Advocacy
Jeffrey Chang, Chair
Danielle Iwata, Vice-Chair
The Advocacy committee advocates for AAPI representation and rights, and works toward our vision of a just and liberated society for AAPIs and all historically marginalized communities.
Work to date has included:
- Support for the Make Us Visible-NJ campaign to teach AAPI history and contributions in NJ public schools
- Work with Montclair Township for transparency on bias incidents and DEI training
- “Stopping Asian Hate” webinar organized in collaboration with NJ Division on Civil Rights
- Stop Asian Hate sticker campaign encouraging local businesses to identify themselves as safe spaces
- Free or low-cost self-defense workshops and personal safety device distribution
- Coalition-building
- First AAPI organization to support NJISJ’s Say the Word campaign to establish a commission to study slavery reparations
Contact us at advocacy@aapimontclair.org to learn more and get involved!
© Danielle Iwata
Education
Amy Bethards, Linda Kow, and Winnie Wu, Co-Chairs
We advance inclusion and belonging by promoting awareness and education of AAPI history and culture in our schools, and partnering with schools to ensure that racism against AAPI students is recognized and addressed.
Work to date has included:
- Letter campaign securing commitment from MPS to do more to recognize and address anti-Asian racism and microaggressions
- Supporting AAPI Heritage Month lesson plans and enrichment programming in MPS schools
- Supporting district in cultural responsiveness training and hiring more AAPI teachers
- Sharing reading lists and curricular recommendations
- Virtual career panel for middle schoolers
- Support for AAPI cultural celebrations in schools
Contact us at info@aapimontclair.org to learn more and get involved!
© Lisa Rosen Photography
Events: Cultural Awareness and Community-Building
Varsha Hathiramani, Julie Kim, Deepika Misra, Co-Chairs
Our large-format public events raise cultural awareness and help build excitement and interest in our group that helps drive our work in other areas. Our internal events and small gatherings help build the relationships that have meant so much to us and keep us thriving as an organization.
Work to date has included:
- Lantern Festival for Remembrance and Justice
- Light Up Montclair (Diwali celebration at MAM)
- Moana movie night at Lackawanna Plaza
- Harvest Moon festival for AAPI Montclair families
- Lunar New Year celebration at MAM
- Holi/Songkran Color Run
- Smaller events for AAPI Montclair members such as a cocktail party, mahjong nights, and beekeeping demo
Contact us at info@aapimontclair.org to learn more and get involved!
© VCapture Productions
Youth Programs
Amy Bethards, Lavi Raghavan, Mona Shah, Co-Chairs
Our youth programs further inclusion and belonging by providing children with contexts for exploring the joy, pride, and complexities of being Asian American.
Work to date has included:
- Youth program boba tea party kick-off, with obstacle course for younger kids and art project for teens
- Social outings for children including Korean clay mask-making workshop and crafts/games meet-up
- Collaborations on social events with MHS Asian Students Union
- SEL workshop series led by AAPI mental health professionals for youth ages 9-18
- High school mentoring pilot (in development)
Contact us at info@aapimontclair.org to learn more and get involved!
© VCapture Productions
Other Initiatives
Member-led initiatives include:
- Eating Club - outings to restaurants and special cultural experiences
- Virtual Book Club
- Virtual Film Club (in development)
- Community service initiatives
Contact us at info@aapimontclair.org to learn more and get involved!