Here's How You Can Help Asian American And Pacific Islander Communities And Stop AAPI Hate

Violent crime and harassment against the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities have been surging in the past year, and there are multiple ways you can stand in solidarity and help--through donating your money, time, and taking part in grassroots action at the local level.

PBS reports that hate crimes against Asian Americans has surged by 150% in the last year, seemingly prompted at least in part by associating and scapegoating the AAPI communities with the coronavirus pandemic. The topic has received much more attention in the last day, following a shocking violent crime in Atlanta that left eight people dead at Asian spas--six of them Asian women. In light of these events, it's important to know how you can get involved.

The organization Stop AAPI Hate was formed in March 2020, a joint project of the Asian Pacific Planning and Policy Council, Chinese for Affirmative Action, and Asian American Studies Department of San Francisco State University. Its site includes tips on how to address harassment if you are a victim or a witness (also available in multiple languages) and links to grassroots political action groups. If you are able, you can also give a monetary donation.

Similarly, the I'm Ready Movement looks to amplify the voices and stories of AAPI women and girls. It has resources like a harassment reporting tool and workers' rights documents, and you can also make a direct donation.

Over the past day, several video game publishers and studios have shared statements of solidarity and links to resources as part of the Stop AAPI Hate campaign. You can find those below.