Explore the Asian American Leadership Program
What is the Asian American Leadership Program?
The Asian American Leadership Program (AALP) provides Asian American families with tools to learn about history, race, and belonging in America, using this knowledge to become empowered advocates for their communities. Using parallel adult and youth tracks, this 9-week program brings multiple generations of caregivers and youth together for Asian American history education, intergenerational dialogue, identity development, and community advocacy and engagement. AALP helps participants reach their full potential as individuals, build strong connections as a family, and become leaders for a better future.
In Fall 2022, we ran two pilot programs of AALP with community partners, with powerful results. Participants reported breaking through communication barriers with younger/older generations, developing a deeper understanding of their Asian American identity, and building concrete community action projects. After completing these pilot programs, we realized that there is an urgent, widespread need for this type of program across the country, far beyond what IHI has the capacity to provide alone. As a result, we made the decision to adapt and publish the program materials online for anyone to use, free of charge. Because we believe that AALP deserves to be taught in every community.
In Fall 2022, we ran two pilot programs of AALP with community partners, with powerful results. Participants reported breaking through communication barriers with younger/older generations, developing a deeper understanding of their Asian American identity, and building concrete community action projects. After completing these pilot programs, we realized that there is an urgent, widespread need for this type of program across the country, far beyond what IHI has the capacity to provide alone. As a result, we made the decision to adapt and publish the program materials online for anyone to use, free of charge. Because we believe that AALP deserves to be taught in every community.
At IHI, we believe in families as a site of transformational change.
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Know history. Know self. Create change.The program draws upon theories of identity, racial and intergenerational trauma, restorative practices, and social change to support individual growth, family connection, and community empowerment. Youth and caregivers enroll in parallel tracks with their peer groups, then come together throughout the program for guided intergenerational dialogue and activities, including oral histories and a culminating project proposal. The fundamental belief is that families are a site for transformational change. Through knowing the self, knowing history, participants can find collective healing and create change.
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Learning our histories, healing from trauma, and empowering our communitiesThe curriculum delves into 500+ years of Asian American history, covering topics of migration, exclusion, activism, solidarity, and more. Participants will learn through interactive activities, historical case studies, and primary sources. The first part of the program builds participant connections to their own identities and with each other, situating themselves in the very histories they are learning. The second part strengthens social-emotional and communication skills to engage in identity development and intergenerational dialogue. The third and final part empowers participants to build upon Asian American legacies for advocacy and organizing. By the end of the program, participants will be equipped with the skills and framework to pursue liberatory solutions for their communities.
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Why do our communities need this program?
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Testimonials
I honestly believe that AALP changed the trajectory of my life: instead of continuously wishing for change, AALP motivated me to get out and make a change. |
The program gave me a direction and a support net so that I could work towards creating a haven for the people of my community. |
During the program, I opened my heart about racial topics that I never discussed before with others. I felt supported during the program and outside of the program. |
This course is very distinctive, allowing the participating students to open their hearts in a more comfortable environment, learn about immigrant culture together; share and discuss how to deal with the confusion encountered in real life. |
I was scared but I felt inspired by the program to advocate strongly. |
Great program! I am especially impressed by the youth... What an eye opening experience! |
I was taught everything I wanted to know and it was honestly so fun to do. I do numerous other classes and this one was my absolute favorite of them all. |
I learned a lot and we had really good discussions on the topics provided. It really inspired me. Honestly, I wish it was longer and I'm super sad that it ended... |
A big thank-you to our funders for making this work possible!
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