APASD Programs

Programs & Initiatives

APASD houses several programs and initatives that works with specific AA/PI/SSWANA communities on the UC Berkeley Campus. AA/PI/SSWANA communities are large and diverse in culture, experience, and history. For this reason, APASD works towards solidarity and coalition across out communities: supporting one another, encouraging active participation and dialogue in issues affecting our communities, and increasing the awareness of AA/PI/SSWANA issues in Berkeley and beyond. APASD also works in collaboration with various student organizations and departments throughout the academic year, to better support our diverse student population.

PI Initiative

The Pacific Islander (PI) Initiative is a student-centered program started through student activism at the University of California, Berkeley that serves the changing needs of Pacific Islander communities. The PI Initiative seeks to develop and maintain cultural interests, promote cross-cultural community building, and address disparities by increasing access to relevant and responsive resources. 

SSWANA Initiative

The South Asian, Southwest Asian, and North African (SSWANA) Initiative was advocated for and created by student activists that felt this student population lacked representation and resources at the University of California at Berkeley. As such, students will always be the heart of this initiative with the support of staff. The SSWANA Initiative seeks to provide personalized access to resources on campus, accessible programming, promote cross-cultural community building, and advocate for social justice in SSWANA communities through education and empowerment.

Asian American Political Activation Program

"Asian American" was first coined by Yuji Ichioka and Nancy Gee at UC Berkeley in 1968 through founding the Asian American Political Alliance to develop a unified and politicized identity for diasporic communities from Asia. Grounded in this legacy of the Asian American Movement, the Asian American Political Activation Program (AAPA) offers internships and programs to grow Asian American students’ political consciousness around AA/PI/SSWANA experiences, history, and community issues both on and off campus. 

MOVE: Asian American Community Organizing Fellowship

MOVE: Asian American Community Organizing Fellowship was founded in 2017 in order to create opportunities for community-centered work calling back to the Third World Liberation Front’s objective to provide relevant education to transform our communities. Due to the lack of opportunities for critical connections between Asian American students and community organizations, MOVE was founded by undergraduates to allow for students to engage critically in our communities. 

MOVE partners Asian American-serving community-based organizations (CBOs) across the Bay Area have hosted fellows to work on socio-political issues including youth development, labor rights, mental health, incarceration and deportation, and environmental justice. To scaffold their experiences at CBOs, MOVE also develops fellow’s community organizing skills to prepare them to tackle the underlying frameworks and systemic equities that guide Asian American community organizing.

Connect with us:

Email:movefellowship@berkeley.edu

Instagram: @movefellowshipcal

Bloom: Asian American Community Program

Bloom: Asian American Community Program (formerly APATH) was established in 1992 and is a residence for students who have an interest in Asian American history, culture, and contemporary issues. Bloom provides a dynamic environment for interaction and learning through academic and social activities such as group discussions, cultural events, and community service. A live-in Theme Program Assistant provides resources and support for residents' social and academic needs. Our academic seminar brings together students and faculty, community leaders, activists, and entertainers to discuss a variety of topics. Through social and academic activities, students gain leadership skills, form a close-knit community, and have fun.