Frequently Asked Questions
To our community,
We know you may have a lot of questions about what happened on Tuesday, March 16, and how we are handling the situation. We understand that the violent actions have left many shocked, worried, fearful, and traumatized. And, as an organization, we are with you. We are grappling with how to care for our community and how to respectfully honor the victims and families who have been impacted. At this time we are focused on centering the victims and their families and the AAPI community as a whole.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions we wanted to share with you.
Where can I donate to support victims and their families?
You may donate using this link: bit.ly/DonateToGeorgiaAAPICommunity. All donations will go directly to support the victims and their families. We will close the victim support fund on Sunday, March 28th, 11:59 pm EST.
How will victims and families receive funds from the fundraising page?
We have distributed initial payments to some of the victims and their families to provide immediate assistance. Additionally, we are working on establishing communications with the remaining victims and their families.
Once the victim fund is closed and we have distributed all the funds, we will provide information on the amounts raised and given to families.
Are there other ways to provide support to victims and their families that is not financial?
We welcome crisis response offerings, such as mental health services (counseling, healing), other medical services, immigration legal services, interpretation or translation in Spanish or Asian languages, victim advocacy/case management, assistance with fundraising for victims and their families, childcare, and food assistance. bit.ly/georgiaAAPIcommunitycare
When will you honor the names of the victims who lost their lives?
Some of the families have asked that we not say or use the victims’ names at events or in other communications. We will continue to observe this practice.
Do you support increased policing in Asian American neighborhoods?
NO. We do not believe increasing police presence makes us safer. We must invest in long-term solutions that reimagine safe communities where we all belong and thrive. Georgia must continue to build cross-racial solidarity so that we can all come together to address the root causes of violence and hate.
Please read our Community-Centered Statement here. bit.ly/aaajcommunitystatement
What policy asks will you make to address violence against Asian Americans in our communities?
In this moment, we are centering the victims and their families. Our priority is to establish lines of communication and trust to ensure the victims and their families are able to receive the resources they need during this difficult time.
The violence and shootings that occurred are reflective of some of the larger systemic problems that our organization has been working to address for many years. We have done, are doing, and will continue to do the work to ensure the protection of Asian American Pacific Islander civil rights. This includes investing in language equity and community care and abstaining from further investment in law enforcement. We also call for a continued commitment to fight against anti-voting legislation that threatens the will of the people.
See what our Policy Advocacy and Impact Litigation work looks like.