OCA-DC's Anti-APA Hate Programming
At OCA-DC, we are dedicated to combating anti-Asian, Pacific Islander, and APA hate incidents. We recognize the need to address the alarming increase in hate crimes and violence targeting our local APA communities, particularly the elderly and other vulnerable individuals. Together, we forge a path towards a more inclusive, harmonious society using our comprehensive approaches in community engagement, education and awareness, bystander intervention and reporting, policy research, advocacy, coalition building, and legislative engagement.
CURRENT PRIORITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES
OCA Situational Awareness Workshop/Bystander Training
- OCA National is currently developing and piloting a program for high school students
- OCA-DC is currently seeking volunteers to help develop and expand the program in the DMV community including for college students
Yellow Whistle Distribution
- OCA has been an outreach partner for the Yellow Whistle Campaign.
- In 2021, OCA-DC distributed ~200 Yellow Whistles at 3 events.
- We are currently seeking volunteers to help distribute whistles and raise awareness about anti-Asian Hate
Learn more about the Yellow Whistle Project here
PAST EVENTS
Asian American Advocacy Virtual Summit: Stop Hate, Educate, Legislate (September, 2021)
This all-day event brought together experts, community leaders, and policymakers, and leaders from public, community and private sectors to discuss and compile policy solutions through panels on anti-Asian hate, education, gender-based violence, and leadership.
Event Details
Date/Time: Saturday, September 25, 2021, 11 AM ET to 5 PM ET
Keynote speakers: Congressman Sarbanes, Judge Pak, Howard Koh, Senator Cardin, Congressman Raskin
Panels:
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Panel 1 | Discussing Violence Data & Reporting
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Panel 2 | A Conversation on Education
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Panel 3 | Confronting Gender-Based Violence
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Panel 4 | Addressing Asian Leadership
Webinar Panel: Rise of Anti-APA Hate: Historical Context and Potential Solutions Event (May, 2021)
Together, with community partners Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC), Communities United Against Hate, and 1882 Foundation, this panel discussed the context and history of anti-APA hate in the United States and offered solutions at various levels including opportunities for engagement and prevention. The current rise in anti-APA hate incidents were examined in the historical context of the APA experiences with racism in the United States and potential solutions were also discussed, including current hate crimes legislation, reporting systems and gaps in the APA community, role of bystander trainings, and opportunities for education around APA history in school curriculum.
Event Details
Date/Time: May 25, 2021, 7-8PM ET
Moderator: Fathima Nizar, VP of Community Outreach for OCA-DC
- Tiffany Chang – Director of Community Engagement at Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC) (AAJC) ( (
- Paul Tiao – President of Communities United Against Hate & OCA-DC Board Member
- Ting-Yi Oei – Director of Asian American Education Project – AAJC
- Harbin Singh – President of Sikh Kid2Kid
Participation at DC Rally for Collective Safety: Protect Asian/AAPI Communities (March, 2021)
On this day, we joined the Coalition on Human Needs, OCA National, PIVOT, and Community Justice Action Fund to rally for collective safety.
Event Details
Date/Time: Sunday, March 21, 2021, 1-3PM ET
Location: McPherson Square
Participated in Unity Against Hate National Rally (May, 2021)
On this day, we joined the Coalition on Human Needs, OCA National, PIVOT, and Community Justice Action Fund to rally for collective safety.
Event Details
Date/Time: May 15, 2021
Location: McPherson Square
Interested in joining our efforts?
Please reach out at volunteer@oca-dc.org if interested in learning more about OCA-DC’s anti-APA advocacy and outreach initiatives and how to get involved.