Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @aapiyouthrising, and check out our blog for more!
Happy Pride Month!! As we close out Aapi heritage month there is so much to celebrate including the LGBTQ community and especially queer youth! #lgbt #aapiyouthrising #pridemonth
Jun 1

We have so much to celebrate this month and more to do. Stay tuned for our AANHPI Heritage month wrap up post. But in the meantime – read about the Stop Mental Health Stigma in Our Communities Act introduced by CAPAC Chairwoman Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) and Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI).
Earlier this month we had the honor of meeting with Senator Hirono to share our youth perspectives. Did you know that suicide is the leading cause of death for 10-24 year old AANHPI youth from 2018-2020? Mental health stigma in our communities is real and we have to do something about it now.
What can you do? Read the bill. Contact your legislators. Check in on a friend. One action, one day, one student at a time.
#MentalHealth
#WHIAANHPI
#AAPIYouthRising
#unitedwestand
#unitedwestandsummit
#dignity.us
Jun 1

On May 18, 2023, we joined Act To Change and nearly 40 cities and states and over 100 partner organizations to raise a unified voice against bullying and hate: Annual National AAPI Day Against Bullying + Hate. Act to Change has been by our side since day one. We first heard about Act to Change back in 2021, at a time when few people were talking about the rise in bullying against AAPI youth. Act to Change's Racism is a Virus gave us a whole new vocabulary to speak out against the bullying we were facing. From the start of our group to now, we continue to learn and grow our voices with Act to Change.
From joining us when we first came together at the AAPI Youth Rising Rally in Berkeley, CA, to mentoring us through the Act to Change Youth Ambassadors program to just teaching us how to own our voices and our identities, Act to Change has impacted our lives and countless other youth across the country. AAPI youth are searching for belonging and Act to Change lets us feel like we belong. Thank you Act to Change for shining a bright light on all of us.
AAPI Youth Rising is honored to join the Annual National AAPI Day Against Bullying as the Allied Partner Organizaiton of the Year. Huge shout out to all the youth leaders who celebrated with us! @aalead @savya.teens @washingtoncyc
🌟Organization @acttochange https://acttochange.org/donate/🌟
Photographer @pootie_ting
Videographer @paulkwakfilms
Venue @eventsatandersonhouse
Catering @spilledmilkcatering
Step & Repeat & Decor @socialsupplydesign
Flowers @_flowerpalette
AV @dangoldmanevents
Quartet @sounimpact
UMD Bhangra @marylandbhangra
Chinese youth lion dance @washingtoncyc
Pastries @roseavebakery
Rentals @dceventrentals
Rentals @tablemannersdc
Planner @sehheechoi @sehevents
#VincentChin #StopBullying #AANHPIHeritageMonth #AANHPIYouth #DayAgainstBullying #ActToChange
May 31

AYR’s Mimi (Oakland, CA Chapter Leader) Saanvi (TX Chapter Leader), Johanna (AZ Chapter Leader) and Mina join Choose Your Own Adventure May Newsletter and the Cassandra Report!
AYR talks about our hopes for AAPI Youth Rising and what it means to be a youth adventurer. Excerpts below. Check out the full interview here: https://www.cyoa.com/pages/adventurers-newsletter-ayr-interview
……..
Why did you join AYR, Mimi?
Mimi: A lot of the time youth are shut out [of serious political conversations] because “we are just kids,” so having this platform to speak out, as well as teach other youth about AAPI history, is such an amazing opportunity.
…..
What is your favorite AYR initiative?
Johanna: So far I've mostly been affiliated with teaching an AAPI history lesson, so that is my favorite because I've seen the direct impact it has had on my community. However, I hope to get more into assisting with the Creative Corner, because so much of what I wish to express and how I wish to act lies within the arts.
…..
What do you hope kids get out of the lesson?
Mina: In the lesson, we unpack those myths mentioned above. We also talk through some important events in AAPI history that are rarely taught, like the Chinese Exclusion Act and the murder of Vincent Chin, which was a turning point for modern day AAPI activists. [Note: an amazing young adult book about Vincent Chin is From a Whisper to a Rallying Cry by Paula Yoo.] We also celebrate modern day AAPI heroes! We hope this lesson gives an introduction to kids about how diverse the Asian American experience is.
…..
Do you focus at all on book banning? It’s such a huge issue right now, isn’t it?
Saanvi: We're always hearing about different districts trying to get rid of books about critical race theory, and it's so important for communities to mobilize to prevent bans because censorship takes away valuable parts of our history that we have every right to know about.
#AAPIYouthRising
#AAPIHeritageMonth
May 27
![AYR’s Mimi (Oakland, CA Chapter Leader) Saanvi (TX Chapter Leader), Johanna (AZ Chapter Leader) and Mina join Choose Your Own Adventure May Newsletter and the Cassandra Report!
AYR talks about our hopes for AAPI Youth Rising and what it means to be a youth adventurer. Excerpts below. Check out the full interview here: https://www.cyoa.com/pages/adventurers-newsletter-ayr-interview
……..
Why did you join AYR, Mimi?
Mimi: A lot of the time youth are shut out [of serious political conversations] because “we are just kids,” so having this platform to speak out, as well as teach other youth about AAPI history, is such an amazing opportunity.
…..
What is your favorite AYR initiative?
Johanna: So far I've mostly been affiliated with teaching an AAPI history lesson, so that is my favorite because I've seen the direct impact it has had on my community. However, I hope to get more into assisting with the Creative Corner, because so much of what I wish to express and how I wish to act lies within the arts.
…..
What do you hope kids get out of the lesson?
Mina: In the lesson, we unpack those myths mentioned above. We also talk through some important events in AAPI history that are rarely taught, like the Chinese Exclusion Act and the murder of Vincent Chin, which was a turning point for modern day AAPI activists. [Note: an amazing young adult book about Vincent Chin is From a Whisper to a Rallying Cry by Paula Yoo.] We also celebrate modern day AAPI heroes! We hope this lesson gives an introduction to kids about how diverse the Asian American experience is.
…..
Do you focus at all on book banning? It’s such a huge issue right now, isn’t it?
Saanvi: We're always hearing about different districts trying to get rid of books about critical race theory, and it's so important for communities to mobilize to prevent bans because censorship takes away valuable parts of our history that we have every right to know about.
#AAPIYouthRising
#AAPIHeritageMonth](https://i0.wp.com/aapiyouthrising.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png?w=750&ssl=1)
Los Angeles Chapter Leaders Eloise, Lucas and Hudson present to Chanlder School in Pasadena, CA! Cheers to our youngest presenters yet.
#aapiyouthrising
#onedayofaapihistory
May 27

