#aapiwomen

With treats spread across the table and sisters and allies gathered in the living room, we hosted our first Afternoon Tea of the year!

Afternoon Tea is an opportunity to discuss a current social issue that is relevant to the AAPI community in an intimate setting. Our theme this time around was the infamous hashtag, #NotYourAsianSidekick, which was conceptualized by Chicago-based activist and writer, Suey Park.

The premise of the hashtag was to create “a space for Asian-American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian women.., build community, and be heard” (@Salon). With more than 50,000 tweets in two days, it acutely became a Twitter Trending Topic, but its viral success left many dubious about its contribution to an actual “revolution.” It became so widespread that even activists had their qualms about it, leaving the hashtag’s limelight questionable. Because of this, we thought it would be interesting to create our own (physical) space and ask ourselves, "What does feminism mean to us and how do we practice it in the AAPI community?"

There was no better way to share our reactions, insights, and experiences than with scrumptious scones, sweets, and tea by our side.

Here are some photos from that afternoon:

NAPAWF-DC sisters and allies

Before our discussion began, Minhchau Dinh, NAPAWF-DC Chapter Leader, guided us through an icebreaker, where we highlighted snippets of our past and future selves.

The decade marked here is the 1980s: a time in which our parents immigrated to the United States from the Philippines and other motherlands. 

When the conversation got going, it was a refreshing reminder that we are all ready advocating for ourselves and other women of color in our respective careers or communities.

Feminism exists and it lives strongly in the AAPI community. Can't you see the fierceness that extends from our shining eyes to our winning smiles? A nice caption to this photo should be--can you guess? #NotYourAsianSidekick. 

Further Resources

#NotYourAsianSidekick Discussion Guide – Resource by Devan Shea, NAPAWF-DC Chapter Leader

Gathering of NAPAWF Leaders

During NAPAWF’s PowerUp summit, 80 chapter leaders from across the country gathered in Washington, DC for a weekend-long leadership and advocacy training. Our newest chapters, Denver, Colorado and Atlanta, Georgia, were warmly welcomed into the space. Day 1 of the summit involved learning about key issues facing the AAPI community and how NAPAWF leaders and members are equipped to address them.

Chapter leaders and National Governing Board members from across the country during NAPAWF’s annual PowerUp leadership summit.

Organizing and Change

From combating anti-abortion bills, delighting in new legislation that finally includes immigrant women’s health, to the economic injustice that is being overlooked in the AAPI community--our issues are laden with deep challenges. We know the concept of the Model Minority to be a myth, which makes the terrain ahead arduous but grassroots organizing of the utmost importance.

Heather Booth of the Midwest Academy led a session on how to organize strategically. Leaders had an opportunity to examine current legislation regarding anti-abortion bans in South Dakota and brainstorm a plan of action to achieve victory. There is a fine art to organizing and changing the structure of power is filled with tactics that ensure justice prevails. As we continue to push the social justice movement for AAPI women and girls, let’s remember, “If we organize, we can change the world but only if we organize can we do that.”

Layered Fun

It was then on to fundraising and who knew that putting on an event could be so nuanced? Priscilla Hung from NAPAWF’s National Governing Board, shared her professional expertise on non-profit fundraising. Leaders learned that it is a necessary evil with work to be done throughout all stages of the event planning process, especially afterwards. Following-up with your guests after an event is where the biggest missed opportunity in fundraising exists!

Leaders gather around to discuss their most memorable learning moment from the day. 

The jet-lagged day for most (the DC chapter was fortunate to begin the weekend normally!) ended with a social gathering at Mad Momos, an AAPI owned small business, which we were glad to support. Sisters got to chat, eat a huge NAPAWF cake, and take part in an open-mic. We say this with no bias, of course, that our sisters are a talented bunch. Their stories moved us, but to be able to perform them in front of a live audience is special. However, this comes as no surprise since each womyn that passes through the NAPAWF space has something powerful to give to others.

So stay tuned as we further recap our weekend!