Stories of Local Activism #8
Asian Americans Advancing Justice
Turning Civil Rights Advocacy into Real-World Power for AAPI Communities
Washington, D.C.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC) is a national, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) founded in 1991 in Washington, D.C., working to advance the civil and human rights of Asian Americans while helping build a fair and equitable society for all.
From the halls of Congress to the courtroom to community-based partnerships nationwide, AAJC focuses on removing structural barriers that prevent Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities from fully participating in democracy and accessing opportunity, especially where language access, immigration systems, voting rules, and discrimination intersect.
Mission
AAJC’s mission is to advance the civil and human rights of Asian Americans and to build and promote a fair and equitable society for all.
What They Do
AAJC organizes its work around major civil rights “lanes” that combine policy advocacy, public education, coalition building, and litigation. There are six core program areas.
1. Voting Rights & Political Power
Runs and supports in-language civic participation efforts, including a multilingual voter hotline and voting access resources.
2. Immigration & Stronger Community Roots
Advocates for family immigration and policies that protect immigrant communities; elevates community needs through national policy work.
3. Equal Protection & Legal Advocacy
Uses litigation and legal strategies to advance equal protection and challenge discriminatory systems.
4. Anti-Asian Hate & Community Safety
Raises awareness and publishes research and recommendations addressing racism, discrimination, and anti-Asian hate.
5. Anti-Profiling, Civil Rights & National Security
Works to combat profiling and protect civil rights through advocacy, education, coalition building, and referrals.
6. Census, Redistricting, and Representation
Supports accurate census counts and fair maps so resources and representation reflect AAPI communities.
A Hard Look at the Challenges
John C. Yang, President and Executive Director of AAJC, expressed his concern about growing threats to the freedom to vote for communities of color and all Americans on the occasion of 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act.
Theory of Change
Policy + Litigation + Community Partnership → Durable Civil Rights Wins
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Center community realities through partners nationwide
AAJC works with an extensive national ecosystem of community organizations to stay grounded in lived experience and mobilize rapid, credible advocacy.
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Translate those needs into federal and state action
AAJC engages policymakers directly, pairing coalition strategy with technical expertise on voting, immigration, census, civil liberties, and more.
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Enforce rights through the courts when necessary
When policy and administration fail communities, AAJC uses legal advocacy and litigation to challenge discriminatory practices and defend democratic participation.
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Scale impact through language access and communications
AAJC invests heavily in multilingual access and public-facing tools so communities can act on their rights.
AAJC’s Measurable Accomplishments
IMPACT
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300+ community partner organizations across 38 states and Washington, D.C.
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Translations/​interpretations in 14 Asian languages to support equitable access to voting and services
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100+ meetings with 50+ congressional offices and 60+ engagements with key federal agencies (White House, DOJ, Census Bureau, and others)
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Invested $2.3M+ in subgrants to strengthen community-rooted advocacy
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Reported communications scale: 1,000+ media placements and broad audience reach
Take Action
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Share their stories with your network.
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Join AAJC as a community partner or student leader: https://www.advancingjustice-aajc.org/get-involved
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Share Your Story with AAJC Team: https://www.advancingjustice-aajc.org/share-your-story
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Support their work: https://www.advancingjustice-aajc.org/donate
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Contact AAJC Team: https://www.advancingjustice-aajc.org/contact-us
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Connect:
X (Twitter): @AAAJ_AAJC
Instagram: @advancingjustice_aajc
Facebook: advancingjusticeaajc
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Visit their website: Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC
