AfterWeVote Statement on the March 17th Atlanta Murders
We at AfterWeVote condemn the brutal, misogynist murders of 8 people in Atlanta, Georgia, all but one were women and all were of Asian descent. (https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/03/17/us/shooting-atlanta-acworth)
We send love and light to the victims and families and stand in solidarity with them and the entire Asian American Pacific Islander community.
While the shooters’ motives have not yet been proven, it serves as a stark reminder of the rise of anti Anti-Asian discrimination and violence since the Covid 19 pandemic. Attacks on any community are attacks on us all and on democracy, the fabric which weaves us together as a nation.
We call for unity. Together we can overcome challenging times, beat back racism, white supremacy, misogyny and move towards a more just, inclusive society, a celebration of diversity and a more vibrant democracy.
Calls to Action - What Can You Do to Help?
Know the Facts About AAPI Discrimination - Inform yourself
Recognize this is an attack on the Asian American community
Reach Out to your AAPI friends and community to listen first, and offer support
Share the Mental Health Crisis Lines
Asian Mental Health Collective - https://www.asianmhc.org
Report Discrimination, harrassment or hate crimes to https://stopaapihate.org report line.
Be an Ally - Stop the Hate
Learn tips for being a better partner and supporter of others across difference. https://hbr.org/2020/11/be-a-better-ally
Hold leaders, influencers and policy makers to account - track key legislation, e.g. restrictive voting rights, immigration and other policies that impact or threaten the liberty, freedom and pursuit of happiness for others.
Take Action - Make it Viral
Spread awareness on social media - #StopAsianHate
Combat Disinformation and Racist Narratives - e.g. Covid 19 is NOT The Chinese Virus. Write letters to the editor when you see disinformation and racist narratives. Call it out!
Check Out, Donate, Support & Amplify notable campaigns and organizations: Here’s a few!
Go to https://stopaapihate.org, join and amplify the campaign. Get accurate data on how racism impacts the AAPI community
National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum @NAPAWF (@NAPAWF_ATL)
Past Calls to Action:
Continue Helping the Ongoing Investigation into the Jan 6th Insurrection at the United States Capitol
A Note on Protests
“Nonviolent protests are twice as likely to succeed as armed conflicts – and those engaging a threshold of 3.5% of the population have never failed to bring about change,” - Erica Chenoweth, Professor in Human Rights & International Affairs at Harvard Kennedy School and a Susan S. and Kenneth L. Wallach Professor at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, confirmed in her extensive research that civil disobedience is the most powerful way of shaping world politics.
See Something Say Something: Call the DC Police Tip Line 202-727-9099, Text 50411 or call the FBI (1 800 Call FBI) with information, images or videos of anything you’ve seen. Help crowdsource identities if you’re able.
For More Tips on How To Stay Safe During This Time:
Refer to the The Dept. Homeland Security: https://www.dhs.gov/plan-and-prepare-disasters
Share your actions in our Slack channel so that we can celebrate and amplify each other’s work!
Connect to After We Vote.
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We email our network often with the latest on what you can do to protect American Democracy and citizen engagement. We are committed to continuing to work on behalf of democracy. We also communicate on a Slack channel where you can connect to additional insights into what’s happening and opportunities to use your expertise, networks, time and funds to support democracy.