AYR’s ONE DAY OF AAPI HISTORY lesson (LINK IN BIO) launched in Minnesota! Here is a message from our Minnesota chapter leader Emma Yu, who recently taught at her school (9th, 10th and 11th grade classrooms reaching almost 200 students)!
Throughout my involvement in the AAPI State Council and as an active leader of AAPI Youth Rising, I have advocated for the recognition and celebration of AAPI heritage in my school during AAPI Heritage Month in May….
First, I have conducted multiple AAPI History presentations in various classes. These presentations aim to educate fellow students about the rich history, culture, and contributions of the AAPI community. By sharing these important stories, I hope to increase awareness and promote a deeper understanding of the experiences and struggles faced by AAPI individuals.
Congrats Emma! Read more @clubaapi at http://www.aapiyouthrising.org.
Check out her petition she launched wirh Rep Patricia Mueller on the AYR Action Corner.
#AAPIYouthRising #UnitedWeStand #AAPIHeritageMonth #AAPIYouth
May 25

Mei (AYR Michigan chapter leader) and I (Mimi Tuden, Oakland) were honored to be invited to speak on the fireside chat/panel discussion at Gainsight’s weekly meeting for AAPI heritage month! We spoke online to around 200 employees from around the world. We spoke on our personal experiences with being an AAPI youth as well as the work AYR has been doing recently. I specifically talked about my experience of being an Asian adoptee and how being from another country influences my approach on things. While Mei talked about her experiences growing up as a AAPI women in Michigan and the struggles that comes with living in a predominantly white area. It was amazing being able to share our stories and give advice on how to start speaking up and advocating and making the workplace a more inclusive place.
-Mimi Tuden (Oakland AYR Chapter Leader)
May 24

Join us and @HealthierGen to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian,
& Pacific Islander Heritage Month! Explore Healthier Generation's collection of family
and school resources to celebrate health in every generation: https://bit.ly/3LqJYx3
Thank you for including our ONE DAY OF AAPI HISTORY lesson as a resources to the school districts you reach! Anyone can check out the resources!
@acttochange
@healthiergeneration
#AANHPIHeritageMonth #KohlsHealthyAtHome #AANHPIHM #StopAAPIHate #VisibileTogether #AAPIYouthRising
#unitedwestand
May 23

Thank you so much @maziehirono for having us at the Hart Senate Office Building! It was awesome meeting and talking about Asian history and the future of Asian youth with you.
Did you know that Mazie Hirono proposed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act which was passed? She also recently introduced a bill that’ll promote the teaching of Asian Pacific American History to teachers and students.
#maziehirono
-KT
May 19

