For full information, visit: https://www.wwu.edu/apida
To volunteer, visit: https://volunteer.wwu.edu/need/detail/?need_id=1255753
Every May, we honor the rich tapestry of Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) cultures, embracing our past, celebrating our present, and shaping our future. APIDA encompasses a vibrant community of over 50 ethnic groups, representing people of Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi ancestry who trace their origins to diverse geographic regions.
APIDA heritage spans more than 20 countries, each with its unique traditions, languages, and customs. Our communities share strong connections to family heritage and histories that emphasize community, resilience, and celebration. While our experiences in the United States often include shared challenges of racial injustice, xenophobia, and the lasting impacts of colonialism, these struggles have forged a powerful bond among us.
This year's national theme, Power in Unity: Strengthening communities together, highlights the importance of collective strength, shared stories, and bridge-building across APIDA communities. It reminds us that our resilience grows when we stand together, uplift one another, and work collaboratively toward justice and belonging.
Unity is a form of resistance and healing. When we gather as community, we honor the legacies of our ancestors, nurture spaces that allow us to rest and restore, and celebrate the joy that sustains our activism. By centering our connections-across cultures, generations, and lived experiences-we cultivate the power needed to envision and build a future where all can thrive.
