Organize With Us
AARW develops progressive movement leaders with the skills, strategy, and analysis to work toward liberation and self-determination for the AAPI community and communities of color. Deep conversation in our programs is a critical part in moving people along the identity spectrum. Through this work and identity formation, the AARW builds grassroots power against various forms of displacement.
Interested in learning more or have questions? Please email AARW’s team info@aarw.org!
Ongoing Campaigns
Lan’s Fight to Stay: On December 13th, 2024, we had the incredible action “NOT ONE MORE! Action to Defend Our Communities from Deportation + Criminalization” with hundreds in attendance—a powerful community win for Lan and her fight to stay, but also for our community that is resisting the oppressive systems trying to break us down (including FJAH’s fight for clemency, BIJAN’s fight for a world where all are free from borders and cages, and so many others). This victory isn't just for Lan, it's for everyone in our community.
We are currently pursuing a different legal avenue for Lan’s relief from deportation. At this time, we are asking her supporters to stay updated as her case develops and be ready to support if needed. We appreciate everyone’s support so much!
Free Sal!: Muhammad Salman Khan (he/they pronouns), known by their community as Sal, was unjustly detained by ICE in May 2024 after experiencing a mental health crisis. Sal is an openly queer journalist and political refugee from Pakistan who is seeking asylum in the U.S. for their human rights activism, and a committed member-lead with AARW. While detained by ICE at Plymouth Country Correctional Facility, Sal was subjected to cruelty, racial and homophobic harassment, and even solitary confinement. AARW mobilized thousands of community members in Boston, nationwide, and even in Pakistan to sign Sal's petition for freedom, send letters of support and solidarity, move legal strategy, and submit testimony to advocate for his release. Through these efforts, we helped Sal secure their freedom in July, and continue to support and uplift them at AARW.
Partnerships
General Member Spaces
AARW holds Member Meetings on a nearly monthly basis for our pan-Asian base. These meetings allow current members to deepen their relationships with one another, develop organizing skills, engage in AARW campaigns, and sharpen knowledge through political education. Meeting topics/goals typically change each month, and we encourage members to take leadership to guide the content facilitation alongside our staff. New members and non-Asian allies are welcome to join!As of 2023, most AARW meetings take place in-person. We require members to wear face masks when not eating or drinking, and ask that you take a COVID-19 rapid test before attending. Please see our events page for our upcoming meetings, or email us to learn more at info@aarw.org!
Leadership Programs
Activist Training Institute (ATI)
The Activist Training Institute (ATI) is a training and leadership development program founded in 2005 as a collaborative effort between API Movement and the Asian American Resource Workshop. ATI hosts learning opportunities for activists who identify as Asian Pacific American (APA) to develop political analysis and organizing skills within the context of building an Asian American social movement for justice. AARW is re-envisioning this leadership program! Please stay tuned or contact info@aarw.org.
Dorchester Organizing Training Initiative (DOT-I)
The Dorchester Organizing and Training Initiative (DOT-I) seeks to develop community leadership for Vietnamese-identified people in Dorchester. Our focus is to build capacity and a nurturing safe space for young adult Vietnamese-Americans with the desire to create social change in the community by engaging in social issues such as civic engagement, housing justice, and anti-deportation organizing.
Merch
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