Our Mission in Motion
AJSOCAL is the leading civil rights advocate for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. We combat discrimination, offer free legal services and workshops in Southern California, and drive policy change from local to national levels. Rooted in the legacy of our immigrant forebears and fueled by modern advocacy, we remain steadfast in our pursuit of justice.
After decades of unwavering advocacy, our journey speaks volumes.
Dive deeper into our mission and witness the difference we make.
Watch our three pivotal videos on Anti-Asian Discrimination, Citizenship client case story, and our tireless Advocacy efforts.
Let their stories inspire, educate, and motivate you.
The Latest
Press Release
Introducing the Asian Resource Hub: A Data-Rich Exploration of Anti-Asian Hatred
Today marks the launch of the Asian Resource Hub, a unique digital resource developed in collaboration between Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL), Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC (Advancing Justice – AAJC), and Microsoft. This new resource pioneers a dual mission: 1) to illustrate the surge of hatred through data culled from a combination of reports (surveys, hate trackers, law enforcement, and public records) about the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities (AAPIs) and 2) to provide a searchable national directory of resources and culturally competent services that offer help in Asian languages. The website is currently translated in Chinese (Traditional & Simplified), Korean, and Vietnamese. Access to the hub is free to all at asianresourcehub.org.
Blog
Innocence Lost: Reflections on Monterey Park’s 2023 Lunar New Year
When I got the call on January 22, 2023 at 7 am, asking what we were going to do about the mass shooting that had happened in Monterey Park the night before, I was in disbelief. How could this happen in the peaceful, quiet enclave of Monterey Park?
At AJSOCAL, we did not have experience with mass shootings so close to home. We offer legal services and protect civil rights. But at 7am, what I knew was that our people needed us… By 10 pm that night – within 24 hours of the shooting – we banded together with nine other API community-based organizations and philanthropies to open a victim’s fund on GoFundMe. We worked tirelessly to ensure both direct victims and the larger community could access services and support such as government benefits, legal advice, and cash assistance. We worked with over 50 community-based partners and government agencies to help coordinate language support, create a directory of culturally specific resources and educate the community on how to navigate the systems. Crisis response after a mass shooting was new waters for us, but we worked around the clock to learn and respond to the myriad of needs from the community as best we could.
Event Recap
Celebrating 40 Years of Social Justice
Hundreds gathered for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) movement as Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) celebrated their 40th Anniversary Gala: 40FORWARD on October 12th at the Vibiana in the heart of Los Angeles.
Nearly 600 guests, including AAPI artists, community leaders, and dedicated allies, celebrated the event’s theme: “United in Action: 40FORWARD,” to uplift four decades of unwavering commitment to the AAPI community and the continued journey of leadership, advocacy, and progress.
Featured News
Blog
Read critical pieces, get the latest updates on local rallies and events centered on Asian civil rights, and view staff statements on current issues.
In The News
View the latest news about Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California today.
Announcements
Stay informed about Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California’s work and our positions on recent civil rights and social justice issues.
Events & Workshops
Citizenship Clinics
Every Friday
In partnership with local community organizations, Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California hosts free citizenship application workshops where our staff and volunteers help verify eligibility for citizenship, complete the citizenship application, and prepare a fee waiver request for individuals who qualify.
41st Anniversary Gala
The gala celebrates AJSOCAL’s accomplishments throughout the year and highlights its year-round programs and services. Additionally, we honor those who have made a significant impact on the community. The event includes elected officials, community partners, members of the Asian American bar associations and leaders from the arts, culture, and media as well as corporate, legal, and nonprofit sectors. It has become one of the most anticipated fundraising events in the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.
BYSTANDER INTERVENTION TRAININGS
In these virtual workshops hosted on Zoom and co-sponsored by Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California and Right To Be (formerly known as Hollaback!), you’ll learn how you can intervene effectively as a bystander without ever compromising your safety.
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