On August 11, Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors (FASCA) Michigan Chapter advocated for Taiwan's meaningful participation in the United Nations (UN) and its General Assembly during Comerica Park's "Taiwan Day", a celebration of Taiwanese heritage and culture held during a Detroit Tigers home game. The students came prepared with posters, which they proudly displayed before the game and throughout the stands to raise awareness and demonstrate their support for Taiwan. In addition to advocating for Taiwan, FASCA students also volunteered at the Taiwan Day event, contributing their time and energy to support the event and serve the community. Through their advocacy and volunteer service, the students demonstrated their commitment to promoting Taiwan, raising awareness of its international contributions, and sharing Taiwan's voice with the broader community.
Director General Dennis Yen-Feng Lei of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Chicago; Director Rickey Lei and Associate Director Y.J. Chen of the Culture Center of TECO in Chicago; and OCAC Advisor and FASCA Advisor Chingching Chen joined FASCA Advisor Dr. Chunhui Lee and FASCA students in this meaningful advocacy effort. Together, they demonstrated their strong and enthusiastic support for Taiwan's participation in the United Nations. Yen-Feng Lei was delighted to meet the students and expressed his heartfelt appreciation for their initiative in designing and creating multiple posters for Taiwan Day. Through their posters and active participation, the students advocated for Taiwan's participation in the United Nations and proudly voiced the message, "UN for Taiwan".
To prepare for the event, students participated in classes that guided them through research and discussion of key questions designed to develop both factual knowledge and critical thinking about why Taiwan should participate in the United Nations and what strengths Taiwan brings to the global community. Through their research and classroom discussions, students explored several important aspects of Taiwan's international role, including Taiwan's historical connection to the United Nations as a founding member, its contributions to global public health, and its role in representing the people of Taiwan. They also examined Taiwan's economic and technological strengths, particularly its globally significant semiconductor industry, as well as its commitment to democracy and human rights. In addition, students learned about Taiwan's humanitarian contributions and disaster-relief efforts around the world. Through this learning experience, they gained a deeper understanding of Taiwan's contributions to the international community and why Taiwan's meaningful participation in the United Nations is important.
Chunhui Lee shared that, building on what the students had learned in their previous classes, he was very pleased to lead FASCA students in turning their knowledge into meaningful action and speaking up for Taiwan. He also expressed his sincere gratitude to the students and their parents for coming together to show their support for Taiwan and their homeland. Student Gwyneth Lin said, "What we learned from our teacher in class used to feel like general knowledge. But today, by actually standing up and speaking out for Taiwan, I feel proud of myself. I feel that I have done something right and meaningful. I am incredibly moved and excited." Parent Charles Lin shared, "Seeing my child holding up the signs was deeply moving. I'm very glad to have had the opportunity to bring my child to participate in such a meaningful event. It not only gives the broader American community an opportunity to see Taiwan and hear Taiwan's voice, but also helps the younger generation of American-born Taiwanese better understand Taiwan's international situation and the challenges and needs it faces."
FASCA Michigan's participation in this event reflects its continued commitment to supporting Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations. This effort builds on the chapter's previous workshop, which explored Taiwan's re-entry into the World Health Organization and highlighted Taiwan's valuable contributions to global public health. Moving forward, FASCA Michigan will continue to engage with the broader community and local dignitaries to raise awareness of Taiwan's capabilities, expertise, and willingness to make pragmatic and professional contributions to the international community. Through educational programs, community engagement, and meaningful advocacy, FASCA Michigan hopes to promote greater understanding and support for Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations.
