Workplace events calendar
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AAPI Month

Celebrate AAPI month with your team

September 16, 2024

Ideas to celebrate AAPI month at work in a meaningful way.

What is AAPI Month?

AAPI Month historical background

Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI Month) started as a way to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

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It was first observed in May 1992, chosen to mark the anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants arriving in the U.S. and the completion of the transcontinental railroad, which was built with significant help from Chinese laborers.

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The month helps honor the diverse cultures and achievements of AAPI communities throughout American history.

AAPI Month cultural significance

Today, AAPI Heritage Month is celebrated with cultural festivals, educational workshops, and community gatherings. Many organizations and schools host activities that showcase Asian American and Pacific Islander traditions, food, and stories. It's a time to honor and learn about the diverse cultures and contributions of AAPI communities through engaging and informative programs.

AAPI Month facts

When is AAPI Month celebrated?

May

AAPI Month symbols and traditions

  • Cherry blossom
  • Lotus flower
  • Asian art and calligraphy
  • Red lanterns

AAPI Month resources

How to celebrate AAPI Month at work

How do you plan AAPI month's activities?

  • Do ask your ERGs and AAPI employees for ideas. They have a better sense of how to support and celebrate their communities.
  • Don't just delegate all the planning to them. Do give your team the budget and tools to make organizing a meaningful celebration easy.

An excellent way to celebrate is:

  • to support the AAPI community in action
  • to use this time to understand how your organization can work with the AAPI community every day, not just this month

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Here are five ideas to get you started:

  1. Snack restock: check where you get your snacks from and start sourcing from AAPI-owned businesses
  2. Equitable recruiting: use online professional communities to diversify your employee pool
  3. Team building: book workshops and team-building events with AAPI artisans
  4. Fundraising: support an equity cause and make your donation recurring
  5. Lunch: going out to lunch at an AAPI-owned restaurant is a simple way to learn more about the community

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Why celebrate AAPI Month with your team?

  • Learn something new about the AAPI community
  • Honor diverse cultural backgrounds of your employees
  • Educate your team on cultural issues
    • Browse team activities

    AAPI Month team-building activities

    We curated wonderful experiences to celebrate AAPI traditions. All of them are hosted by small business owners, most with AAPI background. Enjoy and make sure to check our home page for more team activities!

    You can book all group activities on Spaciously with a few clicks. All prices are upfront. All hosts are small business owners: instructors, artisans, and creators. You also get a dedicated coordinator to smooth out all logistical details.

    Browse all activities