Supporting AAPI Communities during AAPI Heritage Month
by Jessica Tovar Bobadilla, Communications Intern, San Francisco State University
In March, the nation witnessed a deadly mass shooting take place in three different Atlanta spas where eight people were targeted, including six Asian-American women. The shooting has become a part of an expanding list of anti-Asian hate crimes that have been happening worldwide, including in the Bay Area. TurnOut’s mission is to mobilize communities to power queer and trans movements, including intersectional justice work. It is crucial to our work and values to connect our volunteers with opportunities to address different forms of oppression. May is AAPI Heritage Month and we encourage folks to get involved with AAPI-led organizations in the Bay Area that are creating opportunities to help combat anti-AAPI hate.
Volunteering is a crucial step you can take during this time to support the AAPI community and prevent violence and discrimination. Below are AAPI organizations and nonprofits in the Bay Area offering different volunteer actions you can take:
Chinatown Safety Patrol is composed of community member volunteers that work together to keep the streets of Chinatown safe. With the power of the community and strength in numbers, Chinatown Safety Patrol supports the AAPI community through non-violent patrols. Volunteer to patrol Chinatown for public safety here.
Oakland Chinatown Coalition is a neighborhood-based coalition that advocates for public safety, cultural preservation, and public health for the AAPI community through strong community engagement. In light of an increase in attacks against Asian Americans in the Bay Area, they have launched their Community Strolling program to support the safety of Asian American communities. The Oakland Chinatown Coalition is seeking volunteers for Community Strolling. Community Strollers aid in building relationships with community members and cleaning up neighborhood trash. Become a Community Stroller here.
Asian Pacific Islander Equality Network of California (APIENC) is a trans and queer led non-profit organization that empowers and raises the visibility of LGBTQ+ AAPI community members through education, organization, and advocation. There are many ways to get involved to help APIENC empower and connect LGBTQ+ people with the AAPI community: proofreading stories for their Dragon Fruit Project, creating art inspired by personal and community experiences, updating their social media platforms, building curriculum for Trans Justice, or joining one of their fundraising teams. Join APIENC’s collective and intersectional movement building here.
Parivar Bay Area is a trans led non-profit organization that serves to protect trans and queer-identifying South Asian community members’ immediate and long-term health and wellness needs. Help Parivar fight for social justice, build racial equity, and create spaces for LGBTQ+ South Asian folks. Donate to their current GoFundMe to save trans Indian lives during this COVID crisis here.
Please see below for some additional ways you can support AAPI community members:
Speak up and condemn anti-Asian hate, racism, and violence
Report incidents of anti-Asian attacks on Stop AAPI Hate's website
Protect yourself when faced with discrimination and/or speak up for others as a bystander: Hollaback is hosting virtual training on bystander intervention!
Join San Francisco’s wide range of activities and programs to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month happening throughout May