WithinReach's DEI Newsletter: May 2023 | |
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Happy Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month!
Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander/Pasifika communities in Washington State have complex and unique histories that are filled with both resilience and loss, accomplishments and trauma and community and discrimination (i.e. racism, xenophobia, colonialism, ableism, etc.) This month, take accountability to support AANHPI communities and learn more about the varied histories they hold in our state, such as:
For AANPHI* folks, we hope this month brings you time to celebrate, grieve, learn and fight towards collective liberation and solidarity with other Black and brown communities.
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Note: The term Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) encompasses the whole continent of Asia and the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. The term AANHPI is vague and does not accurately reflect the unique histories, experiences, or cultures of each community. It is important to remember that people who are grouped into this AANHPI umbrella are not a monolithic group, and when advocating for these communities we must acknowledge both the different privileges and barriers that each community faces. | |
*Content Warning: Mentions of Murder/Homicide, Ableism and anti-Blackness in "Justice for Jordan Neely" section below | |
How Can You Celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month Locally? | |
What else is happening this month? | | |
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Jewish American Heritage Month (May 1 - 31) | |
May is Jewish American Heritage Month in recognition of the indelible contributions American Jews have made, and continue to make, to the nation’s history, culture, and society.
Learn More
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International Worker's Day/May Day (May 1) | |
“U.S. resistance to celebrate International Labor Day — also called International Workers' Day — in May stems from a resistance to emboldening worldwide working-class unity”
Learn More
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An American holiday in honor of Malcolm X that is celebrated on either May 19 (his birthday) or the third Friday of May. As of present, the only cities who observe the holiday with city offices and schools closed are Berkeley and Oakland in California.
Learn More
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Mental Health Resources and Events | | |
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National Mental Health Awareness Month (May 1 - 31) | |
This year’s theme for Mental Health Awareness Month is the “More Than Enough.” It’s an opportunity for all of us to come together and remember the inherent value we each hold — no matter our diagnosis, appearance, socioeconomic status, background or ability.
Learn More
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National Prevention Week
(May 12 - 18)
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National Prevention Week is a national public education platform showcasing the work of communities and organizations across the country dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of substance misuse prevention and positive mental health.
Learn More
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Content Warning: Murder/Homicide, Ableism and anti-Blackness
Justice for Jordan Neely
On May 1, Jordan Neely, a 30-year-old Black unhoused man experiencing mental health issues was murdered by Daniel Penny after being put in a chokehold for 15 minutes. In a statement by Vocal New York, a statewide grassroots membership organization, “The murder of Jordan Neely is a direct result of the sustained political, systemic abandonment and dehumanization of people experiencing homelessness and mental health complexities.”
In a country that historically and currently systemically dehumanizes, murders and incarcerates Black and Brown humans, this news is too familiar. We provided resources below to learn more, support and bring justice for Jordan Neely.
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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) Team Updates | | |
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Land Acknowledgment Opportunity and Team Planning
We’re excited to start the process of staff-volunteered Land Acknowledgements at staff meetings, starting with next week’s meeting on Tuesday 5/23. The DEI Team, with immense support from Rheta (thank you!) have created a shareable document where staff can volunteer and lead acknowledgments in staff meetings. We encourage all staff who may be interested to participate in this opportunity and review the document above.
Additionally, our team has grown with the addition of three new staff members: Alice, Diana and V! We are excited with this additional capacity and are currently in the process of determining roles, responsibilities and a plan for upcoming affinity groups.
| Feedback, comments, questions, ideas? Email the DEI Team or utilize our DEI feedback form. This is a space for you to use your voice and be heard. The DEI feedback form gives you the opportunity to submit feedback anonymously. |
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WithinReach would like to acknowledge that we occupy the ancestral lands of the Coast Salish Peoples, in particular the Tulalip, Snohomish, Stillaguamish, Suquamish and Sauk-Suiattle Tribes and the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People, past, present and future, and honor with gratitude the land itself. We see you, respect your right to sovereignty and self-determination, and are committed to being better listeners, learners and in lifting Indigenous voices. | | | | |
