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Empowering Asian American Communities: The Launch of the Asian Resource Hub

In response to the alarming surge in anti-Asian hate incidents, Asian Americans Advancing Justice organizations, in partnership with Microsoft, have launched the Asian Resource Hub, a groundbreaking digital platform aimed at empowering Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities.

The hub is a comprehensive resource that combines data from various sources, including surveys, hate trackers, law enforcement, and public records, to provide a detailed picture of the discrimination and hatred faced by AAPI communities. It also offers a searchable national directory of resources and culturally competent services available in multiple Asian languages, including Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese, with plans to expand to Hindi, Khmer, Tagalog, and Thai.

The initiative was introduced during a National Ethnic Media News Briefing on February 29, 2024, highlighting its importance in addressing the significant increase in anti-Asian hate, which rose by 339% between 2020 and 2021 alone. The hub aims to provide AAPI communities with the necessary tools to build resilience, feel empowered, and access essential resources tailored to their needs.

The Asian Resource Hub is not only a response to the immediate needs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic but also a long-term infrastructure to support AAPI communities in the face of continued discrimination. It is designed to be community-based and focused, offering powerful storytelling and data visualization to help users understand the Asian American experience in the context of hatred and discrimination.

By leveraging technology and data, the hub seeks to provide insights into the challenges faced by AAPI communities and offer solutions to fight back against hate. It is a testament to the collaboration between organizations like Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Microsoft, and the broader community to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

As the hub continues to evolve, it aims to become an evergreen site, constantly updated with new resources and languages to serve the diverse needs of AAPI communities. The goal is to make it a robust resource that can effectively address the gaps in support and understanding of anti-Asian hate and empower individuals and communities to stand against discrimination.

For more information and to access the Asian Resource Hub, visit asianresourcehub.org.

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The FTC Breaks Through Language Barriers to Reach Consumers Targeted by Fraud

In a groundbreaking move, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken significant steps to enhance its outreach and services to non-English speaking communities, demonstrating a robust commitment to fighting fraud across diverse linguistic landscapes. The national briefing held on November 21, 2023, titled “The FTC Breaks Through Language Barriers to Reach Consumers Targeted by Fraud,” marked a pivotal moment in the Commission’s efforts to inclusively combat consumer fraud.

Expanding Multilingual Services

Recognizing the vital need to connect with consumers in their native languages, the FTC has extended its fraud reporting and advisory services beyond English and Spanish. The inclusion of multiple languages, including Arabic, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Korean, Somali, Tagalog, Russian, Polish, and Portuguese, is a strategic move to empower consumers from various linguistic backgrounds. This expansion not only facilitates easier reporting of fraud but also ensures access to crucial information on fraud prevention in a language that consumers understand.

Influential Participation and Testimonies

The briefing showcased the insights of key figures from the FTC, notably Monica Vaca, Deputy Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection, and Larissa Bungo, Senior Attorney of the Division of Consumer & Business Education. Their presentations underscored the FTC’s dedication to consumer protection and education. Additionally, the event featured poignant testimonies from individuals like Jongwon Lee, who have directly benefited from the FTC’s multilingual services. These stories highlighted the real-world impact of the FTC’s initiative.

Aiming for Inclusive Consumer Protection

The FTC’s move to break down language barriers is more than just a policy shift; it’s a strategic initiative to gain a comprehensive understanding of the scams targeting different communities. This approach not only enhances the FTC’s ability to fight fraud but also empowers consumers to be proactive in protecting themselves. The initiative underscores the FTC’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that all consumers, regardless of their linguistic background, have equal access to protection and resources.

Collaborative Effort for Broader Reach

The event was a collaboration between Ethnic Media Services and the FTC, showcasing a partnership that amplifies the reach of consumer protection messages. The provision of simultaneous interpretation in Spanish, Korean, and Mandarin during the event was a testament to the FTC’s dedication to accessibility and inclusivity.

Conclusion

The FTC’s efforts to reach consumers across language barriers represent a significant stride in consumer protection. By recognizing and addressing the diverse linguistic needs of the American populace, the FTC is not only combating fraud more effectively but also reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding all consumers. This initiative sets a precedent for other government agencies to follow, promoting a more inclusive approach to public service and protection.