2017 Reflections, 2018 Directions
When our communities are under attack, what do we do? Rise up, fight back!
This chant comes up at rallies and marches throughout the year. As movements, organizations, and people involved in work towards justice, we are well equipped to fight back in moments of crisis. We organize rallies, hold events, raise funds, and respond as needed to ongoing attacks on immigrants, increased hate-violence against transgender people, and a racist political climate for people of color. At APIENC, we also know that through all of this crisis, we must reflect. For APIENC, reflection has been an important tool in understanding the ongoing crisis, historical context, and present-day possible solutions.
Reflection shows us how far we have come, how non-linear the path has been, and how far we still need to go. Each year, volunteers and staff compile APIENC highlights (you can see 2015‘s and 2016‘s!), as a tool of reflecting and celebrating all the work done in the past year. Just as we look back to packed airports during the Muslim Bans and immigrant rights rallies in defense of DACA, we also look at APIENC’s own work to mobilize an API contingent at Trans March, learn about food sovereignty at a community garden, and provide space for high school youth to learn organizing skills. You can see an even more full set of highlights in our 2017 Review Graphic, made by Cynthia Fong.
![](https://www.apiequalitync.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2017ReviewPreview.png)
Our growing work is only possible because of our community and our allies. To be able to build powerful work, we need the power of the people. Email info@lavenderphoenix.org if you would like to get involved, and stay on the lookout for our programs and events. We hope to see you soon!