CHALLENGE
How might Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in New York City collectively respond to increased anti-AAPI hate and envision community safety?
PROJECT
Envisioning AAPI Community Safety In NYC
New York, NY | 2022 - 2023
CLIENT / PARTNER The Asian American Foundation (TAAF)
ROLE Lead Consultant - Project Design, Project Manager, Researcher, Facilitator
PROCESS
Scoped, designed and led 8-month long, multi-phase community research and engagement project with program director to address increased anti-Asian hate and racism in NYC:
Built and managed project team of TAAF staff and consultants
Designed and led research conducted with another consultant, consisting of over 40 one-on-one interviews with various AAPI organizational and community leaders to better understand community challenges, needs and responses
Organized and co-facilitated convenings of 60+ AAPI leaders representing almost 40 organizations throughout NYC to identify and share common concerns and priorities
Presented research findings and facilitated group discussion and visioning workshop
Created a roadmap with recommended future structure on collaboration work for the new NY TAAF office and community participants
IMPACT / OUTCOME
The unprecedented gathering of members from a broad spectrum of AAPI communities in NYC (women, youth, LGBTQ, health, legal/advocacy, faith, business) allowed participants to connect, engage in dialogue and share current efforts and new ideas on place-based, community solutions to a national crisis.
With TAAF, 14 participating organizations formed the NYC Anti-Hate Collaborative to provide victim support, gather hate crime data, drive public awareness and to solidify long-term community infrastructure. Initiative received a 5-year, $35 million commitment from a public-private partnership of funders, businesses and the City of NY for the well-being and safety of AAPI New Yorkers.