A Message to Our Membership - Stop AAPI Hate

This past week’s violence against Asian women in Atlanta, Georgia (during Women’s History Month no less) was disturbing and full of hate. Unfortunately, incidences of violence and hatred towards Asian, Asian American and Pacific Island (AAPI) citizens is a part of American history dating back centuries and has risen drastically ever since we became aware of COVID-19. According to Stop Hate AAPI, 68% of hate incidents reported in 2020 were against women. The fear and pain that AAPI folks are experiencing was felt early on in 2020. Only two weeks into our shutdown in the US, UCLA women’s basketball player Natalie Chou told ESPN that “For weeks, I have been scared to go outside by myself. I am always alert and tense because I do not know how people will respond to me. People who look like me have been put in danger and have become targets. We are being attacked during a time where unity and togetherness are vital.” WILD is a team that values inclusivity and diversity and we stand with our AAPI community members in denouncing these violations of dignity and acts of violence. We are here to be an available support system to all those who need it. If you are witnessing acts of hate, here are five steps you can take to help a person in need:

1. Take Action: Approach the targeted person, introduce yourself, and offer support.

2. Actively Listen: Ask before taking any actions and respect the targeted person’s wishes. Monitor the situation if needed.

3. Ignore Attacker: Using your discretion, attempt to calm the situation by using your voice, body language, or distractions.

4. Accompany: If the situation escalates, invite the targeted person to join you in leaving.

5. Offer Emotional Support: Help the targeted person by asking how they’re feeling. Assist them in figuring out what they want to do next.

In solidarity,

The Coaching Staff