#United States #New York #AANHPI #National Day #Act To Change

Celebrating Youth Leadership Against Bullying

On May 17, 2025, the bustling streets of New York City were filled with hope and inspiration as Act To Change hosted its 7th Annual National Day Against Bullying and Hate. The event attracted hundreds of youth, families, and organizations dedicated to celebrating diverse voices and combating bullying.

A Day of Meaningful Reflection

This year’s theme, “The Future of Allyship,” emphasized the importance of youth involvement and redefined allyship as an active practice ingrained in empathy and community. The significance of this theme resonated deeply as the event paid tribute to the legacy of Vincent Chin, whose tragic murder in 1982 became a pivotal moment in Asian American civil rights.

Maulk Pancholy, co-founder of Act To Change, addressed the audience, sharing the harsh reality many young individuals, particularly from the AANHPI (Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander) communities, face: “1 in 3 youth report experiencing hate or discrimination.” This statistic underlined the urgency of the occasion, highlighting the role allyship plays in fostering a more inclusive future for everyone.

A Showcase of Young Leaders

The centerpiece of the event was the graduation of the 2024-2025 Youth Ambassador Program. Eighteen exceptional young leaders were recognized for their innovative capstone projects that tackled issues of bullying and mental health within their communities. Soukprida Phetmisy, Executive Director of Act To Change, commended the youth for their dedication: “Their courage and leadership are what will shape a better future.”

Among the highlights were the awards presented to various organizations and individuals who have significantly contributed to promoting equity and justice. The Allied Organization of the Year award went to The Sikh Coalition, a foundational partner since Act To Change’s inception. Meanwhile, the Partner Organization of the Year award was given to HarperCollins Publishers for their commitment to AANHPI representation in literature. Moreover, Aya Hashi, a rising sophomore and notable Youth Ambassador alumna, received the Changemaker of the Year award for her impactful contributions to youth programming.

Notable Impact Awardees included:

• - Saagar Shaikh, celebrated for his role in Ms. Marvel and advocacy for South Asian visibility.
• - Poppy Liu, recognized for her artistic activism in promoting cultural narratives and intersectional liberation.

Aya Hashi encapsulated the spirit of the day, expressing her gratitude: “Act to Change has nurtured an environment where youth feel empowered to imagine a world free of hate and bullying.”

Engaging Community Participation

The event featured the Empathy Expo, a vibrant community fair allowing attendees to interact with Youth Ambassadors and explore their capstone projects. This interactive aspect reinforced the day’s core message of community engagement and shared responsibility in combating bullying and hate.

Act To Change also acknowledged the essential support of its mentors and partner organizations, such as FYLPRO and AAPI Youth Rising, spotlighting the collective effort needed to foster change.

Looking to the Future

As the day wrapped up, Act To Change set forth ambitious goals: to extend the Youth Ambassadors Program to ten more states and expand the Homeroom anti-bullying initiative to twelve additional schools. These goals aim to reach thousands more students, equipping them with the tools to embrace their identities and combat discrimination.

Sumi Parekh, Board Chair of Act To Change, captured the ethos of the organization’s mission: “Our collective future depends on creating spaces where everyone feels safe and proud of their identity.”

In summary, Act To Change’s 7th Annual National Day Against Bullying and Hate was a testament to the power of youth leadership, community advocacy, and the ongoing fight against discrimination. As we look towards a future filled with hope, the engagement and empowerment of young voices will undoubtedly play a critical role in shaping a more inclusive society.