Activating the power of New Jersey’s AAPI community to bring about a more just, inclusive future for all
We believe our most powerful tool against racism, bias, and exclusion is education. Through our education efforts, we work to ensure that all children in New Jersey grow up understanding that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are part of the fabric of our nation, and all AAPI children know they matter and belong.
Asian Americans in New Jersey deserve to be safe, seen, heard, and respected. Our advocacy aims to ensure our community has a seat at the table when important decisions are being made, understands how policy decisions affect our daily lives, and realizes its collective power to bring about a more just, inclusive future for all.
AAPIs make up 11% of New Jerseyans, yet hold just 3% of elected offices at the county level and above. When we vote, we not only exercise a hard-earned right, but help ensure our community is valued and respected. We work to engage Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in our democracy and increase participation in every election.
We believe safety comes from strong communities, and that every child should grow up knowing they matter and belong. Our 80+ large- and small-scale events celebrating diverse facets of Asian American culture draw over 10,000 attendees annually. Some invite our wider community to experience Asian American joy and traditions, while others provide safe spaces where our children and families can explore the complexities of the Asian American experience.
The Asian American Coalition of New Jersey (AACNJ) weaves together AAPI-serving groups across our state who are committed to activating their collective power to advance multiracial equity, health, and justice through organizing, advocacy, policy research, education, and representation.
We are committed to ensuring that every AAPI has access to culturally responsive mental health care, and to building awareness of mental health services and breaking down cultural stigmas around mental health. Our innovative youth and mental health programs help build community while destigmatizing mental health services and normalizing interactions with providers, while for adults, we have offered sessions on parenting as an AAPI, mental health book clubs, and workshops on how to find mental health providers.
In 2023, we formally changed our name to AAPI New Jersey to reflect the statewide priorities and activities that this group of committed community members and advocates now supports.
We continue to host events and programs in Montclair and invite you to explore this site to learn more about the diverse resources and opportunities we offer.
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