Articles Tagged with: AAPI Heritage Month

5 Ways to Shop and Support the AAPI Community – AAPI Events

Organizations, colleges, businesses, clubs, and other institutions constantly hold events, workshops, webinars, and various celebratory offerings to promote and encourage AAPI support. We’ve compiled a list of options to invite our community to get involved in AAPI advocacy! While this is a particularly challenging year to gather people together, self-education on AAPI history and hardships is increasingly essential due to the rise in discrimination and hate crimes. As resources become more readily available, we have a responsibility to pursue them and become active advocates for the AAPI community. Due to pandemic-related cancellations, we encourage you to add these and other AAPI events to your calendar for the years to come.

AAPI Heritage Month

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and the perfect time to seek out local and national events celebrating the AAPI community in the United States. Explore social media for some exciting Portland-based participation opportunities!

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/asian-american-pacific-islander-heritage-month.htm

Voices of Change Celebration

Hosted by the Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon, this event occurs each year during May to honor Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Community members can gather to enjoy a delightful meal, performances by local artists, a renowned API keynote speaker, the Voices of Change Awards, and fundraising for APANO’s social justice work. Contact them for ticket information or if you’re interested in being a sponsor!

https://www.apano.org/programs/events/

Statewide Convention

The Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon also produces the Statewide Convention. This day-long convention encourages Oregon residents to come together for workshops, networking opportunities, cultural performances, and at least one prominent API keynote speaker. To conclude the day’s work, attendees gather for a banquet celebrating togetherness and inclusion. Reach out to APANO for registration information and sponsor inquiries.

https://www.apano.org/programs/events/

Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration

API Forward, a local foundation providing education and leadership training for API students, is turning this event virtual this year so that community members can celebrate this honorary month despite local COVID-19 restrictions. Register for free and help local API students and young professionals become confident, influential leaders in the community.

https://apiforward.org/upcoming-events/

Ongoing Virtual Events Hosted by the Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship

ACE continuously develops online webinars and discussions covering AAPI small business advice, inclusion, resources, and more. Examples include A Conversation with AAPI Small Businesses, Standing in Solidarity: Solutions for Healing and Strengthening New Majority Communities, and Panel Discussion on Federal Resources for AAPI Businesses & Nonprofits. Visit their website to view their calendar of current and future offerings!

https://www.acesmallbusiness.org/events

Ways to Shop and Support the AAPI Community

How can we support the AAPI community during and beyond AAPI Heritage Month? We listed here a few suggestions.

1) Donate to AAPI organizations to help them reach their goals.

With an increasingly large and diverse population of AAPI members, Oregon needs to continue developing its comprehensive resources for this community. Whether you’re looking to support a dedicated AAPI nonprofit or you’re a member of the AAPI community seeking companionship and assistance, we hope you find this list of primarily local organizations helpful and inspiring. They rely entirely on community participation, engagement, and donations. Contact them individually to find out how you can best support them and their missions.

2) Participate in AAPI events to further your knowledge and understanding of the community’s history and hardships.

3) Visit AAPI museums and other art exhibits to immerse yourself in the beauty of the culture.

Portland is home to some of the most authentic Asian gardens and comprehensive art collections. Taking in visual representations of AAPI culture is an effective way to increase understanding and acceptance. Art has a unique way of bringing diverse communities together and creating a shared experience that unites us. Planning a trip to any of these listed AAPI museums or exhibits would make for a relaxing afternoon absorbing cultural values and artistry.

4) Order food from AAPI-owned restaurants to help them thrive.

We’ve assembled a list of AAPI-owned restaurants in Portland that are ready and excited to share their outstanding food with you! By ordering meals from these restaurants, you’ll be contributing to their success and possibly opening your eyes to new, delicious flavors. From Thai to Indian and Chinese to Hawaiian, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from for your next take-out night or dine-in experience.

5) Shop at AAPI-owned stores to boost their business.

There is no shortage of AAPI stores in the Portland area, including grocery, clothing, and home goods shops. Whether you’d like to go in for an immersive experience or order online, these businesses will be extremely grateful for your support. Gather special ingredients to make a traditional meal or purchase small gifts to give your loved ones for the next holiday! You’re sure to find some unique treasures in these shops.

Supporting Portland’s AAPI community must be a year-long thing, not just during AAPI Heritage Month. We encourage you to explore Portland and enjoy the richness and complexity that AAPI culture brings to the city.