Interdependence
AAPIs look out for each other. We work to ensure people and the environment are safe, healthy and thriving.
Narrative
Transforming the Future Through Narrative
Building narrative power with AAPI communities is core to our work because the stories we tell about ourselves can catalyze personal and collective transformation.
Why Narrative?
History shows that messages grounded in deeper narratives of love and dignity, like “Love is Love” and #MeToo, can move culture, policy, and social change forward.
At AAF, we take an ecosystem approach, ensuring that our arts and culture work, community organizing, policy efforts, and more advance a shared vision of a future where all communities thrive.
As the fastest-growing racial group and electorate in the U.S., the next generation of AAPIs is critical to making this vision real. Our research finds that when they feel seen and heard, they are empowered to build unity within AAPI communities and beyond.
Our Process
In 2022, we pioneered narrative research to better understand the next generation of AAPIs. Through in-depth surveys and qualitative research, we developed six audience personas that offer insight into Millennial and Gen Z AAPI audiences.
This work has informed programs to increase turnout among low-propensity voters, engage faith leaders and congregations on racial justice, and equip community college students with peer networks and leadership skills.
Across arts, policy, and organizing, our initiatives advance a compelling multiracial future grounded in solidarity, pride, interdependence, and belonging.
Narrative Systems
We developed a narrative system that responds directly to harmful narratives that have shaped AAPI communities for generations, from the “perpetual foreigner” myth to the false promises of assimilation and authenticity.
Solidarity
AAPIs can connect to the struggles and experiences of people within and outside our communities. We are stronger and more powerful when we act in solidarity with others.
Pride
AAPIs are not a monolith. We can be proud of our diversity in language, culture, ethnicity and experience. How we unite and build strength in numbers may depend on the issue at hand.
Belonging
AAPIs deserve to be included, with intersectionality in mind, in politics, pop culture, news, social justice & more.
Self-Determination
AAPI communities deserve to govern and define themselves beyond war, imperialism & violence.