In May, we raise awareness of mental health for all Americans and commemorate the history and experience of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the United States. The overlap of these observances is significant - studies show that Asian Americans are the least likely to receive mental health treatment. As DEI-focused organizations, navigating both of these topics with care should be a top priority.

We’ve crafted a few ideas you can use that will create space for mental health awareness, support AAPI inclusion, and spark impactful activism within your organization.

1. (Virtual or IRL) Safe Spaces

This idea is inspired by one of our customers, who does a great job of providing virtual safe spaces for employees by allowing them a forum to discuss current events that could impact one’s mental health.

Ways to facilitate these safe spaces:

• Bringing in a mental health professional for an AMA (Ask Me Anything)
• Have breakout room round-table discussions among employees

Tip: Collect questions anonymously using our pre-event survey to power these conversations

2. (Virtual or IRL) #LoveAANHPI

Organize a company-wide #LoveAANHPI campaign to educate your organization on the cultures that make up the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.

Opportunities for learning could include:

• Watch parties: Shows like  A People’s History of Asian America sheds light on microaggressions and stereotypes in Asian communities
• Workshops: Language exchanges, allyship webinars, cooking classes — the list goes on!

3. (IRL) Community Walk

Many studies have shown that exercise can have a positive impact on mental health, and if you’re back in the office it’s important to take screen breaks throughout the day. Organizing a few community walks throughout the month can be a great way to support your team’s mental health — and a breath of fresh air can boost morale!

Tip: Use our in-person attendance tracking to check in employees, and reward them for participating!

4. (IRL) Taste of Asia Lunch

Support local Asian eateries by catering an in-office lunch, or encourage employees to contribute to a potluck to share their favorite homemade Asian dishes.

Fun resource: Check out Meet Chinatown — it's a digital directory of Asian-owned businesses in NYC

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Reminder: You can book time with our team to learn how Five to Nine is helping employee experience and ERG teams plan their 2023 event and program strategy.