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The Movement

Our Story

What started as a landmark White House initiative in 2015 has evolved into an inspiring, youth-centered organization that ensures Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) voices are at the forefront of the movement for belonging and inclusion. Act To Change was born from the urgent need to highlight the issue of bullying in schools across the country. While bullying is a universal struggle, AAPI youth often face unique cultural, religious, and linguistic barriers that keep them from getting the help they need, including South Asian, Muslim, Sikh, Micronesian, and English-learning students who are disproportionately targeted.

Today, we don’t just advocate for AAPI youth, we tap into their power as leaders and center them as architects of a world without bullying and hate. By placing young leaders at the forefront of our mission, we are transforming schools and communities from places of fear into sanctuaries of belonging. In a world where hate and bullying continues to be on the rise, our work remains a vital source of hope and inspiration for AAPI youth. Act To Change unlocks the power of youth leadership to create a world where every student feels safe, celebrated, and empowered to be their authentic selves.

Our Founders

Maulik Pancholy

Co-Founder/Advisory Council Chair (he/him)

Rebecca Lee

Co-Founder (she/her)

Jill Yu

Co-Founder (she/her)

Act To Change Leadership

Staff

Soukprida Phetmisy

Executive Director (she/they)

Jonathan Dacula

Senior Manager, Operations & Development (he/him)

Jax Kohlbrenner

Marketing & Communications Coordinator (any pronouns)

Board of Directors & Advisory Council

Building a Movement for Belonging

Our Partners and Supporters

FAQ

Act To Change is a 501(c)3 national nonprofit focused on ending bullying for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) youth. The organization provides youth-led programs and public awareness initiatives, and advocates for inclusive anti-bullying policies to promote inclusive, supportive communities and schools.

Students, educators, parents, caregivers, and community members interested in bullying prevention and supporting AAPI youth in their leadership development can engage with Act To Change initiatives such as our Youth Ambassador Program and Homeroom Collective.

You can take the anti-bullying pledge on our site, share resources and content from our social media channels, participate in campaigns such as ACTober Against Bullying, donate, or partner with the organization to support our youth-led programs and initiatives.

For companies, Act To Change offers a variety of ways to support, including working directly with ERGs to develop workshops aligned to our mission and tailored to your goals. Reach out to partnerships@acttochange.org to learn more about partnership opportunities.

Sign up for the Act To Change newsletter by taking the pledge or follow our social media channels (Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube) for the latest news, events, and anti-bullying resources.

Act To Change welcomes speaking engagements, collaborations, and partnerships to expand anti-bullying education and inclusive initiatives. For companies, Act To Change offers a variety of ways to support, including working directly with ERGs to develop workshops aligned to our mission and tailored to your goals. Reach out to partnerships@acttochange.org to discuss opportunities.

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