Tools to Help Support the AAPI Community During a Time of Crisis
The recent hate-fueled terror attacks in Atlanta, GA USA sent a shock wave through the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. On March 16, 2021, three mass shootings occurred targeting massage parlors claiming the lives of eight people, six of them, the targets, were Asian women. This hate crime has been the latest in a year of racism and targeted attacks towards the AAPI community. We are calling for an end to the anti-Asian hate and these are some tools you can utilize to be a much-needed supporter and ally to the AAPI community: Speak out against ignorance and hate. The wave of anti-Asian racism began at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Racist misinformation about the virus ran rampant online, vilifying the Asian community with racist remarks such as nicknaming it the “China virus”. Speak out if you hear racists remarks/beliefs and be a voice against all the hate and misinformation. Donate. Many organizations support the AAPI community and are anti-AAPI hate. Find one and educate yourself about their mission and what’s occurring in their community and donate to help support their efforts. The AAPI Community Fund AAPI Progressive Action AAPI Women Lead Asian Mental Health Collective National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance Stop AAPI Hate National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association Be a friend. Be a safe place your AAPI friends and coworkers can go to vent, discuss their feelings, and let them know that they are supported and cared for. If you’re an employer, ensure that your staff is aware of any mental health resources available and help them access those resources. Also, during this time, it’s good to allow more flexibility with scheduling needs. You never know what someone is going through and, this year, people have been through a lot. These are some easy and effective ways to support our family, friends, and colleagues of the AAPI community against all the hate that has been spreading through the country this past year. And you can start right away by just keeping an open ear, an open mind, and an open heart.