Making Waves: An AAPI FORCE-EF Volunteer Podcast

Originally shared August 22, 2022

Join AAPI FORCE-EF volunteers as we explore how AAPI organizations, activists, and community members are Making Waves across California. In this 5-episode podcast series, we highlight long histories of pro-people organizing and resistance against injustice, diving particularly into topics like… How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted Filipino nurses? What does it look like to build progressive people power in the Central Valley? How are Asian American youth getting involved?

The team behind our podcast are our supervolunteers Kevin Li, Kristin Li, and Raymond Luu, and our Grassroots Leadership Manager, Rozlind Silva. Cover art is by Cynthia Yuan Cheng. Music is by Shinyen.

Episode 1: Filipino Nurses in West Covina

Our hosts and guests, Zenei Triunfo-Cortez (National Nurses United), Justin Foronda (HiFi Kitchen), and Aubrey (daughter of a nurse), uplift experiences of community care and organizing with nurses and loved ones.

Episode 2: Building Structure for Sustainable AAPI Advocacy

Kevin, Kristen and Roz dive into how we are building infrastructures for more sustainable community organizing. Joining us is Le Tim Ly, CEO of Resilient Strategies LLC, an organization doing critical movement infrastructure work for many progressive organizations, including AAPI FORCE-EF!

Episode 3: Asian American Youth Power

Hear from two students who attended Chinese Progressive Association’s Youth MOJO (Movement of Justice and Organizing) program. Robin and Samantha share their experiences, what they learned, and why adults should be more inclusive when it comes to youth activism. ⁠

Episode 4: Asian Americans in the Central Valley

Our volunteers spoke with organizers from the Central Valley about what it’s like to build progressive power in the region and how they each approach movement building. ⁠Tammy Vang is an organizer for Hmong Innovating Politics, which organizes to strengthen the power of Hmong communities through innovative civic engagement and strategic grassroots mobilization. Naindeep Singh is Executive Director of Jakara Movement, which empowers, educates, and organizes Punjabi Sikh communities to advance their health, education, and economic, social, and political power.

Episode 5: Relief, Identity, and Solidarity

Our volunteers discuss the 2022 Tonga Relief efforts after the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption with Tonga Victoria from Anamatangi Polynesian Voices. We share stories of solidarity, break down the labels of “AAPI,” and discuss what it means to be Pacific Islander living in America.⁠ Tonga Victoria is a first generation Tongan-American who grew up in East Palo Alto, California. Running for local office as a jumpstart into grassroots community work, Tonga Victoria has since served over 1,000 individuals, youth, and families and developed curriculum, leaders, and media campaigns across the state of California. She is committed to building grassroots communications, and successfully led several media campaigns, including the California humanitarian relief campaign, To Tonga With Love.

Episode 6: Thank you and Goodbyes

In this reflection episode, the team shares the biggest takeaways from the journey of putting together this podcast. With thanks to guests, contributors, and everyone involved.