In commemoration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Roundtable is sharing strategies Grace Lee of M&T Bank (formerly People’s United) provided to members in 2021 to encourage AAPI allyship within the workplace. Following several horrific attacks on Asian Americans in Massachusetts and regions across the country last year, Dr. Paul Watanabe of UMass Boston shared a historic and personal reflection on Asian American and Pacific Islanders in the United States; Grace joined for this discussion as well. May marks a month to recognize this history and heritage of Asian American and Pacific Islanders in this country, and their continued contributions to our communities. Please consider re-reading the six strategies to become an AAPI ally in the workplace as you and your organizations come together to recognize AAPI Heritage Month and as you practice allyship for all underrepresented groups every day.

From May 2021

According to Stop AAPI Hate’s National Report, 38% of anti-Asian hate incidents occurred in the workplace (between March 19, 2020 – August 5, 2020). The Massachusetts Business Roundtable encourages employers to consider action items that will have an immediate impact on their employees. Below are just some suggestions and not intended to be a comprehensive catalogue of resources or solutions.

  1. Acknowledge, denounce, and condemn racism and violence against the AAPI community.
  2. Provide immediate resources to your employees.
  3. Provide education on AAPI history.
  4. Provide training to all employees to address racism if confronted as a victim, bystander, or employee (by a guest or customer of the company).
  5. Develop a Task Force or Committee to address and respond to anti-Asian harassment and/or violence.
  6. Support your AAPI employees by supporting AAPI organizations in the fight against hate.