Anti Asian Violence Resources to Support AAPI Students

Anti-Asian violence has been increasing at an alarming rate in recent years, causing immense harm and distress to Asian American individuals and communities. With the rise of hate crimes and xenophobia, it is crucial that access to resources and support systems are made readily available to address this pressing issue. 

Education and awareness play a key role in creating a safer and more inclusive society, and it is our collective responsibility to stand in solidarity with our Asian American neighbors and provide them with resources on how to help Asian Americans heal and thrive.

The following is a list of anti Asian violence resources for those affected by anti-Asian violence:

Asian American Legal Defence and Education Fund (AALDEF)

AALDEF works to protect and promote Asian American civil rights. It was founded in 1974, and since then, it has been dedicated to defending the rights of Asian Americans through a combination of advocacy, litigation, and education.

The organization provides legal assistance to individuals and communities affected by discrimination and participates in impact litigation to challenge discriminatory laws and policies. AALDEF also runs community education programs to raise awareness about civil rights issues and to empower Asian American communities to defend their rights.

Stop AAPI Hate

Stop Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Hate (Stop AAPI Hate) is a national reporting center launched in 2020 to document and address incidents of violence, discrimination, child bullying, hate, and harassment against AAPI in the USA. The organization was created in response to a sharp increase in hate incidents against the AAPI community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stop AAPI Hate resources collect and analyze reports of hate incidents and provide support and resources to those who have experienced hate. The organization also works to raise awareness about hate against AAPI communities and to advocate for policies and initiatives to address and stop Asian American hate.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC)

AAJC is a national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the civil and human rights of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). AAJC provides direct legal services, advocacy, and community education to address the most pressing issues facing AAPI communities, including anti-Asian hate crimes and discrimination. AAJC also works to increase AAPI political participation, civic engagement, and access to resources and opportunities.

National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF)

NAPAWF is a multi-issue organization that advances the rights and well-being of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women and girls. NAPAWF works to end violence against AAPI women and girls, increase their economic security, and address the intersections of race, gender, class, and other social identities. NAPAWF is dedicated to empowering AAPI women and girls to participate fully in all aspects of American society and create a world where they can live safely, freely, and with dignity.

The National Council of Asian-Pacific Americans (NCAPA)

NCAPA is an alliance of 35+ national Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) organizations. It serves as a national voice for AAPI Community and works to address the challenges and needs of these communities. NCAPA is committed to promoting the well-being of AAPI individuals and families and to advocating for policies and programs that protect the Asian community.

In response to the rise in anti-Asian violence and hate crimes, NCAPA has launched a national effort to address the issue and to provide resources and support to AAPI communities. This includes working with government agencies and law enforcement to increase reporting, hold perpetrators accountable, and provide support and resources to AAPI victims of violence.

Asian Support Resources

Asian communities are diverse and widespread, encompassing various cultures, languages, and traditions. Despite this richness, these communities can also face unique challenges, such as discrimination and language barriers, making it difficult to access support and resources.

To help meet these needs, various organizations and programs have been established to provide AAPI support and resources to Asian individuals and families. Here are some of them.

Asian Mental Health Collective

Asian Mental Health Collective is a community-based organization that provides culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health services for Asian Americans. The organization offers various services, including individual and family counseling, group therapy, and community education and outreach. They also support individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues related to acculturation and cultural adjustment. Many of their therapists are bilingual and bicultural, allowing them to connect with and serve the Asian American community effectively.

South Asian Helpline and Referral Agency (SAHARA)

The South Asian Helpline and Referral Agency (SAHARA) is a non-profit organization that provides Asian American support and resources to South Asians in the United States. The organization offers crisis intervention, counseling, and referral services for individuals and families struggling with mental health, domestic violence, and other social and emotional issues. They provide these services in a culturally sensitive and confidential manner and have trained staff who speak various South Asian languages. SAHARA also offers community education and outreach programs to promote awareness about mental health and reduce stigma within the South Asian community.

