Far West Conventions

Young Filipino activists in the West Coast created the Far West Conventions (FWC), a one or two day conference gathering the community to articulate the problems and challenges we faced and identify solutions. KDP members helped to build these conventions, often leading the host committees from various campuses and cities.

The conventions brought together hundreds of community members, especially youth and students, helping to build the cohesion of the Filipino community and organize resistance to discrimination. The FWC also became a forum for young Filipinos to learn about the Marcos dictatorship and find avenues to support the resistance in the Philippines.

The first FWC was held in Seattle in 1971 and KDP members along with Filipino youth helped to build the FWC in cities throughout the West Coast, held annually in a different locale. FWCs were held in San Diego, Los Angeles, Berkeley, Stockton, Sacramento and Seattle.