Bridgeways’ Statement on AAPI Hate

With the recent events that have been on the minds of many nation-wide regarding racial inequity, injustice and hate, we felt it important to share some thoughts from our CEO on the recent killings and attacks on the AAPI community.

Andrea Duffield, CEO, Statement on AAPI Hate:

I want to take this opportunity to address recent world and local events related to inclusion and belonging that impact members of our Bridgeways family and community.  

BRIDGEWAYS STANDS AGAINST HATE AND VIOLENCE, NO MATTER THE SOURCE AND NO MATTER THE TARGET.  

I specifically want to address the dramatic increase in acts of violence against Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) across the country and in our own community. There is no place in our society for the heinous acts being committed. We stand in solidarity and grief with the AAPI community. 

AAPI PEOPLE ARE A VITAL, IMPORTANT AND TREASURED PART OF OUR BRIDGEWAYS COMMUNITY.  WITH YOU WE WILL STAND. 

I recently read an anonymous post and learned that according to the most recent annual report by the FBI on hate crimes, Washington State has the third highest number of reported hate crimes against members of the AAPI community.AAPI elders are being assaulted at unparalleled rates, women who identify as AAPI are 2.3 times more likely to be victim of hate crimes.   

The anonymous author continued, stating, We’re collectively grieving. We are 3 times less likely than white Americans to seek and receive care for mental health concerns due to culturally specific barriers. We have lost businesses and socioeconomic status. Beyond that, we are being robbed of our humanity and that is something we cannot and will not abide by. We are not a virus, we are not COVID-19, we are not a burden, we are not the model minority. We are proud members of the AAPI community, and we will not be compliant.” 

We are committed to making Bridgeways a place of inclusion and belonging for everyone. This will only happen if we are all working to create a positive culture and a safe environment.  

Below we have included a list of resources and ways to get support should you need it provided by the previous mentioned, anonymous author.  

Stop Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Hate

What can you do to provide support and get involved:

·   Learn about the rich and complex history of the AAPI community and their role in the development of the USA.

·       Be aware of counseling and mental health services and organizations that cater specifically to AAPI community members such as:

o    Asian Counseling and Referral Service

o    Asian Mental Health Collective

·         Support local organizations and communities that provide services and resources to members of the AAPI community such as the Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs.

·         Attend a training on preventing and intervening during racial harassment.

·         Report a hate crime or assault if you witness one:

o    FBI Resources

o    Stop AAPI Hate

o   Stop the Hate Community

·         Maintain an up-to-date understanding of the impact that COVID-19 and negative stereotyping have had on the AAPI community by looking into resources such as:

o    Fact sheet: Anti-Asian Prejudice March 2021

o    Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council

·         Speak up about racism against the AAPI community as it ties to COVID-19. Connect and get involved in the process.

·         Listen to those impacted.