This lesson should be seen as an introduction to civic engagement for students. One of the bedrock principles of American education is that we should be preparing young people to be active and responsible citizens. This means becoming comfortable with the processes of taking on a subject, learning more about it, and figuring out how to do something about it that helps make one’s community better.

The topics chosen here involve racism, anti-racism, and advocacy. In addition to creating awareness about AANHPI content in the curriculum, students also should be given instruction on how to make their voices heard on matters of importance to them: how to identify key issues, how to speak about them to the broader community; initiate plans or programs to promote ideas about inclusivity.

The target demographic for this lesson as written is for high school students but can be adjusted for middle school and elementary students. The principles and resources listed apply throughout the K-12 curriculum but care should be taken to adapt language appropriate to various grade levels.