Asian American Organizing Project (AAOP) has been a long-time regranting organization, supporting Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) organizations in building their capacity around civic engagement and community organizing since 2017. In response to the novel COVID-19 pandemic, AAOP pivoted its regranting efforts to support Minnesota-based Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) organizations in their rapid relief efforts to address the health and economic impact of the pandemic on their communities. Subsequently, AAOP applied and was awarded funds from the Minnesota Disaster Relief Fund (MDRF) to provide immediate and unrestricted support for APIDA community organizations.
AAOP selected 8 grantees to receive COVID19 Crisis Rapid Response Developmental Grant and convened its grantees between March-May in a 3-part community convening series centered around building resilience in their organizations, responding to racial injustice, and the pandemic.
As part of a broader effort to understand organizational resilience and build a collective narrative, AAOP also hosted a focus group with staff and board members to discuss challenges and lessons learned over the past year.
The connections and insights shared throughout this report demonstrate the resilience AAOP and APIDA organizations have built during the past year to respond to the pandemic and racial injustice in our communities. When trauma causes disconnection, healing requires (re)connection. As a result, by bringing together its grantees, staff and board members, AAOP created space for participants to share their experiences with one another and build collective strength.
The feedback from the convening series and staff focus groups offer some recommendations for AAOP as it considers future implementation around its re-granting program and building organizational practices around resilience.