APIDA Resources

Whittier College celebrates its Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American (APIDA) population and strives to provide the resources and support needed to thrive.

Leadership opportunities for APIDA students

Asian Pacific Islander (API) Graduation Planning Committee

Members of the API Graduation Planning Committee plan the API Graduation Celebration each spring. The committee selects the theme, decorations, keynote speaker, food, stoles, and entertainment.

Diversity Ambassador

Apply to become a Diversity Ambassador (DA) and support the daily function of the Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI). Diversity Ambassadors assist in the planning and implementation of programs that promote awareness, advocacy, and critical dialogues on social issues within the Whittier College community. Email the OEI at oei@whittier.edu to apply.

Career Services 

The Center for Career and Professional Development maintains a library of career-related books and employment resource materials that are accessible to students. 

Black Lives Matter Allies (#Asians4BlackLives)

The OEI has curated a list of websites that provide useful information for APIDA community members wishing to learn more about and stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

• Next Shark  
• 18 Million Rising’s Black History Reading List for Asian Americans 
• Letters for Black Lives (translated in 23 languages)
• Call On Me, Not the Cops
• Asians 4 Racial Justice Resources (from subtle Asian activism)
• Asian Americans Need to talk about Anti-Blackness in our Communities
• The Pōpolo Project (Redefines what it means to be Black in Hawai'i)
• South Asians and Black Lives (Credit: Asian Pacific Islander Student Center, Cal Poly Pomona)

Below is a compilation of legal, social, and mental health resources for APIDA community members who have experienced or worry they may experience COVID-19–related harassment and discrimination.

Anti-Asian Racism 

• Coronavirus Myths and Facts 
• I am not a virus.’ How this artist is illustrating coronavirus-fueled racism 
• I didn’t want to write about coronavirus and racism. Then I got harassed twice. 
• Race, Struggle and Solidarity in the Time of A Global Pandemic
• The Coronavirus Exposes the History of Racism and “Cleanliness”
• The New Coronavirus is Not an Excuse to be Racist
• The true “coronavirus pandemic” is the spread of racism and xenophobia through the media
• Xenophobia 'Is A Pre-Existing Condition.' How Harmful Stereotypes and Racism are Spreading Around the Coronavirus

Legal 

• Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA) 

Mental Health 

• 6 Self-Care Tips for Asian Americans Dealing with Racism Right Now 
• Combating Bias and Stigma Related to COVID-19 
• Community Care during COVID-19: A Message To and From AAPIs
• National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA)
• National Asian Women’s Health Organization (NAWHO)

Policy

• The Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council (A3PCON)
• Stop AAPI Hate  

For Allies

• Countering Coronavirus Stigma and Racism: Tips for Teachers and Other Educators

Club and Organizations

Asian Students Association

Promotes Asian culture and traditions, as well as the contributions of Asian-Americans. The club hosts social events throughout the year but is best known for its signature event, Asian Night, which is held every spring. Asian Night celebrates Asian culture and heritage through an exploration of food, dance, music, and other performing arts.

Contact: asa@poets.whittier.edu

Halo Halo Club (Filipino Club)

Seeks to celebrate Pilipino heritage, to raise awareness, and further the understanding of its traditions and culture.

Contact: halohalo@poets.whittier.edu

Hawaii Club

The Hawaii Club is dedicated to spreading Hawaii's culture throughout Whittier College. We welcome anyone and everyone to join.

Contact: hic@poets.whittier.edu