Pacific Islanders for Progress

Project Description

Pacific Islanders for Progress (PIP) is a statewide advocacy coalition, network, and convening space for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) leaders, advocates, educators, and community organizations dedicated to strengthening collective advocacy to advance education equity and economic mobility for Pasifika communities in California.

Despite being one of the fastest-growing populations in the state, Pacific Islanders remain persistently underrepresented in data, under-resourced in public institutions, and overlooked in policy discussions. PIP was created to address this structural invisibility by building a coordinated, data-driven, and community-rooted advocacy infrastructure.

At its core, PIP operates at the intersection of data, policy, and community voice. It works to ensure our Pacific Islander communities are not only visible in statewide education decision-making processes, but are also meaningfully included and empowered to make decisions about their futures. 

Mission/Vision

PIP’s mission is to advance equity and opportunity for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities in California across the cradle to career continuum.

PIP’s vision is a California where all Pacific Islanders are supported to reach their full potential and access economic mobility.

Goals

In its first year, PIP is focused on building the foundation for sustained, statewide impact by prioritizing network development, advocacy capacity, and strategic alignment. Central to this effort is convening and growing a strong, connected network of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander leaders, educators, advocates, and community-based organizations across California. Building on this foundation, PIP will focus on strengthening capacity for system change and aligning priorities across the network to advance meaningful and sustained policy change.

Accomplishments

In its initial phase, PIP has focused on building momentum and establishing a strong foundation for statewide collaboration. The initiative successfully convened partners for an inaugural kickoff, bringing together Pasifika leaders, educators, advocates, and community-based organizations to begin shaping a shared vision. To sustain this momentum, PIP has established a structure for ongoing engagement through the planning of regular monthly meetings, creating consistent opportunities for coordination, alignment, and collective action. 

Next Steps

PIP will focus on deepening its reach, strengthening its infrastructure, and advancing its strategic priorities. The initiative will continue to expand and formalize its statewide network by growing membership and deepening engagement with NHPI communities cross regions and sectors. 

Please contact Roy Tongilava at RoyTongilava@gmail.com to get connected.