By Xiaojun Jiang, Program Assistant, Economic Justice Team
Xiaojun Jiang is an Economic Justice Program Assistant at CAA who helps Chinese immigrant clients search for jobs. As front-line staff, she interfaces with our clients and community members, answering questions, explaining CAA’s services, and enrolling them in our programs. Each week, she compiles job opportunities, translates the listings into Chinese, and sends a bilingual email to 600 people.
As an immigrant herself who moved to the U.S. from southern China with her family, this work is close to Xiaojun’s heart. Her family settled in San Francisco Chinatown, and she witnessed firsthand how difficult it was for her mother, who doesn’t speak English, to find a job. We asked Xiaojun to share a little about her story and her work.
“Most of our clients have limited English proficiency, so they’re understandably concerned about their ability to support their families.”
What was it like for your family when you immigrated?
It’s common for immigrants to encounter cultural and economic issues, such as searching for a job. How do you get support in a new setting? In a new society? My mom has a language barrier. When she came here, she had a very hard time finding a job. After a period of struggle, a community organization helped her find one. I had never heard of this kind of resource before. Over the course of living here, I’ve become aware of the many types of support from community organizations. I’ve benefited from them, too. I think Chinatown is a fantastic community for Chinese immigrants. There are lots of CBOs here and resources.
Photo Credit: Bob Hsiang
What was it like for you? And what was your path to working at CAA?
At the beginning, I felt lost. What does my life look like in the U.S.? What’s my education? My career? What was I going to do in the future? That’s really hard. I was looking for my place in this society. Then, a friend referred me to CYC (Community Youth Center), which has a youth program called RiseUp. Through the program, I got involved in community service and volunteering, gained guidance and assistance in my career development, and acquired a deep interest in community service activities and community development. My connection with CYC gave me the opportunity to intern at Self-Help for the Elderly, where I learned the meaning of community practice and felt my power as a member of a community.
CYC, and also my mother’s experience, inspired me. I saw how resources are important to vulnerable people and Chinese immigrants. Before I graduated from college, I did some research about how unhoused people can access resources around them. As a result of field investigation and resource study, I became better acquainted with the importance of resource accessibility and empowering vulnerable populations. I made up my mind to return to the community and to help people access resources, so that led me to CAA.
What kinds of questions and concerns do CAA’s clients have?
Most of our clients have limited English proficiency, so they’re understandably concerned about their ability to support their families. They ask different questions like: Am I able to find a job? Will employers hire people who don’t speak English very well? Also, some clients will come back and ask about labor issues or conflict with their employers. We help them calm their emotions and tell them what we can do for them. Sometimes that includes referring them to other community organizations that can help them.
What are some examples of conflicts they might experience?
The schedule is not a fixed schedule. The employer is always changing the schedule unreasonably or cutting their hours. Because of the language barrier, they may not be able to communicate effectively with their employers, which makes it harder for them to assert their rights and benefits at work. We advise them on how to set up a conversation with their supervisors and co-workers. We also help them write emails to address these issues.
What do you like about working at CAA?
A lot! CAA has a respectful and inclusive working environment and coworkers here. My team members are always supporting each other, and we all collaborate together on shared goals to get things done and serve our community. That makes me feel like we’re a team. I have enjoyed my time at CAA, and I’ve learned a lot. I hope that I will take these relationships and work experience with me to the next job.
