August 3, 2020 to August 7, 2020

Last month I sat on a Zoom call with a number of other Asian American movement builders and leaders from around the nation. We reflected on the time we were living in and having to constantly respond to everything being thrown at us – direct needs due to COVID-19, increased racism and xenophobia towards Asians, heightened conversations around racism, policing, and anti-blackness, working with businesses and families to navigate the economic downturn, fighting a federal government that continues to do harm in our communities – all while still trying to maintain some level of the work we were all doing before. We laughed when we all acknowledged that this was one of many back-to-back Zoom calls we had in the day. We shared in our feelings of exhaustion and wanting to take a break, while at the same time feeling the importance of meeting all the needs and organizing opportunities that exist in this moment.

I left this conversation thinking to myself – we need to do a better job taking care of ourselves. We have all been inundated by a whirlwind of news that feels like we need to constantly be on alert and respond to the most urgent news of the day. And so because of this (and because it’s easier now) we allow our days to fill up with back-to-back meetings without breaks. We get used to working more nights and weekends. We take less time for ourselves.

I write to you this week to remind us, as leaders – don’t forget to breathe. Take that break. Make that intentional time to care for yourself. Whatever it is you need to do – eat lunch, exercise, meditate, read a book, watch a movie, write in your journal, see a therapist, go on a date, be with nature, spend time with family and friends – block that time out on your calendar and stick to it. Ask people to hold you accountable to it. I know this can feel difficult at times, and maybe even selfish, knowing how much work needs to be done. And I am reminded that there will always be more work. And I am reminded that the work benefits when I am rested and healthy. And I am reminded that movement building is a fight for the long game and the sustainability of our leaders is imperative for building this long term fight.

So yes, please take those breathes. Your health and the health of our movement depends on it.

Best,
Nick Kor
Senior Manager of Movement Building

Update: Returning to School in the Fall

In a press conference on Thursday, July 30, 2020, the Walz administration announced the state’s guidance for school districts to determine what learning model is recommended for their students when school begins this fall. The charts above provide learning models based on the number of positive COVID-19 cases per 10,000 residents over a total of 14 days, by county. Ultimately, parents and guardians will decide whether or not they want their child to return to school and under which model. At this time, some districts have announced that they will have distance learning as an option available for families who do not want in-person or a hybrid learning environment. For in-person learning models teachers, staff and students will receive one free cloth face mask and three disposable masks, face shields for licensed teachers, and COVID-19 tests will be free of charge for students, teachers, and staff. The state requests that school districts consult with them before deciding on a model or models to implement. For more information about the detailed plan, watch the full press conference here or visit Minnesota Department of Education’s website here. Families can learn more about what the plan means for them here.

Histories of Anti-Blackness in Japanese American Communities
Saturday, August 8, 2020 (2:00 PM to 3:30 PM)

The Twin Cities Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League will be examining how anti-Blackness has been expressed historically within Japanese and Japanese American communities. Their goal is to learn more about the history that brought Japanese Americans to where they are so that they can examine how their own lives fit in.

Accepting Applications for Spark Leadership Fund

BIPOC leaders throughout Minnesota can apply for micro-funds of $500, $750, or $1,000 to carry out projects that address an urgent community need at this time. Applications are reviewed weekly. To apply, complete an application here.

State of Asian Minnesotans: Visibility and Survival in the Age of Covid-19
Thursday, August 27, 2020 (3:00 PM – 4:30 PM)

Save the date and register here.

Report Discrimination and Bias

If you experience or witness discrimination based on race, where you come from, your immigration status, or anything else, call Minnesota’s Discrimination Helpline at 1-833-454-0148 or submit this online form. The helpline is staffed by investigators from the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. Translation/interpretation services are available.