AVE updates: 2025 Q2
As summer winds down, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the past three months at AVE. From the open letter, policy advocacy to funding efforts, here’s a snapshot of what we’ve been doing. Thank you to everyone for your heartfelt support us along the way.
📨 Open Letter Campaign: Thank for your co-signatory!
On May 30, we launched an open letter calling out racialized depictions of Asian diasporas in a Dutch children’s book, Mijn jarige stad. This book was distributed across Amsterdam’s schools as part of a project to celebrate Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary. The campaign was a collective effort supported by community members, scholars and civil societies across Europe, Asia and the US. Thanks to your signatures and solidarity, we gained visibility across multiple platforms. We delivered the open letter alongside the 959 signatures we received to the office of the Dutch National Coordinator against Discrimination and Racism on June 19. We learned a lot about the Office, their team, and the Coordinator’s role within the Dutch government.
AVE members at the office of the Dutch National Coordinator against Discrimination and Racism in June 19. Photo credit: Ashley Chin
Despite our efforts to reach the mayor through various channels, we have not received a response. On July 3, the city issued an official statement by Deputy Mayor, Marjolein Moorman, refusing to recall the book and instead suggesting that parents can voluntarily add stickers at home. This is a step that, in our view, minimizes the harm and fails to acknowledge the institutional racism behind the issue. We deeply regret this missed opportunity for meaningful action.
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That’s why we’re launching our social media challenge “NotJustABook” soon. Here’s how to take part:
Record a short video saying one of the phrases:
“Amsterdam, this is not just about one book”, “No racism in School” “It’s institutional racism”
Post it on Instagram with the hashtag #NotJustABook
Tag your friends to keep the reels challenge going.
Szilvia participating the social media challenge “NotJustABook“
📎 If you haven’t read it yet, the open letter is still available on our website.
🧭 NAPAR & the Next EU Strategy
Over the past few months, AVE has continued engaging in key meetings for the National Action Plans Against Racism (NAPAR) and the next EU Anti-Racism Strategy 2026–2030. At the targeted final consultation in July 8, we submitted a detailed policy brief, pushing for:
A shared definition of structural racism across Member States of EU
Community-informed data methodologies
A central role for education and youth in anti-racism policy
Transparent civic consultation structures
Long-term coalition-building across racialized communities
Facilitate a dedicated unit or coordinate for anti-Asian racism to NAPAR
Hyunjung presenting the AVE’s work at the a.r.t.e.s. Forum at Universität zu Köln Photo credit: Yoonjung Kim
📢 Public Dissemination & Outreach
Our advocacy doesn’t stop at closed meetings. Over the past few months, we’ve also been invited to present our work publicly, including: a public discussion on racialized representation in Europe at Humboldt University Berlin and a forum presentation at University of Cologne to discuss the social dissonance and racism.
Cover image of the FIFPRO Asia/Oceania’s report on anti-Asian racism
In parallel, AVE contributed to the development of FIFPRO Asia/Oceania’s first campaign against anti-Asian racism in football. We provided consultation on the European context, implying both the patterns of abuse athletes face and the systemic barriers to reporting and accountability.
💸 Funding: Can You Help?
This year, sustainability is a top priority. We’ve been applying for various grants, including the WORM x Amarte call in Rotterdam, RISE fund (Filia die Frauenstiftung) in Germany and the EU CERV programme to support our work centering queer and feminist Asian voices. While both applications for EU CERV and Armarte were unfortunately rejected, we remain committed to finding the resources needed to sustain our work.
We are still a 100% volunteer-run collective, relying on the generosity of supporters’ donations but we’re doing our best to keep going and keep searching. If you know of grants, foundations, or initiatives that support grassroots racial justice work in Europe, please let us know. Your tips could make a huge difference!
🧡 Together, We Keep Building
We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together, but we know the road ahead is long and we need you with us. Whether it’s sharing our posts, forwarding our newsletter, joining AVE CLUB, or just checking in! You’re part of this story.
More updates to come soon in the next issue. Until then, thank you for walking with us. ✊
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Author: Hyunjung
Editor: Lisa
Image: Ashley, Hyunjung, Szilvia, Yoonjung
