Learners' Own Words

All young people need to have safe and welcoming spaces to achieve positive development and well-being. But many Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) youth are often overlooked, in part because of negative stereotyping like the model minority myth. Hmong American youth in particular struggle with their cultural identity, and topics like sex, violence, and mental health are considered taboo, not to be openly addressed. As a youth worker, you can learn to create culturally appropriate spaces to reduce the harm of the stereotypes and increase positive outcomes for AAPI youth.

Your ability to effectively serve Hmong American youth begins with raising your awareness of cultural differences and expanding your understanding of Hmong American culture. Then you can build your skills to provide more culturally inclusive support. You will become a stronger ally and advocate for Hmong American youth.

This training will give you a high-level understanding of the Hmong community so you can better incorporate cultural considerations into your programs. An increase in hate crimes directed at the AAPI community underscores the urgent need for youth workers to learn how to better serve Hmong American youth. Become a more effective advocate for Hmong American youth by examining their cultural background and beliefs. Raising your awareness will also help to dismantle the model minority myth.

• Explore the biculturalism of Hmong American youth
• Identify cultural considerations that may affect Hmong American youth
• Learn how to provide culturally-specific services and advocacy for Hmong American youth

Each of YIPA’s trainings are designed around a broad framework of eight youth work competencies. The competency focus of this training is: INTERCULTURAL ENGAGEMENT.

Raise your awareness to embrace diversity, foster equity, ensure inclusion, recognize and address bias and prejudice, and cultivate respect for all cultures.