An AAPI Haven: A Virtual Sanctuary and Brand Empowerment Initiative

The project focuses on creating a brand identity for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community of San Luis Obispo (SLO). The branding begins with research and analysis of the target audience and the organization's mission statement and values. This information is used to develop a brand strategy that aligns with the organization's goals and resonates with the AAPI community. The brand identity, including the logo, colors, and visual elements, is then created to reflect the organization's brand strategy and appeal to the target audience (Tarver, 2023). The brand guidelines ensure consistency in all marketing and communication materials. Overall, creating a strong and cohesive brand for the AAPI SLO organization is crucial for building trust and engagement with the community and achieving the organization's goals of unity and visibility. The second component of the proposed project aims to create a safe space for Asian American individuals to anonymously report hate incidents they have experienced. The primarily virtual platform will provide a safe space for AAPI folks in the community to submit details of the incident, including the type of incident, location, and any other relevant information. Focusing on designing with the environment in mind, the AAPI brand and space will be welcoming and safe, reflecting the purpose that the organization and platform are created to serve. The submissions will be stored safely with the AAPI SLO organization and resources for support will be provided. Additionally, the platform will feature resources for Asian American individuals, including information on legal rights and mental health support. This project aims to address the rising incidence of hate crimes against Asian Americans and empower individuals to speak out against discrimination in a county where they may not feel empowered to.