WEST AAPI Statement

Tim Senholtz

WEST Coast Aquatics stands in mourning, solidarity, and compassion with our Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) family in the Greater Seattle area and around the country after the events of last week. 

 

In the wake of a shooting spree in Atlanta that left eight people, including 6 Asian women dead last week, our hearts go out to all the victims’ families and communities. We condemn these racist actions and encourage individuals to both acknowledge this violence and support the people of color in their communities. 

 

As a nation, we must take action to move beyond our founding in systematic racism. Violence against and hatred towards Asians has no place in our community. Discrimination and hatred have no place in our community. Injustice of any kind should matter to us all. WEST Coast Aquatics  will continue to take action focused on celebrating differences as strengths and dismantling systemic racism that disproportionately affect BIPOC communities.

 

Our coaching staff recently underwent a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training hosted by Truclusion & Pacific Northwest Swimming this spring. This training is part of a wider program of actions aimed at promoting diversity & to create a safe space for all individuals within our community at WEST and PNS as a whole.

 

Here are some things you can do to take action now:

  1. Learn more about the scope of anti-Asian hatred and violence. A recent report by Stop AAPI Hate covers 3,795 incidents reported from March 19, 2020 to February 28, 2021. The number of hate incidents reported to the center represent only a fraction of the number of hate incidents that actually occur, but it does show how vulnerable Asian Americans are to discrimination, and the types of discrimination they face. Read the report here. [PDF; 11 pages]

  2. Encourage those who experience or witness acts of hate towards the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities to report incidents of hate to Stop AAPI Hate. Reporting incidents helps build an understanding of what is happening and guides the development of policy advocacy. Report an incident here. [Available in 11 languages.]

  3. Get trained in techniques for responding to harassment or what to do if you are witness to violence or a hate crime. The organizations Hollaback! and Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC) have partnered to adapt free training to meet this moment. Register here. 

  4. Get involved and support local organizations in your community working towards the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans. The Greater Seattle Chapter of OCA was formed in 1995 and since that time it has been serving the Greater Seattle Chinese and Asian Pacific American community as well as other communities in the Pacific Northwest. It is recognized in the local community for its advocacy for civil and voting rights as well as its sponsorship of community activities and events. Learn more or make a donation to OCA Seattle today.