May 6, 2020
Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in the Time of COVID-19
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the diversity of our AAPI communities. We are especially in awe of AAPI community-based agencies who are not only continuing to provide culturally-specific services to meet survivors' growing needs, but also adapting outreach to transform communities while maintaining social distance -- virtual listening sessions, support calls, webinars, roundtables, and even anniversary galas are just a few of the creative forums we have participated in.

At the same time, we are saddened by the recent rise in anti-Asian racism and anti-immigrant sentiment and the impact this has had on survivors, organizations, and small businesses already feeling the immediate strain of the pandemic. As activists across the country rise up to push back against the scapegoating, we are reminded of Grace Lee Boggs' wisdom: "You don't choose the times you live in, but you do choose who you want to be. And you do choose how you think."

If you are in a position to give, please consider donating to an amazing AAPI service agency. Browse our Directory to find one in your area.

Thank you, and stay well!

~ Ana Paula, Cannon, Grace, Hai, Kayla, Marcy, Mary, Sarah, Shirley, and Yein
Lend Your Voice!
Twitter Chat: May 21, 2020 / 12-1pm PDT

As COVID-19 transforms how we interact with each other, it is more important now than ever that we come together, not apart. We are saddened by the recent rise in anti-Asian and xenophobic sentiment and concerned for the lingering damage to our Asian American communities’ safety and well-being. There is no better time than Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM) to remember that racism is never founded and never okay. Join us as we say NO MORE to anti-Asian xenophobia and celebrate our diverse, resilient, and powerful communities!

Save the date and help us spread the word!
Additional resources to end xenophobia and anti-AAPI racism

Hollaback! Bystander Intervention Training from Hollaback! and AAAJ equips participants to fight back against harassment

Stand Against Hatred tracker from AAAJ documents incidents of racism and hate against Asian Americans

Incident tracker from STOP AAPI Hate receives reports in several Asian languages. Almost 1500 incidents were reported in the first month

#WashTheHate invites participants to submit short videos sharing how they have been impacted by COVID-19
In case you missed it!

Our webinar on FGM/C, presented in collaboration with Sahiyo and US End FGM/C Network, is available to watch here!
Your voice matters!
Economic impacts of COVID-19: A survey developed by the Center for Survivor Agency & Justice -- available in English and Spanish!
News and Updates from the Field:

Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence