CEI/CELP colleagues: Hope this message finds you holding up OK in these challenging times. This is just a personal note to check in with you. Also, hope you and family are staying healthy and safe.
Like many people, I am deeply saddened and heartbroken by the violence and anti-Asian attacks. Last week was emotionally draining for me. I had a chance to chat with a number of people recently and many are feeling hurt, despair, heartbroken, etc., and some are still processing this in their personal ways. Please know that it is OK to not be OK. Let me know if you need someone to chat with.
For those of you who are helping your firm/organization navigate this difficult time for the Asian American community, let me know if you need any help from me and/or Ascend. In the meantime, here are some resources that you might find helpful.
Fighting Anti-Asian Hate
The rise in anti-Asian hate crimes has greatly concerned us all and many have asked what we as a community can do in response. Check our social media for where you can report hate crimes, learn about the history of anti-Asian hate, and commit to action.
On Monday, March 22 from 3:00-4:30 pm ET, Ascend hosted a national #AscendTogether Forum: a safe space for our network and allies to work together in the workplace and our communities to stop the surge of hate crimes. I was inspired by the courage of many of the participants who shared their personal experiences, perspectives and feelings – no matter how painful it was for them.
ERG Summit Take-Aways
The GW Ascend Chapter held an ERG forum last week to collect best practices and ideas for addressing the rise in anti-Asian activities locally. You may find these helpful as well.
- Continue consistent and open dialogues with your employees and clients and bring up the level of awareness and education within your organization;
- Anti-Asian Violence Resources: https://anti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co/
- Taking Action Against Hate: https://www.salesforce.com/blog/support-asian-community/
- Educational Documentary on the Asian American Experience: https://www.pbs.org/weta/asian-americans/watch/
- Stop AAPI Hate National Report: https://secureservercdn.net/104.238.69.231/a1w.90d.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/210312-Stop-AAPI-Hate-National-Report-.pdf
- Collaborate with corporate functions such as HR to measure employee diversity to establish baseline statistics from which to improve diversity;
- Integrate ERG within new hire onboarding and talent acquisition processes;
- Establish executive leadership buy-in for your ERG to gain support and recognition.
Again, please let me know if you need to chat.
Take care and please be safe.
Best, Winson