Abstract
This chapter explores how Asian American girls construct belonging and identity in the after-school program of a community-based organization I call Asian American Youth Organization (AAYO) . I explore three important characteristics of AAYO: (1) affirming Asian American identity and community , (2) caring and support , and (3) validating youth culture . AAYO’s after-school program was an important ibasho where the girls could feel comfortable, accepted, cared for, and empowered, surrounded by like-minded friends and caring adults, where many members shared similar racial, ethnic, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds. At an organization that mainly provided support to underserved Asian American youth, the girls were able to affirm their Asian American identity and receive care and support that aligned to specific historical, social, and cultural contexts of their lives. They also appreciated AAYO’s validation of youth culture such as incorporating popular culture in their programming. This chapter describes creative ways in which the girls use resources, network , and support of AAYO, an alternative site of learning , to foster belonging and identity as they inhabit the borderlands.
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Tokunaga, T. (2018). Fostering Belonging and Identity at a Community-Based Organization. In: Learning to Belong in the World. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-8480-5_4
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