AYR is proud to partner with the California Civil Rights Commission and providing feedback on just how we can make this resource better for kids from our community and beyond. Did you know that you’re never too young to stand up to hate? Are you bullied in school? Do you need someone to talk to? Kids can call too It’s anonymous and there are tons of resources to support! All kids deserve to feel safe in their homes, communities and schools. And the first step to feeling safe is asking for help.
Free support is available to victims and witnesses who report hate. CA vs Hate is not affiliated with law enforcement and your report can be made anonymously, regardless of immigration status. Your voice matters in the fight to reduce hate. Join us in our mission of making California a more safe and inclusive place for all. Report at http://www.cavshate.org.
#AAPIYouthRising
#AANHPIHM
#UnitedWeStand
May 17

Congrats to Mia Fung, Maile Koidin and Ethan Su for presenting to Presidio Knolls School! Shout out to all the AYR Chapter Leaders who are joining in this effort.
May 16

Just THREE days away from Act to Change’s 5th National AAPI Day Against Bullying + Hate Gala!
We’re so excited to reunite with everyone from Act to Change for an evening of unity, solidarity, healing and celebration of AAPI youth. Join us on May 18th either at the gala or find ways to support virtually.
http://www.acttochange.org
May 16

"Exciting news! Teaching Asian Pacific American History Act was officially reintroduced! Shout out to US Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joins Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) for reintroducing legislation to promote the teaching of AANHPI history in schools. Specifically, the act would:
*require grant applications from Presidential and Congressional Academies to include AANHPI history as part of their American history and civics programs
* encourage the inclusion of AANHPI history in national and state tests administered thrhough the National Assessment of Education programs
* promote collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution's Asian Pacific American Center to develop innovating programming regarding AANHPI history
Nearly 20 states have mandated the teaching of AANHPI curriculum in their schools. Asian American history is American history. Link to Teaching Asian Pacific American History Act in BIO.
@WhiteHouse @whitehouseaanhpi @maziehirono
#VisibleTogether #AANHPIHM #AAPIYouthRising
May 14

When @potus gives advice about running for office…time to listen!
Thanks White House for an incredible night. – one that AAPI Youth Rising will never forget!
May 11

Did you know that AANHPI youth are the least likely racial group to seek out mental health help?
It’s ok to not feel ok. Check out the resources if you or a friend needs help. We are stronger together.
– NAAPIMHA list of AAPI Therapists, https://www.naapimha.org/ @naapimha
– Act to Change Day against Bulling – May 18, 2023, @acttochange
– CA vs. Hate CAvsHate.org #cavshate
– Dignity.us
– Calm.com @calm
– Brown Girl Therapy @browngirltherapy
It is without question that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the mental health of AA and NHPIs. According to federal statistics, in 2019, approximately 10% of AA and NHPIs reported mental health issues. That number rose sharply to 40% during the pandemic. Yet, Asian Americans are 60% less likely and Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are three times less likely to receive mental health services than their white peers.
May 11

AAPI Youth Rising joins the White House screening of American Born Chinese! So excited to celebrate a moment in history. Representation matters. Thank you White House for letting us celebrate with you! @potus gave us a shout out! And inspiring hearing Ke Huy Kwan's immigration story.
AAPI Youth Rising board represented by Max and Ethan. Chapter Leaders we met in person for the first time – Pritam and Soha (TX). Also welcome to Sophie (DC) and the youngest representatives – Lucian, Hudson and Eloise.
@WhiteHouse
Hashtags: #VisibleTogether #AANHPIHM
May 10

This #FreeThePill Day we’re making it clear: Over-the-counter birth control pills are critical for advancing health equity and reproductive justice across the country.
Birth control pills have been around for 6️⃣0️⃣+ years. But barriers to access still exist–barriers rooted in systemic racism and other forms of discrimination + oppression. No more 🙅🏽barriers–everyone should have access to the care they need. #FreeThePill
Free the Pill Day is celebrated annually on May 9 to recognize the anniversary of the day the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first birth control pill in 1960. This year, it also marks the start of the FDA’s two-day advisory committee meeting to review the first-ever application for an over-the-counter (OTC) birth control pill! On our 5th annual Free the Pill Day celebration, we’re truly closer than ever to birth control pills being available without a prescription as FDA advisors consider a progestin-only birth control pill (POP) for over-the-counter status.
May 9

AYR is back in DC today and we celebrate Senator Hirono!
Senator Hirono's Sydney Montgomery welcomed AAPI Youth Rising for a tour of the Capitol.
Huge shout out to AYR Chapter Leader Pritam who we got to meet in-person for the first time! Max and Ethan from AYR’s board who led the way and Mimi who came out to help too! Also welcome to our youngest representatives – Lucian, Hudson and Eloise!
Also, check out a clip from last Wednesday's White House AANHPI Heritage Month kick-off when Senator Hirono shouts out to AYR and Mina! Thank you, Senator Hirono and Sydney for inspiring all of us!
@WhiteHouse
Hashtags: #VisibleTogether #AANHPIHM
May 8