Asian Health Services

Asian Health Services is a non-profit community health center in Oakland, California. They provide a wide range of health care support for Asian Americans and Pacific Islander communities. Their services include primary care, behavioral health, dental care, traditional Chinese medicine, and health education. They aim to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate care to their patients, with a staff fluent in several Asian languages, including Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, and Korean. The organization also provides resources and referrals for social services to support patients’ overall health and well-being.

National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC)

NAKASEC is a non-profit organization that works to empower and mobilize Korean Americans and other Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in the United States. They focus on advocacy and community education on issues that affect the AAPI community, such as immigration, voting rights, and economic justice.

NAKASEC operates two community centers in Los Angeles and Virginia and also runs a national policy office in Washington, D.C., to advocate for the AAPI community at the national level. In addition, NAKASEC provides various programs and services, including language classes, civic engagement workshops, and health and wellness programs, to support the needs of the Korean American and AAPI communities.

AAPI Mental Health Resources

Mental health is a critical aspect of overall health and well-being, and members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community need access to culturally sensitive and appropriate Asian American resources. 

Here are some resources on how to support AAPI:

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

NAMI is a national non-profit organization that supports and advocates for people with mental illness and their families. They offer various resources, including support groups, educational programs, and public policy advocacy. NAMI also provides information and referrals to local mental health services and supports research into the causes and treatments of mental illness. NAMI’s programs and services are open to everyone, regardless of race or ethnicity, and they have a strong commitment to promoting diversity and cultural competence in their work.

Asian American Psychological Association (AAPA)

The AAPA is a professional organization dedicated to promoting the well-being and mental health of Asian-American communities. The AAPA provides a platform for Asian American psychologists to connect, network, and engage in advocacy and research on mental health issues impacting their communities. They offer resources such as workshops, conferences, and a directory of Asian American mental health providers. The AAPA also advocates for culturally responsive and sensitive mental health care for Asian Americans and increased representation and diversity in psychology.

Mental Health Association of San Francisco (MHASF)

MHASF is a non-profit organization that provides support, resources, and education to individuals, families, and communities in the San Francisco Bay Area. They offer a variety of programs and services, including mental health counseling, support groups, and advocacy services. MHASF is dedicated to promoting mental health and well-being for all individuals, focusing on underserved communities, such as the AAPI community.

Financial Aid and Scholarships that Support AAPI

There are several financial aid and scholarship programs available to provide support for Asian Americans and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students. These programs aim to increase access to higher education for students from underrepresented communities and to help reduce the financial burden of paying for college.

Some of the notable financial aid and scholarship programs for AAPI students include:

Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Program

APIA Scholarship program is a non-profit organization that provides scholarships to Asian and Pacific Islander American (AAPI) students who demonstrate financial need. Their General Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to AAPI students pursuing higher education in the United States. The scholarship awards can cover tuition and fees, books, and other related educational expenses. Eligible applicants must be of Asian and Pacific Islander ethnicity, be enrolled as full-time students in a U.S.-accredited college or university, and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7.

Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation 

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation is a scholarship program that provides financial assistance to high school seniors who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to leadership and community service. The scholarship awards are renewable for four years and can be used to cover tuition and other related educational expenses. Eligible applicants must be high school seniors, U.S. citizens, and plan to enroll full-time in a U.S.-accredited college or university. While race and ethnicity are not considered in the selection process, the foundation is committed to diversity and encourages AAPI students to apply.

Gates Millennium Scholars Program 

The Gates Millennium Scholars Program is a highly competitive scholarship program established in 1999 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. It aims to provide opportunities for exceptional low-income, minority students to pursue higher education. The program offers scholarships to students from African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American, and Hispanic American backgrounds who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and leadership potential. Scholars receive financial support for their undergraduate and graduate studies, mentorship, professional development, and access to a network of fellow scholars.

The National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) 

NAAAP is a scholarship program for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students pursuing higher education. The scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence, community involvement, and financial need. The scholarship provides financial support to help cover tuition, fees, and other education-related expenses.

Conclusion

The recent rise in anti-Asian violence has profoundly impacted the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, especially students. Students and schools must be aware of the available resources on how to help Asian Americans in the face of such violence.

From community-based organizations to online support networks, there are numerous anti asian resources available to provide emotional and practical support to those affected. By utilizing these resources, AAPI students feel safe and supported and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society.