Montclair, NJ – As the United States grapples with the coronavirus pandemic, Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities are additionally dealing with hate, xenophobia, and acts of violence. The former President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, and other political leaders have played a major role in advancing this fear and stigma, namely in identifying the origins of COVID-19 as the “China Virus” and other harmful terms. AAPI communities around our nation are seeing increased hate crimes, physical violence, and other xenophobic acts committed against them, even as our nation aims to move past the dangerous rhetoric of the previous executive administration.
Lambda Tau Omega Sorority, Inc. condemns these acts and urges our membership to stand up for AAPI persons not only in our organization, but those in our communities: their families, their businesses, and those serving as essential workers on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. Our sorority would be nothing without the multicultural contributions of our AAPI membership. Multiculturalism is one of our foundations and we would be remiss to not stand up for justice for the AAPI communities in which we serve. We wrap up celebrating the start of the Lunar New Year holiday with our AAPI members and wish not only for good fortune, good health, and prosperity during this festive season, but also call for an end to hate, violence, and xenophobia against AAPI people and communities in the United States.
Please contact our National Governing Board to request permission in utilizing information in this statement, or should you require further information. Please send all inquiries regarding this matter to National President, Marie Hinds.
Online Resources for Self-Care for our AAPI Sisters
CALM | https://www.calm.com
Calm is a meditation app with a limited free version of the Calm app and a free 7-day trial of the premium version. Standard cost is $70-a-year, or about $6 bucks a month
HEADSPACE | https://www.headspace.com
With Headspace, one can listen to a general guided meditation, or choose one that is more specific to your needs (i.e. relationships, sleep). The app features short meditations for those in need of a quick dose of calm.
TALKSPACE | https://www.talkspace.com
Online counseling via text, audio, or video messaging. At any time, from anywhere. Flexible plans to meet your needs and your lifestyle at an affordable cost. 100% Private & Secure. Secure & Confidential.
SHINE | https://join.shinetext.com/
The Shine app is your support system for daily stress and anxiety, and is specifically designed for women of color in mind. Users can learn a new self-care strategy every day, get support from a diverse community, and explore an audio library of over 500+ original meditations, bedtime stories, and ambient music to help shift mindset or mood.
Help Stop Anti-Asian Racism and Xenophobia in Your Community:
- Bystander Intervention Training: Asian-Americans Advancing Justice and Hollaback! partnered to create a guide that offers strategies for de-escalating situations when you see someone is being harassed. The guide includes suggestions such as starting a conversation with the target to provide a distraction, finding assistance from someone else in the area, taking out your phone to record the incident on video, or if it is unsafe to engage during the incident, checking in with the victim and offering support after the harassment.
- Volunteer in Your Community: Remember the safety and resource needs can vary from city to city — seek out your local Asian community center and ask if they have a volunteer program.
- Report Incidents: If you witness a hate incident or are the victim of a hate incident, report it to Stop AAPI Hate and Stand Against Hatred so that data can be used for education and advocacy. If this is an emergency, you should always dial 911.
Education on the History of Anti-Asian Racism and Xenophobia:
- Watch PBS Asian Americans, a five-part docuseries about different aspects of the Asian American experience.
- Read this article about the history of anti-Asian legislation in American history.
- Learn about the diversity of Asian cultures and the unique socio-economic issues within each community.
Engage with Asian and Asian American Art:
- Take a virtual tour of the Wing Luke Museum in Seattle, Washington.
- Listen to spoken word poetry and music showcased at Asian-founded art organizations like Sunday Jump, Tuesday Night Project and Palms Up Academy in Los Angeles, California.
Check in on Someone You Know, especially a Sister of AAPI Descent: With 20 million Asians in the United States — six to seven percent of the nation’s population — odds are that you know someone who is of Asian descent. A survey by PEW Research Center reported that Asian Americans and Black Americans have experienced discrimination during the pandemic. Asking something as simple as “How are you feeling about this?” or “How can I support you?” can go a long way.
Lambda Tau Omega Sorority, Incorporated (ΛΤΩ) was founded on October 9, 1988, at Montclair State University in Upper Montclair, NJ. Lambda Tau Omega Sorority, Incorporated (ΛΤΩ) is a non-profit, Greek-letter organization that was founded on the principles of womyn’s empowerment, multiculturalism, and commitment to service with particular focus on the welfare of children. The Sorority thrives in exemplifying those ideals. Furthermore, it exemplifies the Sorority’s motto: “Excellence through Unity, Knowledge, and Dedication”.
For more information, please visit www.lambdatauomega.org
