They provide training and career counseling to help them enter the workforce. Many of these young people will take their first jobs during summer vacation and learn the satisfaction of earning their first paycheck. In fact, every year around this time, millions of teens look for summer jobs to earn some extra money and learn important skills. To ensure that their experience is a positive one, the law says that teens should not work in jobs that jeopardize their health or well being.

So here are some of the rules. Once a teen turns fourteen, he or she can work in an office, grocery and retail store, restaurant, movie theater or amusement park. Teens cannot work in hazardous jobs such as roofing or operate dangerous equipment. Also, teens fourteen or fifteen can only work three hours on a school day and eight hours on a non-school day. You and your families can find out more about these rules at www.youthrules.dol.gov. and happy summer. 4US-WAGE. Have a safe and happy summer.

One of the reasons the Department of Labor posts these rules is to help newcomers understand that they are protected by U.S. labor laws. And that's why community organizations like yours are so important. They help build bridges of understanding between Asian and American culture.

Asian and American culture share some many common values — love of family, respect for education, and the value of opportunity. And I am so proud to work for a leader, President George W. Bush, who appreciates diversity and has done so much to reach out to the Asian Pacific American community.

For the first time in America's history, two Asian Pacific Americans serve in the cabinet. And the President has appointed more than 300 Asian Pacific Americans to top jobs in his administration. And 23 have served in the White House itself — a record number!

Following the President's lead, there are more Asian Pacific Americans in leadership positions at the Department of Labor than any other government agency — like Shinae Chun, the first Asian American Director of the Women's Bureau.

So, the voices of our community are being heard at the very highest levels of government.

But the Department has not stopped there. It has launched many programs to reach out to the Asian Pacific American community.

Last August, I was proud to announce a faith-based initiative grant for more than $1 million to the Korean Churches for Community Development. This grant is helping help 1,200 Korean American young people who have experienced a setback in their lives get back on the right path.

It's so important for at-risk young people to get a fresh start, and a second chance if they need one. That's one of the very special, and unique qualities that America offers. This Administration is especially concerned about vulnerable newcomers in immigrant communities. Access to job training and employment services can help at-risk youngsters by giving them employable skills, mentoring and positive role models. By fostering strong ties to the community and to work, we can help these young people build bridges to hope and brighter futures.

Under this grant, the Korean Churches for Community Development is partnering with other organizations and regional employers to provide educational, vocational and on-the-job training. This organization is an example of the vital role that faith plays in the Korean American community, and this Administration's determination to help faith-based organizations reach out to those in need.

I have announced similar grants across the country to help Latino, Native American and inner-city youth. Young people are the future of our country and this Administration is committed to being there for them.

The Administration is also committed to opening the doors of opportunity to Asian Pacific Americans. This is especially true at the Department of Labor.

For example, the Department publishes an Asian Pacific American Federal Career Guide to tell people how to enter the federal government, if they were interested.

It also holds an annual Career Advancement Summit to help Asian Pacific Americans develop the skills they need to advance within the federal government. Next week, on May 3, the Department of Labor, in partnership with the Office of Personnel Management, is hosting the Fifth Annual Asian Pacific American Federal Career Advancement Summit. To learn more about the summit, or to register to attend, go to www.apasummit.gov.

Another initiative is the Secretary's Internship Program to help develop the next generation of leaders. If you have children who are interested, please visit our website, www.dol.gov, for information on the internship programs.

The Department is also making it easier for Korean American and other Asian Pacific Americans to access its agencies and programs.

The Department is translating its publications and Web sites on health, safety and fair compensation into multiple languages. For instance, the reference guide to our country's employment law, the Fair Labor Standards Act, is now translated into Korean.

It has also hired interpreters to assist non-English speakers who call the Labor Department's telephone center to reach our agencies and programs.

Finally, let me give you a heads up on the upcoming annual Opportunity Conference hosted by the Department of Labor. This is a Summit to help traditionally underserved communities access opportunity in mainstream America. It offers free workshops on networking, communications and accessing government grant and contracting opportunities. I hope you will check out this Conference on www.opportunityconference.gov, or www.dol.gov, and consider attending.

These are only a few examples of the many ways in which we are helping Asian Pacific Americans to access the American dream.

I am proud that the Asian Pacific American community has responded to America's opportunities by contributing so much to our country through our self reliance, hard work, strong families, and emphasis on education.

For example, your ancestors, who first came to the United States one hundred years ago, would be so proud of the progress Korean Americans have made!

Like so many Asian newcomers to this country, the first Korean Americans were willing to take the most humble jobs to build a better life for their families. Today, their descendents are leaders in every profession. One out of every eight Korean American owns his or her own business.

And, it is important to note, that Koreans have also continued to give back to America through volunteering. So let me thank the members of the YWCA of Queens for the vital work you are doing to promote civic participation, education and opportunity.

And I thank you for inviting me here to celebrate with you at this wonderful gala!