The University of Victoria created the zine project “Cultivating Growth and Solidarity” to provide mental health support for the Asian population during the pandemic outbreak.
The purpose of the zine was to create practical tools to raise awareness and stand against the wave of Asian racism amid the COVID- 19 outbreak, and as well to collect more data about the theme. In Vancouver alone, the hate rates towards the Asian population plunged by over 717% compared to rates before the pandemic.
The outcome of the project has not only gathered valid data but also figured out complex identity issues that Asians are immersed with while guiding positive action. As a consequence, the zine project “Cultivating Growth and Solidarity” was downloaded 1700 times, making it possible to receive funding to extend the project after the pandemic focusing on the experience of Asians living in Canada.
Learn more about the initiative here: https://www.uvic.ca/education/research/covid-19-research/mental-health-resources-for-asians-in-canada1.php