The time to do and be better is long overdue, but it’s never too late to try. Since the beginning of the COVID pandemic, nearly 1,100 racially-charged attacks against the Asian-Canadian community have been reported. This should not and should have never been an issue, but unfortunately, it absolutely is.
By unlearning bias, being kind and opening our minds, speaking out, standing up and finding our part in all of this we can help to make the world a little better for everyone.
Here are a few ways that you can show your support for Calgary’s Asian community:
EDUCATE YOURSELF
Cliches are often offputting, but the truth is – change really does come from within. Whether you watch videos, documentaries, listen to podcasts or read into it, education is one of the most important, most effective things that you can do right now. We may never understand what our friends, coworkers and loved ones are going through, but we need to put in the work to better see the situation for what it is.
DONATE TO A LOCAL ORGANIZATION
From programs that support the growth and success of Calgary’s diverse Asian communities to organizations responsible for putting together rallies and seminars, a few dollars could make a huge difference. Non-for-profits like The Canadian Council for Social Justice, Diversecties, Elimin8hate and Across Boundaries have done some incredible work fighting the war, not only against discrimination but also mental health.
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SUPPORT ASIAN-OWNED BUSINESSES
Calgary is rich with incredible Asian-owned restaurants, markets, grocery stores, bars and shops, and right now more than ever, they could use our support! Whether you pop by a place like Pha-Tee Foods for a bite, The Moon Tea House for a drink, or the Hong Kong Food Market for your produce – show local entrepreneurs that you see them and want them to thrive!
FOLLOW, LISTEN AND LEARN FROM ASIAN CREATORS
Diversify, diversify, diversify! In 2021, social media is one of the best places to learn from and support a community. By following An Asian creator and interacting with their posts by liking and sharing, you’ll be helping make their voices heard on a larger scale. These are voices that need and deserve to be heard!
ENROL YOURSELF IN A BYSTANDER INTERVENTION CLASS
How many times have we heard the same story about someone who witnessed or heard someone say something terrible but didn’t do anything about it? Enrol in a free online bystander intervention class now and better understand why, how and when it’s important to speak out and back. Action is allyship!
CHECK-IN ON YOUR ASIAN FRIENDS
Sometimes it’s easier to confront an issue like racial discrimination on social media. However, while we support liking and sharing constructive posts, we believe that it’s important to remember that this is about the people – not the performance. Call your Asian friends, tell them that you care about them and IF they want to have those tough conversations, don’t just listen, hear them.
As we’ve said one of the biggest things that you can do to support Calgary’s Asian-community is educate yourself. This is everyone’s individual responsibility! Do your part by being better, trying to understand and looking inwards. Please be kind and stay safe out there, YYC.
