Why I Support GAR!
My name is Julia Yang-Winkenbach, and I have been a proud donor to Grassroots Asians Rising (GAR), since 2022. But my connection to this goes beyond just financial support. It’s personal. I donate because I believe that we have a responsibility to help build the power of working-class pan-Asian communities. I’m deeply committed to creating a world where our people—our families, friends, and neighbors—can live with dignity, safety, and justice. The need for this kind of change has never been greater.
I first learned about GAR in 2017, when the private foundation I work for funded their membership convening on Asian American organizing. What struck me then—and what continues to drive my support—is GAR’s visionary leadership and its unwavering dedication to organizing from the ground up. Since that first introduction, I’ve kept following their work, because I truly believe they are doing something special: they’re building collective power, and they’re doing it in a way that centers working-class interests.
There are so many pan-Asian organizations and networks, and at times it can feel overwhelming. But GAR stands out to me because they don’t just show up—they show up in a way that’s rooted in:
Supporting organizations that often have less access to resources – they’re willing to step in and make sure many voices are heard and supported.
Taking principled positions based on what’s morally right, not what’s politically easy.
Building grassroots power in ways that truly prioritize working-class needs, ensuring that those most affected are leading the charge.
This is why I continue to invest in GAR. I know that it’s through donor support—like yours and mine—that can propel GAR into the next phase and help fuel the next phase of this movement.
We need the center of gravity that is GAR. We need your investment and support to build a resilient pan-Asian movement for working-class interests that truly represents the collective interests and strength of our people.
If you believe in the power of grassroots organizing and the importance of centering working-class pan-Asian interests, I hope you’ll consider joining me in supporting this vital work.