May 19, 2022
Although May is a month of celebration for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, there is also a part of mournful energy in this commemoration. We pay tribute to the vibrant culture, history, and greatness that has enriched our communities throughout May, but still, we also recognize the swelling violence that’s taking place against AAPI communities—particularly against people from East Asia.
We know that white supremacy is a massive influence on all forms of violence, including but not limited to sexual violence and domestic violence. This week, we witnessed another racially-targeted shooting against Black communities in Buffalo. This racially-motivated attack further proves that non-white people are not safe in our culture. As we recognize the impacted communities & the many people in Brown & Black diasporas of AAPI heritage, we also carry a duty to facilitate meaningful conversations about white supremacist terrorism, building safe(r) communities, and the needed actions to end violence.
The Opportunity Agenda recently wrote:
“White supremacy relies on violence, terrorism, and rationalization to survive. The killing of Black people in Buffalo and the recent shootings at Asian-run businesses in Dallas, remind us that confronting white supremacist violence is urgent. Buffalo, Atlanta, El Paso, Charleston, and countless other cities have seen racist, hate-driven violence strike at the heart of [Brown & Black] communities.
Behind all of these attacks is incendiary right-wing rhetoric which too many advertisers, media personalities, politicians, tech companies, and community leaders have chosen to support. Only by working for a more just, equitable, and peaceful future can we hope to foster a safe environment for all communities.”
This piece by The Opportunity Agenda continues on to share six tips for programs to utilize when responding to violence like that we’ve witnessed in May.
Click here to view our Instagram re-share, “Six Tips for Responding to White Supremacist Terrorism.” Click here to read the full article.
Abortion has been a significant topic this week—especially because 1,000,000+ people rallied to support the Bans Off Our Bodies Movement to protect abortion accessibility across the nation. Because this topic is so prevalent right now, we want to share a few quick facts about abortion (shared via Planned Parenthood):
– Both in-clinic and medication abortions are very safe. In fact, abortion is one of the safest medical procedures out there.
– A majority (80%) of Americans support the legal right to abortion.
– Overall, about 1 in 4 people in the U.S. will have an abortion by the time they’re 45 years old. There’s a *really* high chance you love someone who had an abortion.
We know that abortion bans are a threat to Idahoans, especially to people in our communities who are already vulnerable to domestic violence, sexual coercion, and reproductive abuse. We love folks who have had an abortion, and we love the folks who make it possible for others to get the health care they need. On our Facebook Page, the Idaho Coalition shared a beautiful digital poster by Micah Bazant titled “EVERYONE LOVES SOMEONE WHO HAD AN ABORTION.” Check out our post (and this poster) here. Download a FREE copy of this poster here for your abortion rights protest needs.
There are countless connections between gender-based violence, housing insecurity, and houselessness. Domestic violence is a leading factor of houselessness for women & femmes. Reports also find that a lack of safe, affordable housing is often a primary barrier that survivors face when leaving an abusive environment. We strive to co-create a world where all of us can live safe lives in safe environments, and we recognize Emergency Rental Assistance as one of many necessary tools that can make Idaho safe(r) for our communities.
Intermountain Fair Housing Council (IFHC) is helping community members apply for Emergency Rental Assistance throughout Idaho. IFHC received a grant from Idaho Housing and Finance Association to serve the whole state. They’re helping tenants and people experiencing houselessness through cases of nonpayment of rent or utilities, late fees, rent increases, and other things that could lead to eviction. If you or someone you know needs help with rent, utilities, late fees, or rent increases, please have them contact Intermountain Fair Housing Council at 1-208-383-0695 or contact@ifhcidaho.org.
2022 National Self-Care Conference for Anti-Violence Advocates | June 15-17
Self-care is critical, and community care makes that possible. Workshops throughout this conference will explore individual self-care methods and ways our organizations can be proactive in fighting burnout.
Up to 10 hours of social work continuing education credit will be available. 12.75 hours of NOVA CEUs are available. Counseling continuing education credit are being applied for. ALL proceeds will go towards funding advocacy efforts specifically for anti-violence advocates. Learn more about the conference sessions, speaks, and info here.
2022 Idaho Indian Education Summit | August 15-16
This conference is taking place on the Boise State University campus. Strands of this summit include: policy, educator preparation programs, land acknowledgements, memorandums of understanding, tribal sovereignty, government to government relationships, educational engagement, and more.
Save the date to advance the future! For more information about this summit, email Johanna J. Jones at jjones@sde.idaho.gov or Patty Sanchez at patty.sanchez@osbe.idaho.gov.
“Lady Don’t Take No” Podcast with Alicia Garza
This podcast episode has a range of change-makers & care-takers throughout the Asian diaspora commemorating #AAPIHeritageMonth. This episode explores what it means to be Asian in America today, what folks appreciate about their specific heritage and why, and what you can do to rise for your part in resisting anti-Asian violence. Plus, there’s a brand new installment of #LadysLoveNotes on letting go—with grace.
In this very special episode, we hear from Alex Tom, the Executive Director of the Center For Empowered Politics, Amanda Nguyen, the Founder and CEO of Rise, Jane Kim, Director for the CA Working Families Party, Rudy Valintino, Executive Director of United Playaz, and Supriya Lopez Pillai, the Executive Director of Hidden Leaf Foundation. To stream the podcast, click here.
Reminder that shipping for all materials on our website store is FREE of cost for Programs. Please use the coupon below for all orders.
Visit the online store for the Idaho Coalition to check out what materials are available for order.
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