Neighborhood House grieves the loss of the seven women (six of whom were Asian) and one man in Georgia last week. We condemn the violence and we stand with our Asian friends, clients, board members, and staff in solidarity and support.
Women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, immigrants, Muslims, and other diverse individuals exist in a world where we are always at-risk of becoming a target of hate. Many of us have experienced or have been impacted by harassment, stereotyping, or violence because of our gender, racial, religious, or other identity. The rise in hate is especially troubling as an agency that is primarily staffed by and serving immigrants, refugees, and BIPOC communities.
We wrote about the alarming increase in bias and harassment against Asian American communities a year ago in the April 2020 Equity IRL. Since then, things have gotten even worse. The racist actions and words of leaders and influencers have made many of us feel less safe. At Neighborhood House, we seek to create environments that are welcoming, supporting, and affirming spaces for all our staff and clients and we collectively stand against anti-Asian violence.
Neighborhood House’s Celebrating Asian Diversity affinity group has put together some resources (below) from various organizations for our learning and taking action.
Report an Incident of Hate or Bias:
Advocate against bias and learn more:
- https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/racist-colonialist-and-misogynist-narrative-abets-violence-against-asian-women/
- https://www.kingcounty.gov/elected/executive/equity-social-justice/Coalition-Against-Hate-And-Bias.aspx
- http://www.nqapia.org/
- https://www.napawf.org/
- https://stopasianhate.org/
Battling stereotypes and understanding history:
- The PBS series Asian Americans about the history of identity, contributions, and challenges experienced by Asian Americans
- The Smithsonian’s video series We are not a stereotype: Breaking down Asian Pacific American bias which explores what it means to be Asian Pacific American and the impacts of Asian Pacific American stereotypes
- Asian Americans and Seattle’s Civil Rights History
Bystander Intervention Training/resources to stop anti-Asian/American and xenophobic harassment:
- https://www.ihollaback.org/bystanderintervention/
- https://www.ihollaback.org/app/uploads/2016/11/Show-Up_CUPxHollaback.pdf
Domestic Violence resources:
Mental Health Resources:
Support BIPOC-owned businesses:
Donate to organizations that serve and are led by Asian Americans like:
- API Chaya
- Asian Counseling & Referral Services (ACRS)
- Chinese Information & Service Center
- Filipino Community of Seattle
- Friends of Little Saigon
- Interim CDA
- International Community Health Services
- Khmer Community of Seattle King County
- Korean Women’s Association (KWA)
- Lao Community Service Center
- OCA Seattle (formerly known as the Organization of Chinese Americans)
- Pacific Islander Community Association
- Tsuru for Solidarity