Asians Fighting Injustice Inc

Asians Fighting Injustice (AFI) emerged in response to the alarming increase in hate and bias incidents targeting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) across the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our founding members were galvanized into action following the shocking rise in hate and bias incidents and  tragic events like the Atlanta spa shooting in March 2021. Since then, we have been committed to supporting victims, raising awareness of AAPI issues and the complexities of anti-Asian bias, and fostering community resilience.

Your donation will allow us to bring on a full-time staff member to oversee the daily operations of our organization, and fund our flagship programs.

Objectives

Raise awareness about the historic and contemporary systemic roots and consequences of hate and bias incidents targeting the AAPI community.

Provide comprehensive support services for victims of hate and bias incidents, including mental health resources, legal assistance, and educational opportunities.

Engage in proactive prevention efforts through community outreach, advocacy, and policy reform initiatives.

Forge collaborative partnerships with government agencies, community organizations, and stakeholders to amplify our impact and affect meaningful change both within the AAPI community and the general population.

Strategy:

Education and Awareness:

AFI is developing engaging educational materials and conduct targeted outreach campaigns to raise awareness about what the Civil Rights Corps has termed the “ Social Determinants of Safety” ,an approach to understanding community safety through a public health framework, and the pervasive impact of hate and bias incidents. Through workshops, presentations, multimedia projects, and community forums, we aim to foster dialogue and empower individuals to take action against prejudice and discrimination.

Victim Support Services:

Building upon our network of trained volunteers and community partners, AFI will expand our capacity to provide comprehensive support services for individuals impacted by hate and bias. This includes offering culturally competent mental health resources, advocacy, and educational workshops tailored to the unique needs of the AAPI community.

Prevention and Advocacy:

AFI  engages in proactive prevention efforts to address the root causes of hate and bias incidents. This includes advocating for policy reforms, as well as organizing community-led initiatives to promote tolerance and understanding, and engaging in community-based participatory research to ensure community-led initiatives remain responsive to the changing needs of New York’s AAPI community. By empowering community members to advocate for change, and encourage more active civic engagement, we aim to create a more equitable and inclusive society for all.

Collaboration and Partnerships:

AFI recognizes the importance of collaboration in achieving our goals. We actively seek to forge partnerships with government agencies, law enforcement (as we have with District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office), civil rights organizations, community-based nonprofits,  and stakeholders to leverage resources and expertise. Through ongoing dialogue and cooperation, we can amplify our impact and affect meaningful change in the fight against hate and bias.