Stop AAPI Hate, known for its work against anti-Asian hate, has launched a new nonprofit, Stop AAPI Hate Action, to encourage voter registration and participation among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) before the upcoming midterm elections. The initiative aims to harness the community’s experiences and transform them into political engagement.
Mobilizing AAPI Voters
The nonprofit will focus on registering new voters and mobilizing existing ones, particularly in areas with significant AAPI populations. The effort is partly a response to recent political actions, such as redistricting and changes to the Voting Rights Act, which have raised concerns within the community.
Manjusha Kulkarni, co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate, emphasized the importance of addressing the harm felt by the community and preventing future discrimination. The organization plans to support candidates who align with their values on immigration and civil rights, rather than advocating for a specific political party.
Challenges and Goals
Stop AAPI Hate Action seeks to reach AAPI voters in traditionally Republican states, aiming to flip districts with significant AAPI populations. The group will use phone banking and other outreach methods, employing volunteers who speak various Asian languages to connect with voters on a personal level.
The initiative is not a one-time effort; it aims to build long-term political power for the AAPI community, which is one of the fastest-growing demographics in the United States. Kulkarni noted that political parties have historically overlooked AAPI voters, and the nonprofit aims to change that by increasing civic engagement and leadership within the community.
Building a Political Infrastructure
Andy Wong, managing director of advocacy for Stop AAPI Hate Action, highlighted the importance of creating a sustainable infrastructure to maintain voter engagement beyond major election cycles. The organization hopes to empower AAPI individuals already active in civic life to become leaders and advocates within their communities.
As the AAPI community continues to grow, Stop AAPI Hate Action sees an opportunity to strengthen its influence as a voting bloc, ensuring that its voices are heard and represented in the political arena.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
