A Letter from the President
Dear AAJA Member,
I hope this email finds you as safe and as well as can be.
Thank you for the work you are doing, delivering clarity and credible information as we experience rapid changes to the way we work and live.
We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak as it relates to our members and programming (
full update here). We encourage our members to avoid physical contact as much as possible, while taking care of each other in other ways.
I am thinking about our members at the frontlines of coronavirus coverage. I am thinking about the toll it takes for our members to cover the racism and xenophobia aimed at our communities. I am thinking about how we can help each other cope during this isolating and destabilizing time.
I’ve been heartened by the organic sprouting of community-care efforts across our chapters and membership, like AAJA Philly’s call for continued support of local Asian businesses, members socializing over virtual happy hours, J-Camp alums checking in with each other on social media, and so much more.
Please let us know: How are you taking care of yourself? How are you taking care of those in your community? How can we take care of you? Check in with us here so we can build or direct you to the resources and support that you need.
(ICYMI: We sent a list of resources for reporters covering coronavirus as well as wellness tips for working and parenting while working from home.
Check it out here.)
At the same time, I am disturbed by the intensifying attacks on the AAPI community, including our members. If you’ve personally experienced an incident of discrimination, we are keeping track
here to inform our response. We encourage you to report to Asian Americans Advancing Justice as well at
www.standagainsthatred.org.
AAJA has released a
joint statement, with other diversity associations in solidarity, condemning the racism and xenophobic remarks that fuel anti-AAPI sentiments around the globe. Please continue to share with your newsrooms our Media Watch
guidance on coronavirus coverage.
As this global pandemic continues, so does the threat to free press. We support all of our members overseas and
AAJA-Asia’s statement protesting China’s decision to expel U.S. journalists — the latest step in escalating geopolitical tensions that threaten global health and press freedom.
Thankfully, our #AAJAFamily remains as strong and connected as ever. I urge you to lean on your fellow AAJA members. Reach out to your chapter leaders. Communicate on our
AAJA Slack community. There is now also a #parenting channel in AAJA Slack.)
Let us know how we can further support you and amplify your good work.
And if you want to join in our efforts, we are seeking support with strengthening our capacity for coronavirus monitoring. Email me at
mlee@aaja.org if you can help with:
- Social media rapid response: Let us know if you’re
at social media and can help with rapid response messaging.
- Monitoring media coverage: Let us know if you’re sharing with your friends and colleagues examples of both offensive AND thoughtful media coverage of coronavirus and its impact on Asians and AAPIs.
- Resources: Let us know if you want to help our members and journalists cope with coronavirus coverage by curating and sharing resources to help them personally and professionally.
Wishing you health and safety,
Michelle Ye Hee Lee
