More research, community outreach, language and access support, diverse providers, and funding are needed on SEAA health and mental health.
Key resources:

Highlights the experiences of more than 200 respondents and focuses on Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander and Southeast Asian American youth. Learn more


Featured story
Lao Fresno Community Shares Mental Health Needs during Listening Session
In addition to sharing information on how to navigate and access available systems for emotional support, the event included cultural activities and performances, as well as a keynote speaker to initiate conversations about mental health.
Learn more![]()
“Having mental illness’ translated to Khmer is ‘crazy’ or ‘psychotic,’ making those terms weigh very heavily when heard.”
The Cambodian Family
![]()
“The services at HCCBC are important, because I do not feel judged [here]. The recreational group that I attend is comfortable and like no other [support] group because the staff speaks my native language and respect who I am.”
Participant at Hmong Cultural Center of Butte County’s Zoosiab program
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on the SEARAC community, and to learn more about how you can get involved.
Repost from @seaajourneys_doc. Catch 𝗧𝗘𝗕 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗪 at this year`s Minnesota State Fair in St. Paul, MN
Friday 8/28 at 8:30 p.m.
Saturday 8/29 at 8:30 p.m.
Location: Pet Pavillion, located at the corner of Murphy Ave & Underwood
Free with fair admission, limited seating begins at 8 p.m., and audiences can vote for their favorite film
curated by @squarelakefestival
Aug 20
Our immigration system must be rooted in dignity, respect for human life, and the opportunity for transformation. Recent coverage from @nytimes highlights the continued targeting of Southeast Asian Americans for detention and deportation, creating a "double punishment" for people who have already served their time, like Mong Tran.
Like many SEAA refugees, Mong`s family fled violence in their homeland, and she arrived in the United States as a child. She made a mistake in her youth and served her sentence. Afterward, she rebuilt her life—raising children and opening her own business. Despite this, she was deported to Vietnam, a country she barely knows. This "double punishment" re-traumatizes immigrant and refugee communities who are simply trying to heal and live safely with their families.
We need policy solutions like the Southeast Asian Deportation Relief Act #SEADRA, which would protect Southeast Asian refugees and immigrants, keep families together, and restore due process.
Learn more about SEADRA at the link in our bio!
Aug 19
When Southeast Asian American communities are invested into, we can build leaders who will advocate for policies rooted in equity, justice, and healing. SEARAC is deeply grateful to our LAT 2026 sponsors who were able to make LAT possible. Thank you to our lead funder, @statefarm, whose generosity has made LAT possible for more than two decades. We also want to thank our additional sponsors for investing in Southeast Asian American leaders: @aarp, @blueshieldcafoundation, District Capital Management, @ocanational, and @thekresgefoundation .
LAT is made possible through support from our funders and donors! Join our movement to build a pipeline of leaders. Learn more at the link in our bio or visit bit.ly/givetosearac
Aug 12
Last month, SEARAC held our 27th annual Leadership & Advocacy Training program and 23 leaders from across the country are continuing the legacy of Southeast Asian American advocacy power on Capitol Hill. Guided by our wonderful facilitators, including our friends at @nationalcapacd, Diverse Elders Coalition, and @advancingjustice_aajc, our participants gained tools to successfully lead meetings with their elected officials and uplift the experiences of their communities. They elevated key issues like data disaggregation in education, access to quality healthcare, and the protection of family immigration.
We are so proud of our #LAT2026 cohort we are inspired by the bravery, resilience, and joy you shared with us. SEARAC is deeply grateful to our partners, sponsors, and the congressional offices who welcomed our participants.
✨ Read our highlights at the link in bio.
Aug 11
SEARAC is proud to be a Community Partner for the 49th Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF)! All five episodes from @seaajourneys_doc are screening tomorrow, Aug. 7, at the Asian American International Film Festival. This screening is particularly special because each episode from the docuseries now features a brand new original score! Learn more at the link in our bio. Repost from @asiancinevision 🌊 Join #AAIFF49 for the NYC Premiere of SOUTHEAST ASIAN AMERICAN JOURNEYS, preceded by the short film SEA SONG.
SEA SONG / Sea Song follows a group of South Vietnamese men at their 17th OCS naval officer reunion. For over 30 years they’ve convened every two years in a different city across the US. Now, in their 70s and 80s, age and declining health threatens the future of their tradition. The film is a reflection on survival, mortality, and enduring friendship. 🗣️ Directed by An-Phuong Ly @di.di.an_
SOUTHEAST ASIAN AMERICAN JOURNEYS @seaajourneys_doc / Presented with five chapters, SOUTHEAST ASIAN AMERICAN JOURNEYS follows different refugee communities across the US. Altogether, this feature sheds light on Southeast Asian voices in America, layering their work with identity and community. Directed by Quyên Nguyen-Le (AAIFF47 Alumni, “Nobuko Miyamoto: A Song in Movement”) @smellydurianface, Joua Lee Grande @joualeelens, Oanh-Nhi Nguyen
📅 August 7 @ 6:00 PM
📍Village East by Angelika
🎟️ Get your passes and tickets today — link in bio!
Aug 6