The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) has announced the launch of a national anti-hate network as well as local action centers aimed at addressing anti-Asian American/Pacific Islander hate.

Launched in May with a focus on three strategic priorities — data and research, anti-hate, and education — the foundation is taking a dual approach to tackling hate: nationally through its Anti-Hate National Network and locally through AAPI Action Centers. The network aims to provide greater coordination and collaboration among diverse organizations working to combat anti-AAPI hate as part of a shared effort to better ensure that resources are directed to where they are needed. Anti-Hate National Network members awarded initial grants include Act to Change, the Asian American Journalists Association, Interfaith Youth Core, National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), RISE Together Fund, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), and the Sikh Coalition.

The foundation also is piloting AAPI Action Centers in three cities: Chicago, New York, and Oakland, where grants of $500,000 each have been awarded to the Chinese American Service League, the Asian American Federation, and Asian Health Services. The grants will support CASL's Client Advocacy Unit, efforts to ensure effective, impactful media coverage of anti-AAPI hate incidents, and Community Equity Research Center; AAF's Hope Against Hate Campaign, which offers preventative safety trainings, as well as a safety ambassador program; and AHS's trauma care unit, referral linkage services, and community-level interventions to counter anti-AAPI hate. TAAF also is working with AHS on its African American/Asian American Racial Trauma Project, which aims to create a better understanding of racial trauma in the two communities and how those experiences impact race relations and emotional well-being. In addition, TAAF has seeded an AAPI Emergency Relief Fund, created in partnership with GoFundMe, with $500,000 to provide immediate, flexible support to victims of hate incidents.

"California has seen the largest proportion of anti-AAPI hate incidents in the country since the pandemic hit," said Asian Health Services CEO Sherry Hirota. "Oakland and the Bay Area have a long history of advocacy and activism. Not to be blamed or ignored, our AAPI community is strong and resilient. Racism and anti-AAPI hate are public health issues, and the solutions will be long term and complex. We are in this to respond with real and practical solutions now, but also for the long haul, working within the AAPI community, and building on this region's rich legacy of coalition-building with communities of color to advocate for the health and safety of all. We are honored to join forces with TAAF and serve as Oakland's hub for fighting anti-AAPI hate."