Even without the help of a large organization, there are many things that one or two people can do to empower Asian Americans. Here are a few ideas. Feel free to add more!

1. Join a national organization that supports and advocates for Asian American issues and civil rights.  Then take part in any action alerts and campaigns that are announced.
2. Attend events in the Asian American community.  These provide a great opportunity to network, have fun, and support a good cause.
3. Subscribe to periodicals that emphasize Asian American issues -- e.g., Amerasia Journal, AsianWeek, Rafu Shimpo.
4. Donate to Asian American nonprofit groups, especially smaller grassroots organizations that really need the funding.
5. Decline to spend your money watching movies without Asian American actors or movies where Asian Americans are portrayed in stereotypical or negative ways.
6. Protest negative images of Asian Americans in the media and in advertising by finding a contact for the offending company online, and sending an email, fax or letter.  Better yet, submit a letter to the editor and write op-ed pieces.
7. Make sure you are included in at least one email listserv that will keep you up to date on the latest news in Asian America.
8. Support local Asian American businesses, e.g., by buying staples from the local Asian American grocery instead of from the large corporate supermarket in the neighborhood.
9. Volunteer for a group that helps Asian Americans, or just volunteer in general, to increase the visibility of Asian Americans helping their communities.
10. Check in on modelminority.com frequently for the latest news and participate in our discussions!